Sugar Cane is an unexpected dose of the South Pacific situated just 5 minutes from one of Europe’s busiest train stations, Clapham Junction. Walk up Sugar Canes steps surrounded by bamboo and once inside you'll feel like you’ve entered the tropics regardless of what the weather’s like outside. The atmosphere is warm, laid back and friendly.

The night Bedroom Genius visited the vibe was up-beat with people making the most of the great variety of cocktails on offer. Our pick is Kalima, do not leave Sugar Cane without trying it, as promised on the menu, it left us licking our lips!

Bedroom Genius spoke to the Sugar Cane’s, Ardian:

The interior here is based on Tiki design, what inspired you to create Sugar Cane?

The polynesian themed restaurant Trader Vic’s in Park Lane was an inspiration. It’s a restaurant that’s been around for 30 years and they don’t do membership. I went 3 years ago and the atmosphere amazed me, the exclusive Tahitian design inspired me to create Sugar Cane. The feedback from our clients is that they appreciate the fact we’ve created a fantasy world.

How would you describe the Sugar Cane experience for someone coming in for the first time?

Come here and you’ll feel you’ve been taken somewhere else and could be on holiday. The tropical setting takes you to a far away destination. We have a lot of repeat clientele and are absolutely heaving on Friday and Saturday nights.

For someone new to Sugar Cane, what drinks would you recommend from the menu?

Try Pele’s (the Tahitian Goddess of fire), Island Princess, Pacific Island Iced Tea, Grass Skirt and the Mai-tai. But if you like something a bit different try the boat drinks like Big Bamboo, Tropical Sunset and Wasa Atua (The Ruler of the Waves) they’re designed for sharing , served in a boat and decorated with fruit and flames.

What’s the best bar lounge restaurant that you have been to?

Trader Vic’s of course but locally it has to be ‘The Loft’ in Clapham Common and in the West-End (Central London) it would be Mahiki. I would say I’ve have found worldwide London to have the best bars and restaurants.

What’s Sugar Cane’s music style?

It’s a mixture. We play Dub music, groove music and laid back lounge music. Our musical taste ranges from Fat Freddy’s Drop to The Black Seeds to Groove Armada and Basement Jaxx. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are more chilled with Friday and Saturday focussed on Top 40 chart hits and 80’s anthems. In the summer we change the style of music and food.

What food would you recommend and why?

The sharing platter, Malayan prawn skewers, Islanders sea food platter and the mussels and homemade burgers are worth a try too.

What are your guilty pleasures? How do you escape from the business of running a busy bar?

I enjoy travelling around to new bars, meeting new people and seeing how they run their business. Escaping would be spending time with my baby daughter plus going out more than I should to bars and places I shouldn’t.

What are the things you’d save from a fire?

My family. My books, I’m passionate about history especially the Roman Empire and its Emperors like Caesar.

What would you say is the main difference between a night out at Sugar Cane and other bars?

I would say it’s the atmosphere – we attract a really nice crowd and good calibre of people. Usually young professionals who are well-mannered, they’re the best people to have. They know how to have fun but also behave themselves and are a pleasure to have a conversation with.

What is the ‘Big Kahuna’ rum night every Wednesday?

It’s based around the big chief (Kahuna) throwing a big party. We only serve polynesian rum cocktails at a good discount price £4 all night. During the summer it’s very popular.

www.thesugarcane.co.uk

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The Bedroom Genius Events Team

All photos taken by Mr Man