Thirst Lodge

But as they say; every cloud has a silver lining. So rather than panic we took a risk and decided on Thirst Lodge next door to the Westgate Centre.

I'm glad we did as it speedily became one of my favourite places in town!

Although the shock realisation that the retro floral themed wallpaper in the downstairs bar was identical to one of my hippy shirts from summers past was certainly a wake-up call.

Indeed, it led me to the unfortunate conclusion that half my wardrobe needs chucking on a bonfire! That's not to say it didn't look good on the walls though - it really did. And a couple of friends and I were treated to the warmest hospitality by chatty bar staff.

Consistently impressive funky house along with a few cheeky electro numbers formed the soundtrack to the night - it was refreshing to hear a venue sticking on the right side of cheese without venturing into more energetic, harder house.

More friends joined us, and we all agreed that we liked the place.

Stunning décor such as a modern twist on the chandelier above each table and mood lighting set at an impeccable glow created the ambiance that may lead you to see the world through slightly rose-tinted glasses - you may find yourself saying a drunken I Love you' or maybe even a 'I've got to tell you mateyou've always been my best friend, even when you stole my girlfriend!' to some of your group before bedtime!

But at least at Thirst Lodge you can hear your friends ramble sweet nothings, and maybe you can even slur a few back without having to scream to be heard like you might in some of the bigger clubs in Oxford.

Over on the sofas I did something I hadn't done in a long time, and that was to talk about past travels to Eastern Europe.

I think it felt right because Thirst Lodge invoked a sense of being abroad in a far more relaxed environment than we're used to finding in Oxford.

The place reminded me of a fantastic club in Krakow called Ministerstwo.

Although I freely admit I may be talking absolute rubbish - I was happily inebriated while these thoughts were trickling through my brain!

I can see the Venue's potential to be a great night out - it wasn't their fault that we had come on a quieter night than usual.

I'd love to return on a Saturday when the students are back from their Easter holidays and repopulating the bars and clubs of Oxford.

I missed out on having a dance on Friday, but I'm reliably informed there's a dance floor downstairs when things get a bit more crowded - yet another reason to return to Thirst Lodge!

Next week, Ben will be checking out Fuzzy Ducks at the Carling Academy