Baby Simple

The Hammer and Tongue poetry slam nights that used to happen here until v recently were ace: everyone crammed into the upstairs bar to lounge on the leather sofas surrounded by art and listen to Simon Munnery or some other star of radio or telly whilst drinking the one tasty (if slightly pricey) beer they have on tap upstairs (the name of which escapes me, perhaps because it was so tasty). A variety of live music gigs happen here too - there was a stonking set by vintage jump-jazz outfit The Original Rabbit Foot Spasm Band as part of OX4 Festival (organised by the Truck Festival people) in Oct 2009, though it was unpleasantly rammed and non-ventilated so I was forced to admit defeat rather too quickly to escape for air. The downstairs dance floor hosts some interesting-sounding club nights including the Lost in Music audio-visual parties. Oxford's only regular burlesque night happens here too. For smokers there's a nice covered outdoor area with comfy seats at the front of the venue. It's a nice little place and I think it's doing well with shaking off its slightly dubious former reputation as a sleazy/toff-filled strip/cocktail joint!

Roo (DI Reviewer), 14/12/09

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Came here before Xmas as it was open late. Was full of students frittering away their loans on cheap cocktails. Music far too loud to have a meaningful conversation though did manage to get a sofa at the front which is the preferable place to sit. Staff were generally friendly and knowledgable of their cocktails. There is a room at the rear that can be hired for parties with a pool table in but this was deserted when I visited. Toilets are hard to find upstairs. Not as good as Walton Street / Little Clarendon Street cocktail bars.

Joe B (Unverified), 14/03/07

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