Located in the heart of the Queen’s Walk development, Carlo Lounge in East Grinstead is one of those places that tries to be everything at once — café, bar, restaurant, and social hub — and, for the most part, pulls it off with charm.
When I first walked in I had a feeling of déjà vu and, after a short while, realised it was because of the décor. Framed artwork (of a sort) cramming the walls with nary a gap through which the bold wallpaper could vie for attention and a mix of lighting from chandeliers to industrial fittings and tasselled lampshades.
Part of the wider Lounges chain, a UK-based group known for its eclectic, community-focused venues, Carlo Lounge follows the brand’s familiar formula: relaxed, slightly quirky, and designed to feel like a ‘home-from-home,’ assuming your home houses mismatched chairs, grouped suspended lampshades and slightly disturbing artwork. My feeling of having been there before was because I pretty much had. See my previous article mentioning the Picolo Lounge in Ely – part of the same chain.
The style sounds chaotic on paper, but somehow works. The result is a deliberately eclectic, slightly theatrical space that feels cosy rather than cluttered. There are also quieter tucked away corners that beckon those who want to remain on the outskirts of the buzz and “lounge” on a comfy couch.
The menu is broad and designed to cater to just about everyone. It spans breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with options ranging from full English breakfasts and brunch dishes to burgers, tapas-style plates, and comfort food classics. Vegan and gluten-free choices are clearly catered for, which reflects the chain’s inclusive approach. There’s also a fabulous cocktail and mocktail menu which I and my fellow visitors felt compelled to try out. Satisfied, we were.
Service was friendly and relaxed, in keeping with the informal atmosphere. Staff are approachable and welcoming, and customer have the option of ordering at the bar or via an app.
Carlo Lounge isn’t just about food, as I understand many venues in the Lounges chain are, it regularly hosts events such as quiz nights, bingo and live music, and it’s the latter that’s brought us here tonight.
We’ve come to see the Benita Johnson Band, a four piece built around Benita Johnson who I’ve previously brought to your attention as a solo performer – acoustic guitarist/singer/songwriter in the folk/Americana vein. I am a huge fan of Benita and was keen to see how her wonderfully emotive songs would translate to performance by a full band.
It was, naturally, quite different to hearing these numbers played solo where Benita’s acoustic takes care of the percussive elements as well as the rhythm and the melody. Many of the arrangements of familiar songs had been considerably reworked to become something quite different.
Of course, for many members of the audience who haven’t had the pleasure of enjoying Benita solo, Benita Johnson as a band leader. I wonder which is best, to have seen her solo first and then experience the band, or vice versa. A bit like seeing the film or reading the book. Personally, I’m happy to have connected with her as a singer/songwriter first and then had my initial involvement expanded into a multi-instrumental experience.
It’s possible that some of the songs actually turned out better with the additional musicians, talented lot that they are. ‘Train of Thought’ fared particularly well, reworked for the full band, and audience participation numbers likewise, ‘The Grid’ and ‘Five Miles Wide’ were always going to reach new heights. The real test came with the heart-rending ‘Feel Your Way.’ It also translated well, although I still prefer the solo version – I suggest everyone remembers their first love as they were.
As well as the set of original songs, there were three very well-executed covers. Bryan Adams’ ‘Run to You,’ which was fabulous and fun, Chris Isaak’s ‘Blue Hotel’ and ‘Springsteen’s moody ‘I’m On Fire.’ All three numbers went down a storm as familiar songs, played well, usually do.
The audience would have been hard-pushed to guess that this was only the band’s fifth gig and that some of the members had never gigged before joining Benita. It must have been a massive boost when they were rebooked at the Carlo Lounge for this, their second time at the venue. It was likely even more satisfying that the place was as full as a boa constrictor that’s just swallowed a goat (and not a baby one, at that).
Having been a musician practically since emerging from the pouch, Benita knew what she wanted in her band members and she’s chosen well. Chris Yate (bass/keyboard/backing vocals), Gary Bogle (lead & slide guitar/harmonica/backing vocals) and Just Dickie on drums. Together, they create wonderful harmonies as well as a rich embroidery of their various instruments.
I’d be surprised if the Benita Johnson Band didn’t find themselves invited back to the Carlo Lounge, but do check out all forthcoming gigs, both solo and band, on Benita’s website. Be sure to pick up a copy of her CD which is worth every penny, and tell her Maria sent you.
It sounds like a really lovely spot, I love places that offer that mix of a café and a relaxed bar atmosphere.