Rachael O’Connor discovers the dazzling delights of Magdalen Street’s new Polynesian paradise bar Lola Lo.

Oxford has a brand-new addition to its busy club scene. You may have previously known it as PoNaNa, but since a hefty makeover in all departments the dazzlingly tropical concept of Lola Lo has now unveiled on Magdalen Street.

Two years in the making, the development of this Polynesian paradise in the city centre has been carefully considered...and it shows.

A friendly smile on the door eases your descent down into a summery oasis, where the retro-tiki theme jumps out, grabs you and throws a necklace of colourful flowers round your neck. Once underground, you are enticed to explore the 200-capacity venue modelled on a jungle theme. Like looking up at the stars while sitting on a South Pacific beach, the more you look, the more you see.

Bamboo décor, hand-carved tiki figures, exotic green foliage and wicker tables transport you to a distant beach resort. Vibrant portraits of 50s pin-up girls in seaside settings give a stylish retro edge to the tropical island setting.

With two long bars either side of the dance floor, getting served swiftly is not a problem provided you can make your cocktail choice as quickly as they can shake ’em. On offer are such delectable offerings as Blood of Tiki and Captain Coconut – served in the fruit itself.

Drinks are reasonably priced but half-price cocktails on Friday and Saturday from 10.00-11.00pm is an offer worth remembering.

There are plenty of places to take the load off your feet with tables dotted all around the bars and dance floor. If you want a touch of the exclusive, private seating areas are available to book, complete with waitress service and a prominent view of the lively and colourful throng on the dance floor.

There you’ll find resident DJ Henry Greenwood mixing contemporary chart-topping hits into danceable beats with some added steel-drum sounds for the true paradise island feel.