The Croft Institute

In the early days when The Croft Institute first opened I thought of it as one I the coolest bars in town. Tucked deep down a dead-end alley that requires 2 turns to did it, Croft is a 3 level bar which is very different to others around.

Level 1: chemistry lab themed bar
Level 2: toilets with an old hospital ward theme
Level 3: High school gym theme bar, setup for live DJ performances.
This is one out-there, very funky place. It's been around a while though so it's starting to look a bit tired and has list some of its new kid in the block charm. But if you've never tried this place it's definitely worth a visit for something different!

The Croft is the example everyone uses when they talk about hidden lane way bars. Hidden down a dog leg alley where you have to walk past overflowing bins from the chinatown restaurants you'll find The Croft all the way down the end.

Once you're inside you'll find what looks like a science lab downstairs, with giant glass beakers and vials, and a lab bench complete with sink. Upstairs you'll find bathrooms that look like the set of a Resident Evil movie, and further up a dance floor with old stadium style bench seating behind it.

That said it often feels like you're here for the novelty itself rather than anything fun the venue is putting on, which is a bit of a shame.

Croft is a fun and cool place. Plus it's always fun going to places that are an adventure to find. Downstairs the bar is like a school science lab with beakers, test tubes and funky decor. Upstairs there's more theming and another bar and dance floor. Weekends are busy and the dance floor is crowded, like a good dance floor should be.