Entertainment
Entertainment - Comte des Cierges
When it comes to finding out what’s going on in London, CDCLifestyle provide the most comprehensive London events listings in town, including everything from private mansion parties, exclusive events, member clubs, bars, live venues and a weekly round-up of all the hottest dates in the diary. We also provide a fully secure and trusted resource for theatre tickets, ensuring you always get the best seats in town at all the greatest West-end Shows.
Dorsia hosts a Titanic-themed NYE party with ASMALLWORLD
We cordially invite you to join us at one of London’s most talked about members-only clubs Dorsia, for its “Titanic, 100 Year Anniversary (1912 - 2012)” themed New Year’s Eve party. This spectacular New Year’s Eve reception will be filled with musical entertainment (Int’l DJs), dancing, unlimited canapés and a top-shelf open bar.
~ Veni Vidici New Year’s Day ‘Hangover’ Brunch ~
Guests are also invited to a complimentary Veni Vidici “hangover” brunch party on 1 January 2012 starting at 4 PM (includes two-courses plus champagne cocktail).
WHEN & WHERE?
Hours 7PM – 6AM | 3 Cromwell Road, South Kensington SW7 2HR
Space is very limited and tickets are strictly by invitation-only so make sure to quote ‘CDCLifestyle’ to be in with a chance! Early bird tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis. Special arrangements for dinner at Dorsia’s exclusive restaurant can be made for New Year’s Eve.
Contact Alexandra immediately to reserve your place: Tel: 0203 318 5844 / alexandra@venividici.com
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Royal Salute UAE Nations Polo Cup returns to Desert Palm
The Royal Salute UAE Nations Cup returns to Desert Palm by Per AQUUM from 7 – 13 January 2012 with six international teams competing from the United Arab Emirates, Great Britain, Hungary, Pakistan, Brunei and the Rest of the World. Each team will be headed by the Patron of Polo for their country and one of their leading players. The UAE team will be the one to watch for the tournament as it will be captained by the world’s number one polo player Adolfo Cambiaso, who launched the tournament in 2009.
The qualifying matches will take place daily from Saturday 7th January until Friday 13th January, with the exception of Wednesday 11th January which has been designated a rest day. Two matches will be played each day, the first at 3.15pm and the second at 4.15pm. All of the qualifying matches will be open to the public. The final will take place on the 13th January 2012 with the first match being played at 3pm. During the final, the polo viewing terrace of Desert Palm Retreat will be an exclusive ‘by invitation only’ area for guests of the key partners, with Ali Albwardy owner of Desert Palm and Patron of the UAE team and His Grace, the Duke of Argyll who is the Ambassador for luxury brand Royal Salute hosting a VIP after party.
Although tickets for the partners’ terrace are strictly limited, outside supporters and spectators who simply enjoy polo will be able to watch the final on the 13th January from the ‘Polo Lounge’. There will be no entry charge for this area and a cash bar will be available.
The Royal Salute UAE Nations Cup is a yearly event to celebrate polo in the United Arab Emirates and highlight the Middle East’s leading polo estate, Desert Palm, as a principle destination on the global polo calendar. The event was launched in 2009 by Adolfo Cambiaso and is organised each year by equus passport. The official title sponsor is luxury brand Royal Salute with Desert Palm Retreat (host), and Equestrio as a support partner.
About Desert Palm:
Desert Palm is a boutique Per AQUUM retreat with just 38 suites and private pool villas. Set on a private polo estate the property offers two award winning restaurants – Rare and Epicure, the internationally acclaimed LIME Spa and an inviting bar which overlooks one of the four championship sized polo fields and Dubai skyline beyond.
About Royal Salute:
In 1953, Chivas Brothers celebrated the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by creating a limited edition of a very special blended whisky. Only 2,500 cases were produced for worldwide distribution, and the first flagon, adorned with the royal crest, was presented to the new Queen on the day of her coronation. The name chosen was considered a fitting tribute to the new monarch. It was called Royal Salute, after the 21-gun salute, the ultimate mark of respect, created by the Royal Navy, to pay tribute to dignitaries and nations alike.
Today, Royal Salute continues to pay homage to accomplishment, in all walks of life. It is the Ultimate Tribute and mark of respect for powerful men and women, who demand the very best. Royal Salute’s regal heritage is maintained through its global association with the sport of Polo, “the sport of Kings”, organising events across the globe.
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Scene Check: all-new 'Low Members Club' - St James, Mayfair
An all-new members club with a difference has just opened it’s doors in the heart of St. James. Low Members Club is a return to nightclubs that are all about dancing, offering a truly underground experience, but so secretively tucked away that it is strictly for those in-the-know. Read more
Cirque Du Soleil - Totem 2012 at The Royal Albert Hall
Tapis Rouge… Your ultimate Cirque du Soleil VIP experience at the
Royal Albert Hall - 5th January 2012 for a limited time only
Due to overwhelming demand Cirque du Soleil returns to London in 2012 with the hugely popular TOTEM, a fascinating journey into the evolution of mankind. Inspired by founding myths, this show colourfully brings the evolutionary progress of species to life through a groundbreaking and spellbinding fusion of traditional performance and state‐of‐the‐art technology.
Whether you are looking to reward and inspire colleagues or clients or you simply want to enjoy executive-class hospitality with your loved ones, make it a special evening to remember and book your red carpet experience with Tapis Rouge: the impression made will be both long and lasting.
With the best seats in the house guaranteed, your guests will enjoy exclusive benefits including: a relaxed welcome in the unique and imaginative VIP lounge,
a selection of delicious canapes served with traditional Cirque flair, accompanied with a range of excellent wines, beers and soft drinks (pre-show and during the interval), souvenir programme and gift, cloakroom service and a dedicated Tapis Rouge host.
Tapis Rouge…
An unforgettable Event
Tuesday-Thursday:
£185.00 Adult. £129.50 Child
Friday‐Sunday:
£195.00 Adult. £136.50 Child
Prices include vat. Minimum two people
For parties of 20 guests and more, opt for the Tapis Rouge private Salon, with its flexible lounge configuration and a range of personalised services. Cost is £1500+vat on top of ticket price.
How to book?
Online: www.cirquedusoleil.com/totem
Email: ticket@cirquedusoleil.com
Tel: (00)800 1 548 0000
Scene Check: Forget Me Not Fridays at the Valmont Club, Chelsea
“As an online luxury lifestyle resource, we are naturally typically biased in favour of quality over quantity, so when we heard that there was small underground private members club in up-market Chelsea that was redefining London nightlife, we simply had to drop by for ‘Scene Check’ and see what all the fuss was about…..”
As an Earls Court resident myself, I cannot exactly say that I hadn’t heard of the Valmont Club, but I guess for sometime (and certainly too long), it had remained little more than just one those private member clubs that I knew was relatively near, but until the opportunity presented itself I had never actively looked for it. Anyway, as it later turns out, I had obliviously been walking past it for almost a year to my local gym in Chelsea. The thing is, that during the late afternoon period when I walked past it, there was no sign or any obvious indication of the club’s whereabouts. The only giveaway in fact, is not until the evening when the doormen and red ropes come out to mark the guest-list queue.
Well, here we are at the entrance where we are hastily quizzed by the doorman as to whether we are on the list, of which our reply seems to quickly put us in his good books, as he then warmly greets us and ushers us down the steep outdoor steps towards the cavernous black reception area. Here two courteous yet controlled brunettes check our names off the list before taking our coats and then directing us towards the main room. We arrive around 10:30pm, early by club standards, yet already the place is a hive of activity, with a private room (aka ‘Electric Salon’) still hosting guests and the main room hosting an assortment of characters mingling amongst themselves amidst sipping cocktails and some nippling at light buffet and mezze platters.
The interior design work in the club really is second to none, with elegantly sleek monochrome fitted leather furnishings and sumptuous warmly lit golden padded walls. All fixtures and fittings look meticulously positioned within millimetre perfect symmetry including the unusual (but fitting) addition of porcelain black greyhounds and a white horse that valiantly sits poised between the table reservations area and the private room.
Also of note were the sheer number of staff working on the night, which at first seemed almost overkill, but when the venue filled up ensured that this place ran like clockwork, seemingly providing instantaneous table service to those with reservations, and enough bar staff so that no one was left waiting for long. I would describe the security as firm but fair and certainly did an excellent job of maintaining a trouble-free environment.
Drinks-wise this place had absolutely everything in stock and serves up some of the best cocktails you will find anywhere and almost surprisingly not that ridiculously priced either. However, for the connoisseurs their were all the usual top shelf bottles, ranging from giant bottles of (RED) Belvedere vodka to all manner of vintage champagnes, XO cognacs and anything in between.
“Where this club really excels is in attracting the right people, its certainly not your average run of the mill, targeting more the well-heeled professionals and there upwards, but more of note it how successfully it manages to pull this off without the typical pretentiousness that is often a by-product of the City-boy egos and gold-digger clientele of many of the club’s contemporaries.”
It has to be said that the Valmont Club atmosphere was absolutely electric from 11pm until close, simply buzzing with one of the liveliest crowds you’re likely to find anywhere in London. The venue saw everyone masterly catered for, from large parties requiring anything from numerous tables to their own room, to the more discerning with sound-deadened lavish private booths with their own independent volume control and private table service as standard. Regardless of how busy the place got, everyone was thoroughly looked after by the well-organised staff and there honesty wasn’t anything I could find at fault, even the air-conditioning kept the temperature consistent throughout the night and the music was the perfect volume, loud where it needed to be and toned down in the seated areas.
“All in all this simply has to win our accolade for liveliest crowd and best-managed private club in London hands down and I simply can’t wait to get back down there again…. Roll-on the next weekend please!”
Feature written by Sam Bryan-Merrett 26/11/11
To see more pictures of the venue click here!
All enquiries to be directed to Carlos Santos at the contact details below
The Valmont Club
266a Fulham Road, London. SW10 9EL
t: (0207) 352 6200
m: (07915) 327963
BB Pin: 2863735A
e: carlos@thevalmontclub.com
w: www.thevalmontclub.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/valmontclub
Twitter: www.twitter.com/valmontclubuk
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Scene Check: Live at the Roof Gardens 11/11/11
To launch our all-new London ‘Scene Check’ we were lucky enough to get invited along to the truly exquisite Roof Gardens in Kensington courtesy of our good friends at Showcase:Live to hear the talents of Daina Ashmore, Wax Jacket, Felicity Kaya and Ryan Taylor… and we certainly weren’t disappointed!
Set in the Tudor Garden is the ‘Tanqueray Live Lounge’ marquee which has been sumptuously decorated and fully furnished to include two bars a large stage (with VIP area to the side) and capacity for around 250 people. The Tanqueray Live Lounge plays host to the autumn-winter Live Music programme and is brimming with the finest in music talent every Friday and Saturday evening from 7pm-10pm, after which point the action then shifts to the truly glamorous Roof Gardens Nightclub inside
Originally built back in 1936, The (Kensington) Roof Gardens was purchased by Sir Richard Branson in 1981 and has since gained a solid reputation for being one of London’s premier venues. Comprising an award-winning restaurant with magnificent themed gardens, a huge event space and one of the city’s best nightclubs.
“If you haven’t already visited The Roof Gardens then you are truly missing out as this place just has to be seen to be believed!”
Head down to the venue next Friday or Saturday night to enjoy yet more exciting musical talent! Doors open from 7pm with performances starting at 8pm, so get down early so as not to miss out. Tickets are typically £15 when purchased in advance or £20 on the door, and include entry to The Club after 10pm. Visit roofgardensclub.com for more details
Below is our Facebook gallery of the event, so please feel free to browse and if you spot yourself then you can tag, like and share the images at: Facebook.com/cdclifestyle
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PLAN B announced to perform at GREY GOOSE Winter Ball
GREY GOOSE, ‘the World’s Best Tasting Vodka’, is delighted to announce that acclaimed musician Plan B will be giving a live performance at the GREY GOOSE Winter Ball to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation, held in Battersea Park, London, this Saturday 29 October.
The Ball is an annual fundraising event hosted by GREY GOOSE,David Furnish and Sir Elton John. This year will feature a cocktail reception, followed by an exclusive 4 course dinner by the internationally acclaimed elBulli before the auction with bespoke lots by Marc Quinn, Christian Louboutin and Jonathan Saunders, after which guests will be treated to a show stopping music performance by Plan B. Previous performers have included the Grammy Award winning artist and current X Factor Judge Kelly Rowland and Sir Elton John himself.
The Brit Award winning Plan B, or Ben Drew, has previously shared a stage with Sir Elton John, with the two performing a duet of I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues as part of Sir Elton John’s BBC Electric Proms performance in October 2010. This year, he is delighted to have been invited by Sir Elton John himself, and he looks forward to entertaining guests with tracks from his hit soul album The Defamation of Strickland Banks.
The GREY GOOSE Winter Ball aims to raise valuable funds for and awareness of the excellent work of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Tickets are available to purchase in benefit of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, by contacting the charity on 020 7603 9996. 100% of the ticket price is donated directly to the Elton John AIDS Foundation (charity registration no 1017336)
www.ejaf.com
www.greygoosetaste.com
www.facebook.com/greygoosersvp
The Valmont Club, Fulham Road, Kensington and Chelsea
Whatever you have in mind, the Valmont Club has the flexibility and creativity to make your event an unforgettable one. Guests are welcomed by fire eaters at the entrance, amused by live trees as they walk through the Neon and black glass cladded reception, into a bespoke designed venue, live music setting the atmosphere while sipping divine champagne accompanied by voluptuous canapes handed out by waiting staf. This is just one of the many set ups for corporate parties done in the past… try their imagination as they are surely destined to impress!
> The Valmont Club capacity is for 300 people
> Main lounge and Neon Lounge area Capacity of 250
> Private Room (Electric Saloon) capacity of 50 people
> 5 Private Booths capacity of 10-15 each
> Licensed to 3am
Since its launch The Valmont Club has hosted over 150 corporate events, with a fantastic team in place capable of delivering a great event. Previous clients have included BBC, MTV, Sony Music, Marlboro, Technicolor, Beggers Records, HSBC and Morgan Stanley to name but a few.
With regards to music policy, their resident DJ is a full-time music producer/re-mixer and able to create a bespoke playlist for the evening to cater for all guests. They also have a database of over 50 DJ’s should you need a specific music requirement.
Drinks
There are a number of different options with regards to drinks, ranging from Champagne to Cocktail receptions or Beer and Wine alternatives. Their bartenders can also create a special bespoke cocktail lists to cater for any event.
Whatever the budget, the Valmont Club can happily work with you to create the perfect drinks package.
Food
With regards to the food there are a few options. They can provide a Lebanese menu, served as canapés, standing bowl food or buffet, where the food will be consistently refreshed throughout the evening, up until the time it is cleared away. They also have a different canapé menu with a wide range of choices.
From their corporate brochure (as per website) has links for all menus.
Canapés Menu
The canapés menu is priced at £2.00 - £3.50 per head per item. If you decide to order from this menu then a price is supplied based on your choices
Lebanese Menu
With regards to the Lebanese menu please see below for price structure
£10.00 per head - Choice of two veg and one meat selection from menu)
£12.50 per head - Choice of three veg and one meat selection from menu)
£15.00 per head - Choice of three veg and two meat selection from menu)
£17.50 per head - Choice of Four veg and three meat selection from menu)
£20.00 per head - Choice of Five Veg and Four meat selection from menu)
£25.00 per head - Choice of six Veg and Five meat selection from our menu along with a choice of 2 deserts from the canapé menu)
Take into account the price per head reflects the variation in the menu and that all the above options include Hummus, Pita bread and a selection of olives.
Sit Down Dinner
They also offer the option to have a sit down dinner. The venue is themed and transformed into a restaurant with dining tables, you will find the dinner menu on the corporate brochure.
Prior to any event they can arrange a variety of tasting platters of both menus for you to come and sample along with a few colleagues from your office.
All enquiries to be directed to Carlos Santos a contact details below
The Valmont Club t: (0207) 352 6200 Facebook: www.facebook.com/valmontclub
266a Fulham Road |London| SW10 9EL
m: (07915) 327963
BB Pin: 23AB32E1
e: carlos@thevalmontclub.com
w: www.thevalmontclub.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/valmontclubuk
Win an all-inclusive VIP Champagne Brunch with Veni Vidici
The most talked about champagne brunch returns this October! …and this time it shall be hosted with non-other than celebrity chef MARCO PIERRE WHITE at Frankies Criterion in Knightsbridge.
Expect an afternoon of electric exuberance as the Capital’s jet-set arrive in their Ferraris, Bentleys & Roll Royces for a unique experience. Anyone who is anyone will be there to witness alluring burlesque acts, world-class DJs, dancers and a host of eclectic performances to set your pulses racing for another afternoon of champagne-fuelled mischief.
“Excited? Curious? Well, hang on, because this time we’ve planned something extra special”…….
VENI VIDICI has joined forces with London’s all-new online luxury lifestyle resource CDCLifestyle.com to offer you and three friends the chance to win some VIP star-studded treatment… on us! You will be picked up by your own private chauffeur, and given the red-carpet experience for Veni Vidici next brunch party. You and your lucky guests will dine on the award winning cuisine of a celebrity chef-cooked brunch, enjoy the champagne, and revel in the party of your life.
“Interested?”…
Entering could not be any easier. All you need to do is follow this link: Facebook.com/cdclifestyle click ‘like’ and then enter your email address. Enter early to avoid disappointment. Prior to the event we shall select one lucky winner at random. They shall receive a special invite for themselves, and three of their friends.
[Click here to see what went down at Veni Vidici brunch recently]
Veni Vidici treat us to brunch NYC style
Sophistication, opulence, and an unyielding commitment to the ‘joie de vivre’ make Veni Vidici something rather special.
Offering London’s leading socialites an unprecedented experience, the approach is rather revolutionary. Saturday brunches have taken New York by storm, and in the process, totally redefined weekend entertainment. Long sultry afternoons are, after all, best spent in the company of beautiful people, enjoying the finest things in life. Perfect for those who yearn for the indulgent revelry of St Tropez and Monaco!
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Set in the heart of London’s celebrated West End, the venue is fittingly auspicious. As the Ferraris and Bentley’s peel away, you’ll be welcomed into the enchanting décor of Beaufort House. Accompanied by an outstanding collection of fine wines, the sumptuous cuisine will impress even the well-travelled bon vivant. Lobster, oysters, Mediterranean meat platters and Eton mess, are just some of the specialities on offer, ensuring every palate is catered for. |
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As the Dom Pérignon begins to flow freely, and twilight sets in, seductive burlesque dancers and percussionists get the after-brunch party stated. In this pulsating atmosphere of hedonistic thrills, don’t be surprised if you find yourself dancing on the tables by 4pm! |
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Reputation is something Veni Vidici refuses to compromise on. The guest lists (and lengthy waiting lists) comprise a veritable ‘who’s who’ of London’s socialite elite. With £1000 brunch bills being the norm, you’ll be in the company of the city’s most successful, and most envied. |
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Veni Vidici’s first ever London brunch took place recently and it’s been the talk of the town ever since. The reviews have been unanimous. A new era, and the next big thing in the upper echelons of London’s social scene has truly arrived. |
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Veni Vidici will play host to their second Brunch party this October 22nd, which will likely be held somewhere equally indulgent in Chelsea or Knightsbridge. Invitations are exclusive and hand-delivered. CDCLifestyle guests can request an RSVP code by quoting ‘CDCLifestyle’ when booking, but no guarantees so get in touch ASAP to avoid disappointment.
For more pictures visit our Facebook site: facebook.com/cdclifestyle
For Guest inquiries, please contact:
Jasmine Moradi at Veni Vidici
Tel: (+44) (0)203 318 5844
Email: info@venividici.com
Website: www.venividici.com
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Showcase Live 12/9/11 @Under The Bridge
12/9/11 saw the eagerly awaited relaunch of London’s premier music showcase platform ‘Showcase Live’.
After a six-month break ‘Showcase Live’ (founded by George Eason) are back with plenty of investment and a newly formulated board including young entrepreneur extraordinaire
Timothy Connor, who is already developing quite a reputation in the Entertainment Industry and throwing all his business expertise into the rebranding and expansion of the outfit. They already have huge plans and will be rolling out the platform in Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow before then taking on the rest of Europe in the not so distant future.
Their flagship event held every 6 weeks is to be held at Roman Abramovich’s new live venue ‘Under The Bridge’ which is based under his Chelsea Football Stadium at Stamford Bridge. For any of you who have not yet had the chance to visit it, has recently undergone a £20 million refit and has been purpose built as a music venue to fulfil Abramovich’s passion for quality live music. The result is breath-taking, with aurally perfect acoustics and state-of-the-art audio and lighting equipment throughout. Previously responsible for showcasing the likes of Jessie J and JLS, to name a few, the West-London based ‘Showcase Live’ outfit most certainly had a great deal to live up to on their much-anticipated return and they certainly did not disappoint…
“The relaunch itself kicked off at 7.30pm, which given the fact that it was a Monday night and in a new venue could well have spelled disaster for many a music promoter”.
Nonetheless, having personally been extended VIP passes for myself and three associates, we had been advised that the action was kicking-off early and to be there in good time. It was unquestionably paramount that we did, given the crowds that were already tailing back around the building when we arrived.
“Filled with a mix of music aficionados, musicians, music industry insiders and celebrities including Lemar, Jade Ewen (Sugababes), Encore and a who’s who of X-Factor contestants amongst Record label Executives and Talent Scouts. The atmosphere was electric, oozing with artistic energy and showbiz glitz and they surely re-affirmed their dominance in the industry and further extended their contacts database”.
Six acts took to the stage on the night ranging from indie/pop to a soulful acoustic performances and an up-to-the-minute urban/pop girl band. Genre and taste aside, what all six acts had in common is that they were all genuinely exceptional and at the forefront of their game. There were no weak links to the line-up and every act deserved their slot on the bill.
The definite stand-out for us had to be that of Will Heard. He is one of these simple yet almost accidentally beautiful sounding acoustic artists, who armed with little more than a guitar and his voice managed to single-handedly mesmerise us all with the depth and integrity of his voice, fusing a seamless blend of earthy rock, with blues and doo-wop(like) vocal sketches. Girl band Vida (managed by JLS’s Ortise Williams) pulled-off an impressively choreographed dance routine with all the menace you would expect from an in-ya-face act of young teenage girls, exuding the kind of atitude and energy that will soon no-doubt see them grace our TV screens and airwaves in the not so distant future.
Overall, it was great evening, covering a vast array of musical flavours and providing us all with a preview of the next breed of artists before they are no-doubt prepped and subjected to the full wrath of big-budget productions and Worldwide promotional campaigns. So whether you are an aspiring Pop-star or an industry-insider wanting to land the next big record label signing, go and visit their website for all the details and we’ll see you at their next event! http://showcaselive.co.uk/
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London's hottest home away from home
Dubbed “London’s most exclusive club”, Home House occupies three grand adjoining townhouses in leafy Portman Square. It’s a stone’s throw from Oxford Street, but worlds away. Hidden behind the central austere black double doors is the kind of stately pleasure dome that Kubla Khan might have envied.
Home House was built in the late 18th century for Elizabeth, Countess of Home, aka the ‘Countess of Hell’ who commissioned a pavilion for her infamous parties. Robert Adam obliged with an interior layout that still lends itself to modern-day carousing. All the rooms lead into each other, while up the middle twines a spectacular double curved staircase, surmounted by a glass dome at the top. It’s also housed the spy Anthony Blunt, while he was director of the Courtauld Institute, and MI5 is said to have concealed a listening device in the connecting wall with 21 Portman Square… Home House’s current incarnation is very much closer to what the Countess had originally intended. She’d probably recognise most of it, despite all the mod cons, as it’s been meticulously restored as befits its Grade I listed status. Alas, no sooner has one section of intricate plasterwork been touched up than an enthusiastic party causes another chunk to fall off.
Part of Home House’s charm is how the original architectural features are integrated into it.
Head to the stunningly well-equipped gym, for instance (run by Jonathan Goodair who trained Madonna for years) and you’ll find yourself working out in the old kitchens in front of the antique cooking range. Similarly, the secret staircase up which the Countess’s young lovers would discreetly make their way to her bedroom, is still there, but now put to less romantic use as a broom cupboard. And the Bison Bar looks every inch the traditional gentlemen’s club, with its red walls, Chesterfield sofas and stuffed animal head, but above the bar hangs a series of plasma screens where you might expect to see oil paintings.
Down in the gym, you’ll find a mosaic plunge pool, eucalyptus steam room and a resident world-renowned facialist, Anastasia Achilleous. And of course there is a clutch of restaurants (Robert Reid dishes up classic British and French cuisine in the Restaurant, while the Octagon Room is where you go for Asian fusion). In the summer, the action moves outside to Home House’s courtyard garden, which is accessorised with a champagne bar and tented so you can dine in all weathers.
Along with the five star facilities, the club runs a thriving entertainment programme.
You can learn to fence or dance or play petanque, there are quizzes, a book club, a film society, regular private gigs, guest DJs and an annual lavish costumed ball on a theme such as ‘Fairy Tale’. The Countess would certainly approve.
The Décor: Unmatched. The whole place is a feast for the eyes, from the classical elegance of numbers 19 and 20, with their parquet floors, chandeliers and intricate plasterwork or painted frescoes to the pared-down chic of 21, designed by the Candy brothers and featuring Zaha Hadid’s astonishing swooping silver bar. Each of the 20 eye-wateringly grand bedrooms has its unique features: the Lady Islington suite contains a colonnaded marble bathroom, the Patricia Portman room a silver leaf ceiling and 200-year-old Chinese silk wallpaper, and Anthony Blunt’s room is probably still riddled with listening devices…
Who’s in? Madonna moved in while her Marylebone home was being done up. Other members include Gwyneth Paltrow, Thandie Newton, Stella McCartney and socialite Henry Conway. A-listers aside, it’s hard to categorise the members, except that they all seem to have an appetite for a good time.
What it costs: £1,800 joining fee plus the same in annual dues for a London member; less for out-of-towners
The Rules: the rules are, there ain’t no rules. Well, just one. “Nudity is discouraged”. “Naughtiness, on the other hand, is de rigueur.”
(so says Managing Director Andrew Richardson)
Home House
20 Portman Square
London
W1H 6LW
Tel: 020 7670 2000
Web: www.homehouse.co.uk