Style bar. The term could so easily be considered apocryphal nowadays. The amount of times that it’s been used to describe fashionable watering holes that more often than not fall woefully short of the mark only serves to highlight the power of spin over substance. So it's refreshing to find that Oxford’s latest addition to the style bar stable easily lives up to the hype - and its name - with glossy good looks that are just as photogenic as its patrons.

The Venue
The gauzy curtains, diffused lighting and the sheer sense of space make it easy to imagine that you’re lounging in the lobby of Miami’s Shore Club when in reality you’re sipping cocktails on St Ebbes Street. No bad thing considering the state of the exchange rate at the moment – the cost of a cocktail in Camera would barely translate into a bottle of water and a terse smile on South Beach.

In the centre of the room a cylindrical sweep of sheer fabric is an impressive focal point that can be seen from every angle, whether you’re dancing in front of the DJ at the back of the room, catching up with friends at the bar running the length of one wall or sinking into seating dotted at intervals around the room.

The People
The door policy is certainly far stricter than you’ll encounter at most bars in Oxford and whilst this can mean a short wait it’s well worth it as it ensures that once you’re through the door you can get down to the business of enjoying a really relaxed, friendly night out. The staff are bend-over-backwards-friendly and even at busy times they take care preparing your drinks just-so. In fact, at Camera the emphasis is on hassle-free socialising at all times and the owners clearly hold the intimacy of friendships in high regard – even going to the effort of installing two toilets inside one cubicle in the Ladies’ loos for those moments when a gossiping session just can’t wait for the call of nature.

The Drink
By virtue of the fact that the cocktails are not only well made but reasonably priced too, they tend to be the drink of choice. The caipirinhas are made with plenty of cachaca and wedge after wedge of fresh lime whilst the margaritas are rimmed with salt and just as tart as you’d hope. The sweeter cocktails are no less impressive either. The Loungeling’s blend of gin, fresh lime and apple juice is artfully balanced with mint and the creamy, lightly whisked Nutty-Honey Sour manages to walk the delicate line between sweet and sickly with ease thanks to the blend of Disaronno, honey vodka, egg white, honey and fresh lemon and lime juice. If you’ve been out for a while and you feel like you’re flagging then the Stimulant is a godsend – vodka, Kahlua and a shot of espresso are all blended together and then served in a short glass topped with cream that’s then sprinkled with grated chocolate.

However, when it comes to celebrations, opt for Champagne. The Champagne cocktails are only slightly more expensive than the rest of the list at £6.70 each. Classic bellinis are given a twist as they are served with a fruit puree of your choice but it is the long, green, aptly named Green Angel that’s a must. Not only does it look arresting but the combination of the sweetly delicate elderflower cordial and the Midori work well as a foil for the light acidity of the Champagne.

The Last Word
Don’t be surprised if you pop in for just a couple of cocktails and end up staying until closing time. Camera has the ability to transform even a quick after work drink into a special occasion and for that reason alone it’s a welcome addition to St Ebbes Street.

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