Female-friendly bar gets the party started

The UK recession may linger on like a bad smell, but the team behind flashy venues Mahiki and Whisky Mist clearly feels the good times are back on as they launch a new bar right in the heart of London’s City district.

In contrast to the raft of male-oriented night time entertainment options on offer in the City, Kanaloa will specifically target a female audience.

Free entry for women, as well as complimentary manicures, massages and makeovers are just some of the initiatives which the owners hope will make this venue stand out from the competition.

Opening later this month, Kanaloa will reproduce Mahiki’s tropical island theme, while the drinks list has been overseen by Papa Jules, creator of the signature Mahiki rum.

Meanwhile owners Nick House and Piers Adam have recruited the winner of the Best UK Bartender 2008 award, Rich Hunt, as bar manager.

The food menu offers Pan-Asian inspired dishes such as tempura lobster with wasabi sauce and Thai green chicken broth with sticky coconut rice.

Outlining the opportunity behind this new project, House said: “Piers and I have both worked in the City and we felt there was a real need to create a sense of escapism and fun in an area that historically hasn’t had the benefit of high quality bars and nightclubs.”

Gabriel Savage, 03.11.09