The most popular clubs and bars in London come two types. They either blow all their budget on location (rent) in a well known drinking area. The kind of areas people go to on a night out, and simply plan on stopping at any nice looking bar they see on the way. Post-dinner, pre-show, or just know the area. Plant your independent Gin-hole on one of these squares of the monopoly board, and you’re guaranteed passing custom. The problem with this version of events is that so much of the budget goes on rent, either the pricelist is way out of anyone but a Chelsea footballer’s league, or there’s no remaining cash or thought left to make the place look half decent.

The second type of place is the ‘Too Trendy For a Name’ bar. Usually just a damp, rotting door at the foot of 7 icy concrete stairs. To gain access, you don’t need to be a footballer, movie star, the latest Big Brother evictee, or even royalty, you only have to know where it is, and have the confidence to walk in knowing you won’t set off a silent alarm, breaking into someone’s flat.

If this is shrewd summation of the capital’s venue options is anything to go by, then it offers sound reasoning for why Brown Sugar, a few minutes walk from Holborn station isn’t that popular, even on a Friday night. Get there before 7 midweek, and with a bit of luck you might bag a sofa. It’s a great place to slouch back on the deep brown leather sitting boxes, and sink a few bottles before heading home reasonably light-headed.

As soon as you enter, the warm browns and dark reds will set you at ease. The unassuming, flowing playlist is the perfect volume not to interrupt the punch line to a well timed gag, whilst remaining loud enough to cloud the subject to strange and gossipy revellers, however lewd or secretive you want your conversation to be.

If you get into the mood for a cocktail or two, there’s a modest but cheap menu from which you should find something to your taste. Or perhaps you get a bit peckish, then order up some Thai snacks. Chips or Prawn Crackers £2.50. Spring Rolls and other starters £4.50, or a full main for £7.50.

The only downside… it’s a place to relax, to wind down. Not really to get the shots in and get yourself gee’d up for a night on the (bathroom) tiles.

BEER SELECTION: Usual trio of bottled lager you get everywhere these days. Becks/Peroni/Corona. Mid-range cocktail menu also means quality spirits available. ****

COST OF A ROUND: £3.50 a lager. £5.50 cocktail or good value £15.00 pitcher. ***

STAFF: Pretty slow and not too enthusiastic, but no one laughed at my Orange Juice. **

FOOD: Pretty cheap compared to other bars/gastropubs, but you’ve got to like Thai food, which I don’t. Chips are available, but you can’t get a pie. **

SKIRT RATIO: Mostly couples and groups of friends. A few single sex duos/trios, seems like it swings on the side of the girls. ****

OVERALL: Simple. If you can get to a sofa (which you often can), it’s a great place to relax with a friend and a few bottles. If not – it’s still nice, but possibly tiresome. ***

Brown Sugar - Holborn - Brought to you by James Wormald -