The man behind Ruby’s in Dalston is opening a lounge bar next door

It’s been nearly four years since Ruby’s first opened – bringing top-class cocktails and a staple first-date location to Stoke Newington Road.

Now, owner Tom Gibson has revealed plans for a 1960s-style lounge bar next door with food, wine and beer to complement the cocktails.

Ruby’s Bar & Lounge owes its inspiration to the Tottenham Royal, where Gibson’s grandparents met, and will feature faux-marble tabletops, a brass palm tree and a padded leather bar.

There’ll be a broader menu and more entertainment – with a stage and Funktion One sound system hosting DJs and live acts to be viewed from the surrounding booths and tables.

There’ll also be more on offer in terms of food and drink, with a greater selection of beers and a wine list curated by Clapton bar and restaurant Verden focusing on French and Italian varieties. Vietnamese street food specialists Hanoi Kitchen have been brought on board to cover the food side of things and will be offering a menu of bar snacks and large plates.

Rest assured, however, that cocktails will still be on offer – so you’ll still be able to place your order for the Chilli Apple Martini.

Ruby’s Bar & Lounge opens on 15 January rubysdalston.com