The small space at 7 Maitland has undergone many changes in the past few years, but the space previously known as Red Planet is now Lo’La, and is a colourful, intriguing attempt at making this incarnation more permanent.

Serious renovations and energy has been poured into the space, turning it into a launch pad for those wanting to lubricate themselves before heading out for a night of full-fledged partying. You shouldn’t have trouble finding the place as the sign outside the bar’s façade glows with attention-getting red backlighting.

The patio is generous as it’s practically the same size as the interior, and though the steel chairs currently look a bit generic, don’t fret: new wicker chairs and inlaid-wood tables are on the way to add to the bar’s character. An impressive martini and cocktail menu offer the most discerning (or facetious) customer something to be happy with. I personally never realized how much I liked leaves in my drink. The cocktail I discovered is called “Emerald Explosion” and, made with vodka, frangelico, fresh mint, azucar morena and soda, it – dare I say it? – tastes like summer. It also looks like summer, when your glass looks like a small clear pond topped with mint leaves.

The interior of the bar is predominantly a dark royal red, and the walls partially covered in light finished wood. The regal look is accented by two large low-hanging chandeliers. The wall behind the bar is translucent red, backlit and covered with crisscrossing wood shelves for liquor, giving an impression of a classy tic-tac-toe game. On the east and west walls there are large flat-screen monitors displaying ads geared towards the gay crowd (this is near Church and Wellesley after all).

The clientele is predominately young and gay but that shouldn’t be a deterrent for straight customers – the drinks are unique, the food is excellent, as their chef, Patrick Munn, just came out with a new tapas menu. I tried the grilled peanut chicken as well as the sweet potato latke served with curried aioli, and was blown away – and I don’t usually care for latkes. However, a sense of humour is required as Saturdays will feature “Barbie BBQ” –guest drag queens will host, while delectable morsels are passed around between 1pm and 7pm.