TIRED of hitting the same bars every weekend, seeing the same faces and hearing the same music? If that's the case, then it's time to sashay down to Mint Lounge, the saucy new burlesque basement bar on the bohemian side of town. Shrouded in scaffolding (and a little intrigue), Mint is situated in the basement of former club Planet K in the heart of the Northern Quarter.

It is a brave decision by the management team given the history of the place, but two failed clubs later, Mint Lounge looks set to turn around the building's luck with a combination of easy drinking and cabaret stage shows, in an environment mimicking the sensual atmosphere of days gone by.

The spacious interior has been revamped with a rich chocolate and mint colour scheme and, though the space is sparse, the theme is authentic throughout - the bar is subtley illuminated with deco style lighting, the furniture is an eclectic mix of modern and antique, with masks, black and white prints, frilly lamps and paintings referencing the history of burlesque.

There is an ante-room to relax in with Jospehine Baker-inspired tables and a fabulous Vom Fass vodka and champagne bar - the only UK bar outlet, serving beautiful vodka concoctions at é3-a-shot.

The bar serves premium champagne and, if you really want to push the boat out with a shimmie, then I'd recommend the decadent JP Gaultier corsetted Piper Heidshieck champagne at é86 per bottle for sheer indulgence.

The regular bar offers a reasonable choice of bottled beer and the usual suspects on draught, as well as premium spirits and house wine at é10 per bottle.

Burlesque

Most people think that `burlesque' means female strippers walking a runway to a bump and grind beat. But that only fits the form in its declining years. At its best, burlesque was a rich source of music and comedy that kept audiences laughing from 1840 through to the 1960s.

Certainly Mint Lounge has stayed away from the seedy associations of burlesque and concentrated on the showmanship and entertainment factor, with the showgirls performing sassy acts at the weekend alongside magicians and comedy MCs - there's no nudity, just good ribald fun and suggestion.

In the week the bar is a subterranean chill-out zone playing mostly jazz and soul classics to an audience spanning every orientation, age and race, something the owners were keen to promote.

The customers are a friendly bunch, and the staff make efforts to strike up a rapport with them.

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