That Voodoo that you do so well

You could be forgiven for writing off Voodoo Rooms as a bit of a brand: even the light bulbs bear its name. It’s a live music venue, events venue, and bar, secreted away on West Register Street in New Town. The logo is inescapable as soon as you walk up the narrow flight of stairs.

A brand is not what you look for at the bottom of a cocktail glass, because it is inauthentic and will inevitably remind you of Wetherspoon’s, and everybody has an opinion about Wetherspoon’s. Unfortunately, the decor also suffers a little from Bat Cave Syndrome.

Black and gold are the hues of choice, and feel overwhelming as the night wears on. In short, the brand ‘Voodoo Rooms’ cannot be ignored, and could be as depressing as a Tesco value meal for two. Luckily, though, Voodoo Rooms as a bar, is so unique and cool that after your first drink any reservations you had about its authenticity go straight out the window.

Any complaint about the Voodoo Rooms' decor should be brushed aside in the face of the effortless mastery of the drinks served. The majority of cocktails on the menu are only £5.95, and this place makes five shots of Campari and ten ice cubes look like the epitome of class.

These aren’t your average, sweet, sissy cocktails; they are strong and a little mean, having their way with you before the night is over. Voodoo Rooms, like your mother, just wants you to be happy, even if it is enabling your nascent alcoholism.

Like its concoctions, Voodoo Rooms should be enjoyed in moderation because there is a danger of spoiling the chic, fun atmosphere with too many visits. Keep this one for special occasions, because who wants to have Christmas everyday?