For once, the hype seems justified: Republic, the city's latest temple of lounge-dom, has got that gritty glamour and palpable energy. Being another addition to the Granville Strip means that the difference between your joint and the other is that it has to be substantial. With a 6,700 square-foot space, inventive lighting and sound, and an atmosphere that changes with the theme, this is what Republic brings to Granville.

Evident to the drink-drank-drunk hungry ensemble, this surely is a place to have a good drink. Here, Republic hired mixologist Jason Holmes from the Elixir Bar at the Opus to create a mixed list of classics and individual house cocktails – Stolichnaya Vanilla Vodka with Peach Schnapps and pear juice brings us the Sleeping Tree Cock ($9), obviously for the sweet tooth. Notable mentions include The Don’t (Bacardi white rum, drizzled honey, lemon and orange juice) and the Brokeback Samurai (Wyborowa Vodka, Gekkeikan Sake and white cranberry juice).

However, not taking anything away from the drinks, my favourite item on the menu were The Yam Fries ($7) which is served with smoked garlic mayonnaise, is a great way to warm up. The Cajun Salmon Escalope at $13 is a salad of baby gems, sourdough matchsticks, shaved Bella Lodi and fresh lemon also serves some justice. To cap off my eating habits, I snacked on the Warm Chocolate & Amarette Cake ($6), served with vanilla bean gelato, and was attractively presented.

Filling the two-level space, one can expect to find blue-haired hipsters and grey-haired CEOs. The second floor has floor-to-ceiling windows that open and overlook bustling Granville Street. Signature black leather chairs and candlelit tables lace the room with romance and the sixteen-foot, sleek black slab counter runs the length of the front room. To further pursue elegance, eleven crystal chandeliers adorn the room below. For the comfort factor, Republic, teamed with Red Bull, features a photography series that highlights local talent with an ongoing series of 10x10 foot photo murals that enhances the walls.

Parallel to the layout are the beautiful people, flocking here later in the evening for some rock, synth-pop, electro, house, funk, soul and mash-up, as DJs spin their magic on Fridays right to Sundays. Republic’s purpose is to woo the crowd with delicious cocktails and décor. As young as this bar is, it’s already being called a regular spot by the onslaught of the young, hip and trendy. – L.H.