Plastik is your flexible friend

After seven years as the in-the-know oasis of the West End, the trendy Plastik bar has relocated to Avenida Dr Fleming to join bars like Bar M, Café Paradiso and Itaca on what is fast becoming the focal strip of San Antonio.

Beginning life as Plastic Fantastic in 2000, the record-shop-cum-internet-café opened its lounge bar two years later before focusing solely on the bar side of the business in 2004. The renamed Plastik bar became a workers and clubbers' favourite with the 'Plastik effect' credited for inspiring the 'lounge bar revolution' in the West End, as establishments like Hush and the more recent Viva also contributed to the area's upmarket regeneration.

Yet with interest in Plastik at an all-time peak, the team felt the time was right to move on.

"We're proud of the impact we had on the West End," said Plastik's Colin Butts. "But we needed to move, as we feel the Plastik brand has started to mean something special for those that experience it and there's a real buzz about what is happening on this strip."

Situated right by the Egg roundabout and twice the size of their original home, the new elegant open-plan Plastik has already seen the 'Plastik effect' work its magic. Colin and his partners Andy Matthews and Tony Oneto couldn't be happier with the instant results. "We've already been packed most nights with a cool crowd that knows how to party in style," said Matthews. "We're getting a lot more Spanish and Italians so already things are more cosmopolitan and celebrities like Richard Blackwood, Kieron Dyer and jockey Frankie Dettori have also come through the doors - Dettori even played an impromptu funk DJ set!"

With a friendly but strict door policy, Plastik is offering a relaxed bar-meets-club atmosphere with key promotions providing house and electro pre-parties. Mondays is Pukka Up, Tuesdays welcome Gatecrasher, Thursdays will see DJs like Matt 'Jam' Lamont from Twice As Nice play exclusive soulful house sets, whilst Miss Moneypennys and Hed Kandi host Friday and Saturday respectively. Plastik are also hosting day-parties with Garlands and Azuli.

"We're now doing a special Sunday daytime party in conjunction with We Love...Sundays," added Colin. "If you buy tickets at Plastik we're offering a champagne reception and free transport to Space."