Scene Check

SceneCheck has a rose tinted experience at the Rose Club's 'Industry Monday'

Let’s face it, given the fact that it is just the start of the average person’s working week, the thought of partying hard on a Monday night is never for the faint-hearted. However, curiosity evidently got the better of us when we got an invite to check Brompton Brands’ latest offering the Rose Club.

With word that chart-topping Black Eyed Peas’ Will.i.am was due to be taking to the decks, our excitement and anticipation would have been hard to stunt. However, given that we had been invited as guests of the management and clearly on the guest-list; being left to queue in the rain for over ten minutes by the most foul-mouthed doormen on London’s club circuit was not a great start to the evening (and confirmed rumours we had heard elsewhere on Rose’s staff). For a club that states that it prides itself on having an efficient and speedy door, stating “if guests have to wait ten minutes outside we feel like we have let them down,” lets put it this way, they did just that.

Having finally been let in, we slowly descended the steps, praying that the wait would mean the venue was high in demand and worth putting-up with the miserable door-staff and long wait to get in. Thankfully it has a decadent, theatrical and fun interior, with a prominent stage to the left of the entrance and mirrored ceilings and walls designed by Robert Angell Design Studio.

The crowd at RC was also distinctly different to the usual West end sloaney social set of middle-aged slickers and glamorous Chelsea chicks. Perhaps this is more evident on an ‘Industry Monday’ - the club’s tailor-made name for it’s Monday night guests from all the music, nightlife, fashion, food and drinks industries. The name makes total sense, since you can bet your bottom dollar that not even Will.i.am could convince the bankers to booze here on a Monday night.

The motley creative crew was young, hip and many of them, breathtakingly beautiful (clearly models). Feeling like a drink was needed, I sauntered as best I could through the crowds, and up to the ultra stylish bar. It’s here that I enjoyed an interesting new experience. I’d ordered a vodka soda lime and really thought the bartender must have misheard me since it didn’t taste at all like it. However, having confirmed it was the correct order I asked for a top-up of Vodka (maybe she’d been stingey and only poured in a drop?) but no – even then this didn’t taste like my usual order. What was it?

The vodka in question is Ciroc Ultra-Premium, the brand who’ve sponsored most of the clubs big events. Interestingly, unlike other Vodkas Ciroc is derived from grapes, in contrast to corn, sorghum, rye, wheat, or potatoes that are more commonly used, hence its distinctly different taste. The Vodka certainly lives up to it’s ‘Ultra-Premium’ name, having been distilled not once, not twice but five times.

The other noticeable drink on offer is the club’s signature passion fruit sharing cocktail which comes in the form of a giant monopoly piece boot, hat and battleship container. These were fab and a nod to the treasure troves that have become much loved at Mahiki (another club in Nick House’s Brompton Brands’ empire).

The next thing that caught our attention were the two swan ballerinas. Appearing initially in classic white outfits, they gave a short performance on a small raised platform to funky music. They later re-emerged as black swans right before Will.i.am came on stage, signalling the start of the real party.

All night the atmosphere was alive with energy and excitement but when Will.i.am took to the stage, the buzz reached a whole new level. It’s important to mention that Will.i.am doesn’t play every Monday so check online to see who’s playing to avoid disappointment. Among the club’s live performance hall of fame are 2Many DJ’s, David Guetta, Labrinth, Azari & III – so expect to encounter more of the same.

Our overall verdict of Rose Club? “It offers a fun twist to the more sophisticated Brompton Brands club Whisky Mist whilst perhaps a more diverse following than the typically young boarding school crowds that frequent the tropically playful Mahiki. The people here are young creative types, up for a good time without any ‘pomp’. Thankfully the disappointing start to the night was almost completely erased from our memory by the end of the fantastic set from Will.i.am.”

Written by: Poppy Cross - 16/4/12

SceneCheck enters the Holdup Heroines' 'Circus of Seduction' at Home House

Galloping the highways and byways of 18th Century Europe, it’s unlikely the four women known as the Holdup Heroines could have imagined their debauched tales would inspire parties in modern day London.

The trail of beautiful masked & costumed things arriving at the equally ancient no.21 at Home House, designed by Candy & Candy are no strangers to the legend, having helped celebrate the adventures of the Holdup Heroines in a series of invite only masked balls over the last 6 years.

Described as ‘Charlies Angels meets the Four Musketeers’ Holdup Heroines brings girl power to the deliciously sensual period costume party, gilded with theatre and framed with a deep storyline that would make a Hollywood mogul twitch. Guests are expected to dress the part and woe betides those who don’t, a fabulous Dandy berates underdressed attendees on the door. Deep, uplifting sexy house music is the soundtrack to the 18th Century mansion’s beautiful interiors as masked guests drift between 2 dance floors, 2 bars (one of which is dominated by Candy & Candy’s renowned centre piece bar design) and the garden ‘Library’.

In this latest of ‘adventures’ (the organisers like to describe each party as a new episode in the Holdup Heroines storyline, much like a movie sequel) Holdup Heroines & The Circus of Seduction, we learn a little of the Russian star of the quartet of highwaywomen. A Circus theme complete with roving Russian bear, period style performers and seductive performance from Painted Love drew guests deeper in to Holdup Heroines very tantalising web. One feature to watch out for is the theatrical fashion shows. Part theatrical work, part catwalk, with music, tailored special effects and actors in costume pursuing the models (or often getting seduced by the Holdup Heroines before they catch their prey) the organisers have gone to great lengths to create a unique event that is more than just a DJ in the corner which Londoners are increasingly tiring off. This month Janna-Elise, one of the latest young designers interning for Vivienne Westwood showed off her couture leatherwear collection.

The Holdup Heroines are once again sharpening their sabres and loading muskets for another outing on Sunday May 6th, this time they plan to gatecrash Marie Antoinette’s infamous ‘Court of Excess’, bringing a decadent French twist to the 18th Century party. If you value your life, your love and your money one can only imagine this is not the sort of soiree for you, however if a little danger, derring do and costumed adventure is your thing, then saddle up and join the girls.

To ensure you do not miss out next time around we have secured some very exclusive tickets to the next event on Bank Holiday Sunday May 6th. Please note however that we only have very limited number so to be in with a chance of securing some you will need to move quick - http://exclusiveeventstickets.cdclifestyle.com.

Home House
20 Portman Square
London
W1H 6LW

Photos by Paul Soso copyright 2012

SceneCheck escapes London as we know it at The Roof Gardens in Kensington

Arguably London’s most visually stimulating club, the Kensington roof-top gardens put us on a couple of tables for this week’s SceneCheck, and as to be expected from one of the capital’s finest venues it certainly did not disappoint.

As London’s only roof top private members club, the gardens are as glamorous as it comes, offering stunning views over Kensington from gardens that make you feel like you have just stepped foot off the pavements of London and into the garden of a lavish Spanish costal villa or English country manor house. With three gardens including a Spanish themed garden, an English woodland and a Tudor garden, the venue offers a chance to escape in a variety of different settings. With streams fully stocked with fish and wildlife and oaks and fruit trees growing in just 1.5 meters of soil, the gardens make up 1.5 acres of wild authenticity and sparkling glamour.

Regularly home to live music events, the roof-top ‘Live Lounge’ marquee was where our night started, with a great line up of incredibly talented unsigned musical artists from 7.30 pm until 10 pm. We were certainly in for a real treat, with Carrie Haber, Gianluca de Martini and our local favourite Felicity Kaya who set the place on fire absolutely packing out the marque with her loyal followers and no doubt adding to that list during her phenomenal set. Later, we moved on to the main club where a selection of the latest and hottest dance tracks tore us between the sumptuous luxury of our table in VIP area and the wild dancefloor. With plenty of private areas including ‘The Spanish Hideaway’ and ‘The Red Room’, the club offers a wide range of places to sit and drink with friends, but the VIP area, situated behind the dance floor is definitely the place to book your tables, with dedicated hosts and one of the most stylish interiors ever conceived.

Attracting a high-end, professional crowd, The Roof Gardens are full of beautiful and smartly dressed creatures-of-the-night soaking up the laid-back and soothing atmosphere after a long day at work. Offering an alternative to the standard urban night-club, this venue provides a chance to escape the stresses of city life in a Paradisal setting.

The Kensington Roof Gardens really is London’s very own ‘Pie in the Sky’ and certainly worth a visit for an idyllic setting combined with a sophisticated and dazzling nightlife experience.

To see more pictures from the event please visit of Facebook gallery …CLICK HERE!

SceneCheck checks out a private fashion show at The Cuckoo Club

SceneCheck gets a lesson in style as Russian designer, Nataliya Kaut presents her latest Spring/Summer 2012 collection in a private show at top London hotspot The Cuckoo Club

One of Mayfair’s hottest night-life spots, The Cuckoo Club, was host last Thursday to a wonderful and exclusive Private Party and viewing of bespoke dress designer and winner of the Maslenitsa Award at the Russian Fashion Show at London Fashion Week, Nataliya Kaut’s new Spring/Summer 2012 collection. The “Moscow Never Sleeps” event, part of the Pink Party Fashion concept introduced to the club and organised by luxury Events Concierge Company, Club Privé, was a great success. Club Privé hosts weekly exclusive parties at some of London’s top nightclubs for its members and is developing a tailored concierge service for its high profile network. The Company also works with leading brands and designers to organise sponsored events giving them exposure and adding value for its Members.

At the event a glamorous crowd flocked to the doors to get a taste of the divine Russian gourmet canapés and pink champagne macaroons, not forgetting a cheeky Russian standard vodka cocktail, and to catch a glimpse of the private runway show held on the dance floor at this most prestigious venue. Early lucky guests also received, courtesy of Club Privé, complimentary fashion Goodie Bags with Beauty Products, Designer Scarfs, Designer Bracelets inside.

The beautiful and elegant models took to the floor to showcase Nataliya Kaut’s second collection, which combined luxuriously tailored pieces with more intricate, extravagant and abstract designs. Neon seemed to be a running theme throughout, as did feathers and we were blown away by striking Bond girl-esque designs like the black, almost transparent dresses with beautiful beaded detailing, which left little to the imagination except how one could possibly make such an intricate and delicate creation.

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After the show members of the guest list only audience, which included a beautiful, high-end crowd filled with important members of Russia’s fashion elite, were invited to stay and soak up the glitz and glamour at an exclusive after party, hosted by Club Privé, where yet more vodka cocktails were flowing. The dance floor filled with lively party goers all taking full advantage of the fantastic mixes being played by the club’s in-house DJ.

The Cuckoo Club and the fashion world go hand in hand as it recently underwent a redesign led by 60’s fashion designer and founder of iconic fashion store BIBA, Barbara Hulanicki. The club’s design is uniquely bespoke and lush, but with retro attitude and detailing like the x-rated print on the wallpaper in the ladies, for which written description would not do justice, and therefore you will just have to visit the club to see what I am talking about.

The Cuckoo Club is a strictly members only club. Open Wednesday to Saturday 8pm-3am
For more information about Club Privé Events, Membership and Services please email: info@thepriveclub.com

Written by Ciara Heslam 15/3/12

SceneCheck goes Carnival crazy for Samba Sensation at The Valmont Club

Always one of our firm favourites when it comes to London nightlife, The Valmont Club always seems to have something new up it’s sleeves for us and last Friday was no exception. This time the typically low-lit discreet venue felt completely transformed, as a vibrant upbeat Samba soundtrack paved the way for a full blown Rio-style carnival. The pulsating beat of the drums had everyone on their feet and moving, whilst stunning Brazilian women wearing tantalizingly sexy costumes spiced things up and showed us all how to party the Rio way.

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Hailed by GQ magazine as one of the ’100 best things in the world’, it is clear to see why when you set eyes on the sharp, modern chic yet sumptuous interior.

Built on the site formerly known as Cafe Des Artistes, the famous music venue frequented by the likes of Bowie and the The Stones during the 60′s, the Valmont Club’s design pays tribute to the eccentric grandeur of the past whilst introducing an almost modern gothic meets art deco theme. The high sheen surfaces and mood lighting simply ooze of luxury and firmly cement the club’s position as being one of the finest private member clubs in London. Thanks to the like-clockwork management and observant well-mannered staff, the service is nothing short of exemplary, making it Chelsea’s most popular late-night venue and a sought-after destination for those across the rest of the capital.

The Valmont Club offers prospective membership to its guests on an invitational basis. The procedure is open to all but it is preferred that potential members are nominated or put forward by the directors, committee members or members themselves. An application form must be filled out along with a covering letter indicating your reasons for having chosen the Valmont Club.

If however you are not yet a member but would like to visit the Valmont Club to see what you have been missing out on, we have managed to secure some very special CDC privileges just for you

> Complimentary entry with priority queueing for you and up to 4 guests*
> A complimentary bottle of house champagne*

*Subject to table bookings only and minimum spend applies

For more details head to http://cdclifestyle.com/privileges/

The Valmont Club
266a Fulham Road,
Chelsea,
London.
SW10 9EL

w: www.thevalmontclub.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/valmontclub
Twitter: www.twitter.com/valmontclubuk

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

Veni Vidici quite literally set the party ablaze at No5 Cavendish

Veni Vidici are already renowned for hosting the Capital’s most extravagant champagne brunches and wildest after-parties, but this time they practically set No5 Cavendish ablaze!

If you missed it, then you missed out; champagne flowing aplenty, girls dancing on tables, burlesque dancers, cabaret show, seductive female fox-hunting twins on stilts cracking the whip on unsuspecting passers-by, well maybe I’m over-fantasizing a tad, but hopefully you got the picture? View our gallery (above) to see what you missed.

Although the next event is yet to be confirmed (always on a secretive ‘invite only basis,’ expect another exclusive venue in and around prime central London. Make sure to sign-up for our newsletter (at bottom of page) to make sure you never miss one again.

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.”

SceneCheck: 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!