The Aviary Bar

Hmm, this is an odd one.
Friday night in Fitzrovia and the place is almost empty. Should I be happy or sad?
The website presents themselves as ‘The quirkiest venue for an event in London’. I would agree!
The upstairs décor is reminiscent of a Universal Studios Flinstones set. Fake topiary, with a cave-​like room available for small groups… I kinda liked it because it was odd, but somehow the whole theme wasn’t coming together. As for the drinks, the gin and tonic was quite flat which I consider a big mark down.
Downstairs, there is a very interesting discovery/​bar vibe… very dark, decorated with Venetian masks and sporting a Saturday Night Fever –like mini dance floor. Actually it does remind me of a lot of places in Astoria, Queens (NYC). I liked the dark creepiness, but it may not be to everyone’s tastes.
Ultimately I have to say although the staff was nice, the venue lacked a buzz, particularly for a Friday night and the friends accompanying me (about 8 of us from the office) were simply not having this place. Perhaps it’s best for a bigger group on the groovy dancefoor.