CREATED by a group of artists, musicians and designers wanting to combine their love for a good party with a platform for their work, new bar the Queen of Hoxton opened its doors for the first time last month. Bosses say the venue, on Curtain Road, Shored

CREATED by a group of artists, musicians and designers wanting to combine their love for a good party with a platform for their work, new bar the Queen of Hoxton opened its doors for the first time last month.

Bosses say the venue, on Curtain Road, Shoreditch, fully embraces everything that makes up the East End, celebrating its cultures and characters, both old and new.

The bar aims to be a canvas for East End talent, showcasing the best from its network of creatives, including DJs, karaoke, fringe theatre, live bands, skipping clubs and good old fashioned cockney knees ups.

Breaking artists and more established locals will be given the chance to display their latest work, from one off quirky installations through to photographic exhibitions of East End dwellers and sub cultures.

The pub has been named after 'Queen of Hoxton', actress Sara Lane who ran the popular Brittania Theatre on Hoxton High Street during the latter half of the 19th century and is crammed full of work by street artist Pure Evil, muralist Stephanie Haddow and painter Remi.

She was a much loved local figure who staged free performances at the theatre and was dubbed 'Queen of Hoxton' by locals for her warm and charitable personality.

Celebrating its launch with a party last week attended by Pixie Geldof and fashion designer Henry Holland, the Queen of Hoxton is situated at the corner of Curtain Road and Worship Street.

The outside windows are blacked out with only intricate etchings letting in the light and a heavy velvet curtain keeping out the winter chill.

Drinbkers can sup pints of Amstel, bottles of wine from �14 and cocktails including Hoxmopolitans, Shoreditch Sunsets and Sarah Lanes in the ground floor bar dominated by black walls.

Downstairs neon signs, mirror balls, exposed brickwork and apocalyptic artwork surround a dance floor skirted by comfy sofas.

The Queen of Hoxton is open from 5pm-midnight on Wednesdays, from 5pm-2am Thursdays and Fridays and from 7pm-2am on Saturdays.

For more information visit www.thequeenofhoxton.co.uk