Clubs & Bars
SceneCheck heads to Project, the West End's hottest new nightclub
Taking over the former site of previous celebrity nightlife hotspots Crystal & Merah, ‘Project’ is the hottest new club to be launched, situated in the heart of Fitzrovia, just off of Oxford Street. Project is definitely the nightclub to visit right now, perfectly catering for the nightlife revelry of London’s glamorous socialites, and aficionados of the finest House music.
Planned with the VIP in mind by the same interior designer responsible for the Armani Privé Clubs, the arty decor and trend-setting blueprint has completely done-away with the conventional dance-floor concept and reinvented the nightclub layout. As strange as this may sound in concept and practicality, this actually worked wonders for the ambience, resulting in an uplifting well-spirited crowd, a far from the over-wise pretentiousness often instilled by segregating those with tables from the rest of the club-goers. On the other-hand though, it also encourages those who really want a wild night out to take to their tables or flaunt it on the almost catwalk-like raised under-lit platforms. For the more discreet clients however, Project additionally includes several secluded VIP sections with hosting/table service that would even make the Royals feel at home.
One of the key objectives for Project during their multi-million pound refit, was to ensure that the venue would become a firm favourite amongst music fans who enjoy a sophisticated night out. It was quite evidently the case not a penny had been spared on the sound-system, or equally impressive acoustic treatment, which firmly ensured that the music always remained tight and punchy no matter how far it is cranked. Whilst on the top of cranked music, I could not believe how lucky we were to see none other than Internationally renowned DJ Roger Sanchez take to the decks, who decided that he would show up for an impromptu and non-advertised DJ set whilst in the UK. I can also say without a doubt that judging by the latest technology on display in the booth (including the first set of Pioneer DJS 2000 decks in the UK), this place is going to have the world’s top DJs literally queuing up to get a set.
The fact that the club has only been open for three weeks and was already completely full (even on the Tuesday night that we showed-up), is testament to the calibre of talent behind the scenes, with successful entrepreneurs Mounir Badaan and Omar Wansa, partnering with London nightlife luminaries Luca Maggiora (previously of Luxx), Jordan Rocca & Antonello Dato to bring this vision to life. Their collective visions, vast experience and passion for House music certainly guarantee that Project will soon forge a name for itself as one of the hottest, most exclusive nightclubs in London.
Memberships for Project are still available, yet issued strictly at the management’s discretion. Project is also available for private hire and events.
Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11pm – 4am
Project London:
78 Wells Street,
London W1T 3QL
projectclublondon.com
facebook.com/project
Twitter: @ProjectLdn
Scene Check: Showcase Live's 5th Birthday at Under the Bridge, Chelsea
Arguably one of the best industry showcases for up and coming musical talents in London, Showcase Live celebrated their 5th Birthday this Monday, and certainly taught us a thing or two about how to throw a party in the process. As we have come to expect from Showcase, they completely packed out Chelsea’s Under the Bridge with music enthusiasts, aspiring artists, talent scouts, record executives and a few celebrities including Pixie Lott who looked keen to check out the stars of tomorrow.
As usual there was a fairly eclectic array of musical genres in the mix and Times Red kicked-off proceedings with their first gig ever, seamlessly fusing vocals, tight beat-boxing, keys and guitar to really get the night started on the right track. It was unreal to think that this was their first appearance on stage, but I can guarantee it certainly won’t be the last time we see them, and their fresh and dynamic sound is clearly here to stay.
Elsie followed shortly after and totally blew the room away with her no-holds-barred attitude, rocking the venue to it’s very foundations getting everyone fully immersed in her music.
Next up was soul man Duke, who had to win top marks for being the showman of the night. His infectious soul and the almost James Brown like air to him ensured that no one could fail to grin from ear to ear and was like a blast from the past, yet so refreshing to hear.
Buzzing with label interest, Felicity Kaya is simply outstanding to watch …oh, and listen to, with an incredible vocal ability oozing with jazz influences. She also just has such a great stage presence about her, leaving the girls idolising and the guys gawping. It is also unbelievable how young she is (having just turned 20) and rest assured that she will definitely remain one to watch out for.
Jermaine Riley was next to take to the stage and the headliner of the night, previewing material from his new album, he also clearly looked to already have a big following out to support him. This boy truly has SOUL.. with some pretty impressive dance moves to boot. His unique Motown-like tonality practically transported us all back in time, the only problem is I wish I had that same ability to help transport me back in time to hear him again.
For those of you who have not yet had the chance to get down to a Showcase Live event, tickets for the April 16th gig will be on sale soon and we will no doubt secure some for our members, so if you haven’t done so already, may I suggest that you head straight over to our privileges page and sign-up for our newsletter to make sure you do not miss out http://cdclifestyle.com/privileges
Dorsia host 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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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
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
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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.
www.twitter.com/valmontclubuk
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
Mahiki - tropical escape in the heart of Mayfair
“A Tiki-themed Polynesian-Palace of flower adorned Honolulu Honeys, mind-altering cocktails and a tropical blend of upfront music and sizzling hot stunners”
Situated across the road from the illustrious Ritz and The Wolseley, the calibre of it’s neighbours already gives away the fact that this venue is bound to be something special, but nothing could prepare you for the ‘tikiley-wondrous’ world that lurks within. Mahiki is all about light-hearted fun, so forget seriousness and take it all in with a pinch of salt… slice of lime….and wash it down with an ‘El Jimador’ tequila.
Set over two floors, the entire venue just buzzes with vibrant energy, from the warm welcomes of the truly luscious flower-adorned Honolulu Honeys, to the irresistibly delicious fresh fruit cocktails that keep everyone inspired and bouncing around with tropical rhythm. Originally conceived back in 2005 by London Nightclub luminaries Nick House and Piers Adam, Mahiki has now developed a reputation for being one of Mayfair’s favourite Celebrity haunts, having hosted everyone from young Royals William & Harry to Kanye West, Jay-Z & Beyonce (pictured below left).
Tables bookings are subject to a standard £500 minimum spend, whilst admission otherwise ranges from free to £15, seemingly dependant upon what time you arrive, your sex and/or how much effort you made. You really have to make it a cocktail evening to appreciate Mahiki for it’s true worth, with shared drinks definitely being the way to go. There are so many cocktails to choose from and watching them being made by the personable team of mixologists is half the fun. My top recommendation would have to be the ‘Treasure Chest’ (essentially a chest crammed with exotic fruit and topped up to the brim with Champagne). Other noteworthy contenders are the three-person Bikini Blast, four-person Zombie (with various rums and absinthe), or the eight-person Mystery Drink, which will always remain a mystery. If you’re spoilt for choice, just spin the Mahiki Wheel-of-Fortune (pictured below).
While Mahiki may not be the most exclusive Mayfair has to offer, it is definitely a must-see club on the circuit and a breath of fresh-air amidst the medley of ‘members-only’ clubs that make up the rest of Mayfair. To top it all off they are currently promoting their own branded Coconut Rum and offering an all-inclusive VIP tight out. So if you haven’t already savoured the tiki-delights of Mahiki, this is your chance.
Written by: S A Bryan-Merrett
(all pictures provided by Mahiki and competition courtesy of Brompton Drinks Ltd)
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