All My Gods bar brings alternative nightlife and art to Bethnal Green’s Paradise Row

New bar concept All My Gods has opened in Bethnal Green’s Paradise Row. A collaboration between the team behind Soho’s Dram and burlesque artist, painter and tattooist Roxy Velvet, the venue is designed as a tribute to London’s now-defunct dive bars and aims to offer an alternative nightlife experience with a focus on music, art and community.

All My Gods will occupy a converted railway arch in the location, which is known for its growing number of independent watering holes and restaurants. Its concept was conceived during a casual discussion between Velvet and the Dram team about their shared affection for authentic, unpretentious drinking spots. According to the founders, the idea came together quickly after they discovered the vacant space and contacted the landlord.

The interior has been created by Louis Yearwood, who has steered clear of traditional American dive bar aesthetics in favour of a more contemporary London look. With space for 60 patrons, it will feature matte black walls, dark grey detailing and murals inspired by British rock and Velvet’s original tattoo art. A pool table and 90s skater-style restrooms are also part of the design. Branding for the venue has been developed by graphic designer Max Wilson, co-founder of the bilingual print magazine and podcast Anchoa. Wilson specially created a bespoke typeface, Vomis Purgas, and collaborated with artist Adele Morse on three two-metre banners inspired by Mesopotamian mythology. Drinks will include tapped cocktails and canned beers, as well as hard seltzers served from vending machines. All My Gods will also host alternative events and programming geared towards what its founders describe as “the weird and the wonderful”.

Velvet, who began her career as a fine artist before gaining recognition as a burlesque performer, and later a tattooist and the founder of Velvet Underground (London’s first all-female tattoo parlour) says: “So many of London’s great dive bars have closed over the years, like Cro Bar and 12 Bar Club, and in my opinion, the city is worse off for it. I wanted to create a place where likeminded people can come together with loud music and banging drinks and just have a great time. And when the boys said they’d build it, everything just fell into place!”

Food Desk

For further information or to book a table at All My Gods, 253 Paradise Row, London E2 9LE, visit the bar’s website here.