I went to Toyland’s first soft opening last week. I dug it, but found myself saying to no one in particular “I don’t get it.” It’s called Toyland, but I didn’t get why. There was literally NOTHING on the walls except for a really cool rocket (that I think lights up, but wasn’t on that night). Supposedly they’ll be serving diner type food when they do finally open “for real.” But I don’t get the connection between the name and the decor (or lack thereof). Not that every bar needs a theme (even on H Street) but I was thrown by the lack of anything on the walls.

When I was there, the taps weren’t yet up and running, but they had a decent bottle selection. (I stuck with the Troegs HopBack though.) Overall, I think it’s got potential (even though I’m so over “diner type food” unless it’s a real diner) and I’m excited to go back after it’s really open.

It’s called Toyland because it used to be a toyshop – named something else but known as Toyland amongst the local kids. And the Rocket sign is from an old store (maybe launderette) across the street.

It’s a bit bare at the moment but there’s plans to open a lounge upstairs as time goes on. Really nice to have something down the west end of H while we’re waiting for Ethiopic to open and for more businesses to be attracted to this section.