Monday 7 October 2013

BUSH HALL DINING ROOM








I recently had the pleasure of seeing the wonderful Irish band Lunasa play at the Bush Hall is Shepherds Bush, London.  The interior was stunning and took my breath away. It was one of three music halls originally built in 1904 by a rich publisher for his three daughters, and was used as a dance hall in the roaring Twenties, a soup kitchen in WWII, a bingo hall and rehearsal space for the likes of The Who, Adam Faith and Cliff Richard in the late Fifties and Sixties, and finally a snooker and social club in the Eighties and Nineties. In 2001, Charlie Raworth and Emma Hutchinson restored it to its former glory. Just a few months ago the exterior was revamped and a restaurant created just next door on the site of an old greasy spoon cafe. With stunning attention to detail the décor is faultless, slightly worn tan leather banquettes, original wood panelling, exposed pipes and chequered flooring add to the charm and character. In fact, it feels like a restaurant that has been around for years. Not only have I discovered a wonderful music venue but a place to have the best steak and chips in London.  I have booked the restaurant for my upcoming birthday meal.  I will start with a Twinkle..... a cocktail of elderflower, champagne and vodka..