Mahiki

If you're heading to Mahiki and you don't know the right people, I'd suggest getting there early. Even though we were 'on the list' we had trouble getting in and when we did the place was packed and the drinks were ridiculously overpriced.

But what more do you expect from a club/bar that draws a paparazzi-friendly crowd almost every night? You don't go here for a few drinks with mates (not at £17 for two vodka and cokes, anyway). You go here to glam it up, see and be seen, schmooze with the Sloanes and flash your cash. It's worth a trip just to see what the fuss is about and check out the tiki themed decor, which is tacky but fantastic. But you'll know instantly if it's your kind of place, and it wasn't really mine.

There's a surprising amount of space, which is a plus, with two main rooms and loads of tables. Unfortunately those tables are off limits unless you're willing to spend - great for parties, not so good on a regular Wednesday night out. Luckily, there are places put aside to stand and pose with your drinks instead (just beware of the predators - there are plenty of blokes willing to buy drinks for groups of girls, but if they're all like the idiot we met, it's not worth it).

There's nothing wrong with Mahiki - it looks good, the music is ok if a bit cheesy and uninspiring, and bar staff are friendly and mix up all manner of exotic cocktails with a smile on their face. It does what it says on the tin, but I can think of better places to spend my hard-earned cash in a tiki-themed venue without the air of 'look how cool we are' (Trailer Happiness in Notting Hill for one)!