Zoe Fryday gets a taste of 1920s glamour at the Lost Society in Battersea. Photography by Alex Winship
Cameras at the ready. There’s a new picture-perfect venue in town. With a stunning 1920s-inspired interior décor, exemplified by radiant, interactive neon artwork, splendid botanical displays and glorious gold in abundance, the Lost Society is breath of fresh air for the people of Battersea. A chic, art deco façade foretells the delights of inside. As the doors fling open, guests step into a world of wonder, opulence and high-end glamour. From there, the journey truly begins.
The neighbourhood bar has been rediscovered and relaunched to intimately connect with the public, presenting a playful destination to unwind, party and strike a pose for the Instagram followers. “Battersea has never experienced anything like the new Lost Society,” says bar manager Matt Roberts. “It’s a total sensory overload, boasting an eccentrically designed, decadent interior which somewhat resembles an art deco jungle, equipped with photo opportunities at every corner. This is perfectly complemented by an exquisitely designed food and cocktail menu that dazzle and push boundaries.”
It’s not just about aesthetics, but how the venue flows as a whole. Spearheaded by Becka Cutler of Casa Jaguar Design, the showstopping, grandiose interior has been cleverly conceived to integrate different zones. The main area features rich, velvet seating – supplied by hospitality experts Cult Furniture – and a striking, gold-embossed bar with polished blue tiling. Bespoke stained glass windows, statement chandeliers and bold printed walls complete the deluxe feel, while a leopard print DJ booth and glittering disco balls get the party going at nightfall.
Towards the rear of the space, there’s another smaller room, complete with a lounge bar and more quirky furnishings in tones of deep plum, orange and affluent gold. Perfect for those looking to get away from the bustling social crowds of the evening, it is also available for private hire. The lavatories – typically a neglected part of an establishment’s design – have also been imaginatively created. Decked with tropical wallpaper, lush greenery and a sumptuous pink sofa to take a perch if the queues get too much, a trip to the ladies will never be dull again. If that’s not enough, the Lost Society also boats a generous mirrored courtyard out back, furnished with a bar and heaters. The design here is just as strong as inside. Grassy green ferns ascend over a pagola-style structure and confident black and white exterior floor tiles add depth and panache.
The sophisticated yet playful look and feel of the venue is echoed across the food and drinks menus. On offer is a selection of stand-out dishes, from stonebaked pizzas and gourmet burgers through to edible flower topped salads and Sunday roasts. For prosecco-lovers, the bottomless brunch menu is a must.
Cocktail imbibers can indulge in some old Lost Society classics or experiment with exciting new mixes such as the ‘healthy’ Jasmine’s Met Her Matcha, a smooth blend of jasmine-infused vodka, lychee juice, matcha green tea and a vegan foam. “This cocktail is proving very popular with guests who dare to be different,” points out Matt. “We are all about pushing boundaries and providing an experience to remember.” Other bestsellers include the innovative The Buck Stops Here, made with East London Liquor Co Vodka, sea buckthorn juice and buckfast, and the light and aromatic Battersea Back Garden, which combines Hayman’s Old Tom Gin, chardonnay, apple acid and pear juice. Above all, the bar staff want to ensure that understanding the cocktails isn’t a hurdle. All ingredients have been selected for their seasonality and local provenance as the team believe this helps guests relate to what they are drinking in a more organic way.
Celebrating its social side, the Lost Society offers a vast and stimulating events programme throughout the week, meaning there’s something for everyone to enjoy. On Wednesdays, a local brand ambassador and spirits enthusiast table hops between guests, sharing knowledge and dishing out samples as well as a special cocktail list conveniently named Spirit of Society. Thursday nights, on the other hand, are all about the laughs, with stand-up comedians taking the stage, while at the weekend, DJs spin party tunes until 2am. Fun-seekers in search of more can sign up for the Lost Society’s complimentary membership, which, alongside other benefits, provides exclusive invites to members-only events, from wine tasting evenings to intimate gigs, monthly jazz nights and inspirational speaker sessions.
The team are thrilled with how the new and improved Lost Society has gone down so far. “We’ve received a very positive reaction from all of our guests – both locals and customers who know the brand. Many are previous regulars who all enjoy very fond memories of their younger years at the Lost Society, so there’s a huge sense of nostalgia amongst people,” explains Matt. “Upon visiting us, everyone is initially floored by the design. It’s something very special that has proved to be a huge talking point for our customers – most run around taking photos and gasping at every corner. Guests can expect a lengthy love affair with the Lost Society. We’re here for the good times, and are continually looking to bring our guests more exciting events, experiences and lasting memories they will never forget.”
Behind the scenes
Interior design: Casa Jaguar Design
Furniture and lighting: Cult Furniture
Main contractor: Lee Redz
Flooring: Amtico Flooring
Fixed seating: Drakes
Bar fit-out: Hopefield Fab
Stained glass windows: Leadbitter Glass
Wallpaper: Cole & Son
Contact
The Lost Society, 339 Battersea Park Rd, London, SW11 4LS
www.lostsociety.co.uk
Originally published in the April 2019 print edition of Bar magazine.
