Overly-styled and slightly pretentious, Lulu is a steady hit with the upwardly mobile.

The Venue
Where else would the fashionable Montpelier bar and restaurant group open their three in one hotel/restaurant/club super-venture but well paved George Street in Edinburgh’s New Town? Tigerlily, the name of the boutique hotel which encases the Lulu nightclub, is based in one of Edinburgh’s priciest real estate locations in a listed Georgian townhouse. In case you’re unsure of how to spot it: the whole property is lit in an ostentatious pink glow. Subtlety is not Tigerlily’s forte, obviously. The hotel and restaurant sit above the nightclub, Lulu, which is housed in the basement. The air of exclusivity of the club is made clear by the flock of clip boarded and walkie talkie carrying staff who patrol the exterior of the venue.

Decadence is this venue’s middle name; the club-goer can expect chandeliers, chain mail curtains and a mind boggling array of candles. The intimate seating, expensive decor and illuminated dance floor means it has all of the ingredients for a quality clubbing experience, but perhaps one more concerned with people watching than partying.

The People
Lulu is self-assured but, behind its well polished appearance, it lacks any real substance - the same could be said for the crowd it draws. On an average night, the bar fills with a crowd of expensive suits, even more expensive heels and a general feeling that patrons have a bit of money in their pockets. On Thursday’s student night, the cash-rich younger generation flock here to get drunk in style and there are a handful of oblivious visitors lured into the club by what is a very promising cocktail menu.

The Drink
Lulu’s obvious self-confidence is justified in one area - their behind the bar expertise. Led by award winning mixologist Jamie MacDonald, the cocktail menu is original and undeniably delicious. The house daiquiri, named Tigerlily, is exquisite with hints of real vanilla, grapefruit and is served garnished with an edible flower. The cocktails are inventive and each is as delicious sounding as the next. The cocktails begin at a modestly priced £6.95 and wine by the glass at £4.50. The wine list is extensive and impressively varied, although it is accompanied by annoyingly trite commentaries like sounds a bit like our dream date. There is a healthy selection of spirits and the Champagne menu is unsurprisingly decadent. The bar staff are extremely accommodating, whatever your order.

The Music
The music in Lulu is standard house club music with the occasional chart topper. There’s nothing too surprising or inventive, but it’s enough to fill the small, albeit very cool, neon lit Saturday Night Fever-esque dance floor.

The Last Word
Great for an indulgent cocktail and a chat, but maybe a little too affected for a great night out.

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