Lost Society
Hip bar serving cocktails & food, with lavish art deco decor, a chic terrace & DJ nights.
About
Just what London needs - another "quirky" pub trying to be all things to all people. Lost Society in London's increasingly gentrified landscape initially struck me as yet another establishment riding the wave of industrial-chic aesthetics and craft cocktail pretensions. I approached with the weary resignation of someone who's seen too many venues mistake fairy lights and exposed brick for actual character.
But damn them for making me eat my words.
The garden area - usually a sad afterthought in London's pub scene - is surprisingly well-executed. While other venues throw out a few wooden benches and call it a day, Lost Society's outdoor space actually feels intentional, with thoughtful landscaping and enough coverage to make it viable even when London's weather does its thing (which is most of the time, let's be honest).
Inside, I was prepared to mock the inevitable Edison bulbs and reclaimed furniture, but there's something undeniably inviting about the space. The layout manages to avoid both the cavernous emptiness of modern venues and the claustrophobic cramping of traditional pubs. It's as if someone actually thought about how people might want to, you know, exist in the space.
The cocktail program at Lost Society London deserves particular mention, though it pains me to admit it. Yes, they're doing the whole "mixology" thing (eye roll), but they're doing it well. The bartenders manage to be knowledgeable without being pretentious - a rare feat in this city. And while the drinks aren't cheap, they're strong enough to make you forget about the price tag by the second round.
What really got under my skin (in the best possible way) was the staff's genuine enthusiasm. In a city where service often oscillates between aggressive indifference and rehearsed corporate friendliness, the team at Lost Society seems to actually enjoy their jobs. I know - I was suspicious too. But after several visits (purely for research purposes, of course), I've yet to catch them dropping the act.
The food menu, while not revolutionary, delivers solid pub fare with a few unexpected twists. They've managed to elevate classic dishes without falling into the trap of unnecessary complexity. The portions are generous enough to satisfy even the most determined critics (trust me, I tried to leave hungry out of spite).
For events - and I say this as someone who generally avoids organized fun - Lost Society London actually knows what they're doing. The space transitions seamlessly from casual afternoon drinks to evening revelry, and their booking system is mercifully straightforward. The live music offerings are curated well enough to avoid the usual cover-band purgatory that plagues similar venues.
The price point sits firmly in the "you're paying for the atmosphere" category, but unlike many of its competitors, Lost Society actually delivers on that promise. It's not cheap, but it's not daylight robbery either. Consider it an investment in not having to apologize to your friends for choosing the venue.
Dog-friendly, group-friendly, and remarkably adaptable to different types of gatherings - it's annoyingly versatile. The payment options are thoroughly modern (yes, they take cards, welcome to the 21st century), and the street parking situation is about as good as you can expect in London (which is to say, it exists).
Look, I wanted to dismiss Lost Society London as just another entry in the city's endless parade of try-hard venues. But after multiple visits (strictly professional, I assure you), I've been forced to concede that they've created something genuinely worth visiting. Whether you're planning a group celebration, seeking a reliable spot for drinks, or just need a place that won't disappoint out-of-town guests, it checks an irritating number of boxes.
Fine. You win, Lost Society. I'll see you next weekend - but I won't be happy about how happy I am to be there.
Contact Information
Address
339 Battersea Park Rd, London SW11 4LS, UK
London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the)
Phone
+44 20 7622 2112Website
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