Latest reviews for Nightlife in Piccadilly Circus, London, United Kingdom

Bar Rumba - Love It by bexyboo

bexyboo — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:54:29 +0000

Review by bexyboo

Rating: 5.00

Tags: young and fun, house, reasonably priced

Drinks were really good price.... Â£3.50 fpr a cocktail at happy hour, can't go wrong for that. Had loads of fun and all the staff were really nice nice which make a change from the usual snotty west enders. See you there next week.Drinks were really good price.... Â£3.50 fpr a cocktail at happy hour, can't go wrong for that. Had loads of fun and all the staff were really nice nice which make a change from the usual snotty west enders. See you there next week.

Madame JoJo's - Nice by Rebella

Rebella — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:18:39 +0000

Review by Rebella

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7734 3040

Website: http://www.madamejojos.com

Tags: live music, cool, friendly

Interesting, good to try.Interesting, good to try.

Moonlighting Night Club - Candybox by miffy

miffy — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:32:45 +0000

Review by miffy

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7437 5782

Website: http://www.moonlightingnightclub.co.uk

Tags: students, reasonably priced, indie

Thursday nights are pretty much indie nights at moonlighting, where I was given a horrifically dirty look for suggesting they play basshunter when drunk. However the drinks are very cheap and if you like that sort of music then the music is very good. There is unusual seating available with comfy sort of sofas around certain corners and in alcoves which are great for congregating but the dacefloor is too small. The dark mirrored slightly grotty interior suits this night perfectly and gives the club a great atmosphere. This is slightly tainted by the fact that they confiscate chewing gum and wont let you sit on the little tables which reminds you that this is actually a real club in its own right "moonlighting" which is a touch more r n b than candy box. Also, beware of pickpockets.Thursday nights are pretty much indie nights at moonlighting, where I was given a horrifically dirty look for suggesting they play basshunter when drunk. However the drinks are very cheap and if you like that sort of music then the music is very good. There is unusual seating available with comfy sort of sofas around certain corners and in alcoves which are great for congregating but the dacefloor is too small. The dark mirrored slightly grotty interior suits this night perfectly and gives the club a great atmosphere. This is slightly tainted by the fact that they confiscate chewing gum and wont let you sit on the little tables which reminds you that this is actually a real club in its own right "moonlighting" which is a touch more r n b than candy box. Also, beware of pickpockets.

Club 49 - Great atmosphere, in Soho, with Happy Hour by dansloane

dansloane — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:08:14 +0000

Review by dansloane

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7439 4159

Website: http://www.club49soho.com/

Tags: trendy, cool, posh

Been a couple of times now, and atmosphere is great, as are the (quite expensive) cocktails. Two for one on a selection early evening. Best thing is table service, so none of that queuing at the bar rubbish we Brits seem to love.Been a couple of times now, and atmosphere is great, as are the (quite expensive) cocktails. Two for one on a selection early evening. Best thing is table service, so none of that queuing at the bar rubbish we Brits seem to love.

The Windmill International - Business Meeting by Si1

Si1 — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:24:31 +0000

Review by Si1

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7439 3558

Website: http://www.windmillinternational.com

Tags: free to get in

I went here instead of String fellows at the insistence of a new business acquaintance of mine who knows the patron. The first part of the evening was pleasant and then I was asked if I wanted a 'Private Booth' double dance.... let's just say I'll never anywhere other than the Windmill; the girls were unbelievably attractive, I still have their dance fresh in my mind! Mind-Blowing...I went here instead of String fellows at the insistence of a new business acquaintance of mine who knows the patron. The first part of the evening was pleasant and then I was asked if I wanted a 'Private Booth' double dance.... let's just say I'll never anywhere other than the Windmill; the girls were unbelievably attractive, I still have their dance fresh in my mind! Mind-Blowing...

No 1 Leicester Square - waste of money and time by sarajohn

sarajohn — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 19:02:30 +0000

Review by sarajohn

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7734 0900

Website: http://www.loftkitchen.co.uk

Tags: students, hole in pocket

Hey all,i just went there last night 25 july my night as a cluber was rubbish..i must say they rob ur money there the drinks are expensive and they dont mind having lots of men without girls me as girl i dont mind that but when the club got packed with men who grap u or u'll be dancing and many men trying on u that was horrible for me to enjoy my night ..they dont mind having many men coz they only care to make money..they bar man taking his tips without asking pretending he finished the order while waitting for the money back ..can u imagine single jd&coke is 4.75Â£ and double is 9Â£ then they charge extra later withen late time which is not fair ..paying entry 10Â£ for girls &15Â£ for men which is very expensive for the music they play ..the DJ was playing old songs in R&B which sucks as i paid alot i expect good music for that money ..i would Never go there again these people know how to make money ..the weird thing the guy charged us extra when paying by card which i dont know why if he charged us 18Â£ for 2 drinks double jds with coke then by card he charged us 20,50Â£ which didnt make since as did he inculde his tip on it ..my experince there was night mare as the club got packed later and got hot and sweaty as they dont have proper air-con there ...NOt to forget to mention the club start in 6 floor ..people need to use the left/elvator which is in big queue alwayes and using the staris not good for ladies wearing high heels like i did as i end up injured in my knees using lots of stairs ..there iam spening my sunday in bed as i injuerd my knees using the stairs coz they onlu got one left/elvator going up and down and have to queue for it ..plus its hard if u are smoker b'cos all these floors and they dont have somking area .so u need to queue at the left/elvator or take the stairs like i did which sucked ...WASTE of money ..not worth spending at all ..wasted my money and time to be honest thinking it will be the best night ever as the people who advertise for it said ..its night mare specially if u had ur hair done and make up and u end up full of sweat and all ur hair wet coz its too hot to dance or walk there as it got packed with asian/arbic men ...NEVER AGAINHey all,i just went there last night 25 july my night as a cluber was rubbish..i must say they rob ur money there the drinks are expensive and they dont mind having lots of men without girls me as girl i dont mind that but when the club got packed with men who grap u or u'll be dancing and many men trying on u that was horrible for me to enjoy my night ..they dont mind having many men coz they only care to make money..they bar man taking his tips without asking pretending he finished the order while waitting for the money back ..can u imagine single jd&coke is 4.75Â£ and double is 9Â£ then they charge extra later withen late time which is not fair ..paying entry 10Â£ for girls &15Â£ for men which is very expensive for the music they play ..the DJ was playing old songs in R&B which sucks as i paid alot i expect good music for that money ..i would Never go there again these people know how to make money ..the weird thing the guy charged us extra when paying by card which i dont know why if he charged us 18Â£ for 2 drinks double jds with coke then by card he charged us 20,50Â£ which didnt make since as did he inculde his tip on it ..my experince there was night mare as the club got packed later and got hot and sweaty as they dont have proper air-con there ...NOt to forget to mention the club start in 6 floor ..people need to use the left/elvator which is in big queue alwayes and using the staris not good for ladies wearing high heels like i did as i end up injured in my knees using lots of stairs ..there iam spening my sunday in bed as i injuerd my knees using the stairs coz they onlu got one left/elvator going up and down and have to queue for it ..plus its hard if u are smoker b'cos all these floors and they dont have somking area .so u need to queue at the left/elvator or take the stairs like i did which sucked ...WASTE of money ..not worth spending at all ..wasted my money and time to be honest thinking it will be the best night ever as the people who advertise for it said ..its night mare specially if u had ur hair done and make up and u end up full of sweat and all ur hair wet coz its too hot to dance or walk there as it got packed with asian/arbic men ...NEVER AGAIN

Vendome Mayfair - BE WARNED! by magshake

magshake — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:26:10 +0000

Review by magshake

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7495 2595

Website: http://vendomemayfair.com/

BE WARNED! Being on the guest list at Vendome does not guarantee you entry. My friend had emailed the club and spoken to ANNIKA ZABLOCKA a number of times and arranged for a group of us to be on the guest list. We arrived at 10.30 on the prearranged Saturday night and were refused entry. It appeared that the whole queue was on the guest list. We looked respectable and were not drunk. Vendom's policy is obviously to put everyone on the 'guest list' and then pick and choose at the door. This policy is absolutely dispicable and I will never try to go back.BE WARNED! Being on the guest list at Vendome does not guarantee you entry. My friend had emailed the club and spoken to ANNIKA ZABLOCKA a number of times and arranged for a group of us to be on the guest list. We arrived at 10.30 on the prearranged Saturday night and were refused entry. It appeared that the whole queue was on the guest list. We looked respectable and were not drunk. Vendom's policy is obviously to put everyone on the 'guest list' and then pick and choose at the door. This policy is absolutely dispicable and I will never try to go back.

Metra Club & Bar - DONT GO HERE RUDE STAFF, UNHYGIENIC, OVERPRICED by n23180

n23180 — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:40:05 +0000

Review by n23180

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7734 8173

Website: http://www.metraclub.com

Tags: young and fun, reasonably priced, friendly

DONT GO HERE, RUDE STAFF, OVERPRICED, UNHYGIENIC, BAD MANAGEMENT. We went here for my cousins birthday and it was the worst night we have ever had. From the minute we walked in we were ripped off and treated in an appalling way, we had booked a reserved are and they took Â£250 off us and they shouldn't have, we had table-service and were given dirty glasses and had to wait long periods of time for any drinks to arrive. We left early as were were so appalled by the bad service.DONT GO HERE, RUDE STAFF, OVERPRICED, UNHYGIENIC, BAD MANAGEMENT. We went here for my cousins birthday and it was the worst night we have ever had. From the minute we walked in we were ripped off and treated in an appalling way, we had booked a reserved are and they took Â£250 off us and they shouldn't have, we had table-service and were given dirty glasses and had to wait long periods of time for any drinks to arrive. We left early as were were so appalled by the bad service.

Salsa! - Hot dance venue by sheilaellen

sheilaellen — Thu, 28 May 2009 19:14:37 +0000

Review by sheilaellen

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7379 3277

Tags: latin, salsa, reasonably priced

I've been to Salsa! many times for dancing. It can get very hot and sweaty, but then most salsa venues do. If you're interested in learning to dance then I'd recommend getting there early for a class, otherwise the dancing really kicks off after 10pm.I've been to Salsa! many times for dancing. It can get very hot and sweaty, but then most salsa venues do. If you're interested in learning to dance then I'd recommend getting there early for a class, otherwise the dancing really kicks off after 10pm.

The Soho Cinema - Can be fun--but too expensive by far. by rupertrogue

rupertrogue — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:00:01 +0000

Review by rupertrogue

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7734 5103

Just a somewhat grotty '1950's style' Gaumont- like cinema showing rather fuzzy gay porn. All the action takes place in the back two rows, mostly involving rather elderly customers. The young ones sit in the front, do nothing and look bored. I've had fun there, but it's worth a fiver at most- not the £12 demanded. For £12-15 Go to a sauna, or for half that go to a sleasy club like the 'Fort' or 'Play Pit'.Just a somewhat grotty '1950's style' Gaumont- like cinema showing rather fuzzy gay porn. All the action takes place in the back two rows, mostly involving rather elderly customers. The young ones sit in the front, do nothing and look bored. I've had fun there, but it's worth a fiver at most- not the £12 demanded. For £12-15 Go to a sauna, or for half that go to a sleasy club like the 'Fort' or 'Play Pit'.

Storm - west-end life by CassieB

CassieB — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 01:10:50 +0000

Review by CassieB

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7839 2633

Tags: dance, friendly, underground

Hiding underneath weatherspoons is this great little club. If you want to avoid the mega-clubs with their huge queues, crazy prices and moody doormen. Get yourself to Storm, it's on the small side but the dance floor was buzzin.Hiding underneath weatherspoons is this great little club. If you want to avoid the mega-clubs with their huge queues, crazy prices and moody doormen. Get yourself to Storm, it's on the small side but the dance floor was buzzin.

Blacks Private Club - A relaxed haven amongst the Soho mayhem... by oogywawa

oogywawa — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:52:54 +0000

Review by oogywawa

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7287 3381

Tags: friendly, young professionals, mature

When you need a place to relax with friends and forget the world with a bottle of good wine in front of a roaring fire and candlelight then Blacks comes up trumps.

Samuel Johnson and Joshua Reynolds set up a dining club in this cavernous 3 storey townhouse in 1764 and it appears that little has changed since. The decor is evocative of those heady days without being anachronistic, with simple wooden tables, wood panelled walls and a crackling open fire in most rooms. There is a miscellany of soft furnishings and seating to lounge about on and the overall feeling is of a louche cosyness as an assorted clientele rub along nicely in a spirit of bonhomie.

It was commented on that people go to Black's to be NOT seen rather than the other private London clubs such as Whites or The Groucho that are the refuge of X Factor and D-List ephemera. Given that an A-List film actor was on the table next to us and remained wonderfully anonymous it certainly gives that creedence.

There is well chosen and not badly priced wine list - we demolished several bottles of a lovely fruity, spicy Gigondas at our last visit and the food is good if unspectacular.

Black's is a special place that is perfectly happy and confident in its own skin - it doesn't have an ego, it has an awareness of self-worth and it seems to attract people that are of the same mindset.When you need a place to relax with friends and forget the world with a bottle of good wine in front of a roaring fire and candlelight then Blacks comes up trumps.

Samuel Johnson and Joshua Reynolds set up a dining club in this cavernous 3 storey townhouse in 1764 and it appears that little has changed since. The decor is evocative of those heady days without being anachronistic, with simple wooden tables, wood panelled walls and a crackling open fire in most rooms. There is a miscellany of soft furnishings and seating to lounge about on and the overall feeling is of a louche cosyness as an assorted clientele rub along nicely in a spirit of bonhomie.

It was commented on that people go to Black's to be NOT seen rather than the other private London clubs such as Whites or The Groucho that are the refuge of X Factor and D-List ephemera. Given that an A-List film actor was on the table next to us and remained wonderfully anonymous it certainly gives that creedence.

There is well chosen and not badly priced wine list - we demolished several bottles of a lovely fruity, spicy Gigondas at our last visit and the food is good if unspectacular.

Black's is a special place that is perfectly happy and confident in its own skin - it doesn't have an ego, it has an awareness of self-worth and it seems to attract people that are of the same mindset.

Ronnie Scott's - Avoid eating here by gastro1

gastro1 — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 19:52:22 +0000

Review by gastro1

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7439 0747

Website: http://www.ronniescotts.co.uk

Tags: jazz, live music, mature

Te late Ronnie Scott was famous for his joke routine that did not change much for 40 years as well as being the greatest British Jazz Saxophonist of his generation.

One of his jokes was to look at a member of the audience who was eating and say youre not going to eat that are you ?

Sally Greene has done nothing to improve the food that remains very poor.

This is still the best Jazz Club in Britain and where the top international stars tend to play and despite more people being squeezed in under the new owners the atmosphereand ambiance are great !
Te late Ronnie Scott was famous for his joke routine that did not change much for 40 years as well as being the greatest British Jazz Saxophonist of his generation.

One of his jokes was to look at a member of the audience who was eating and say youre not going to eat that are you ?

Sally Greene has done nothing to improve the food that remains very poor.

This is still the best Jazz Club in Britain and where the top international stars tend to play and despite more people being squeezed in under the new owners the atmosphereand ambiance are great !

Royal Air Force Club - Elegant traditional with pix of planes by Angella

Angella — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:37:38 +0000

Review by Angella

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7399 1000

Website: http://www.rafclub.org.uk

Tags: posh, mature

A wonderful building full of paintings of planes in action, display on Spitfires, painting of Berlin airlift.

The elegant dining room is carpeted and quiet. There is a dress code and rulings about recording devices.

You can order two-course or three course set meals, or a la carte. The a la carte menu changes fortnightly.

Starters included soup of the day and liver pate.

We watched beef being carved from a trolley which had a cover.

I had set menu, partridge. It was December, the time of year for hearing a Christmas carol about 'a partridge in a pear tree' and I'd never had partridge before. I won't again either. I always find that chicken is the favourite bird worldwide for good reason. The partridge was small tough with no special flavour. What's more it was underdone and bloody. I asked them to cook it more. However, I did like the chestnuts and the heart-shape fried bread. The green beans were suitably crisp.

The cod from the a la carte menu was good. Vegetables had to be ordered separately.

The dessert trolley included what looks like summer pudding but it's winter pudding because it contains alcohol - Mulled Wine Winter Pudding. Other choices included apple pie, fruit salad; sherry trifle, mince pies, ice creams and sorbets, Yule log. Hot desserts were Xmas pudding with brandy sauce and Rum; and chocolate sponge pudding with clotted cream.

The clotted cream was too thick, like butter. It should look and sit solid but still be suckable and slurpable.

The British cheeses were most unusual, and included Cornish Yarg wrapped in nettles.

The dining room is open lunch 12.30 pm -last orders 2.30 pm and dinner 6.30 pm to last orders at 9.15 pm.

We had cafetiere coffee. With mints in contrasting colours of foil - good to look at. We had coffee upstairs in a long lounge. You can pay your bill in the dining room but have coffee served upstairs to drink at leisure sitting in arm chairs or on sofas. The lounge was redecorated in 2008, with the best picture I've ever seen of glamorous young Elizabeth (now Queen).

The lounge is named after the man who donated the house to the RAF to be an officers' club.

the building is equally near Hyde Park and Green Park stations.
Hyde Park station has wonderful murals.

The club is open to present or previous members holding a commission with the RAF and their families, but also has reciprocal arrangements with two clubs in Edinburgh, Tanglin Club in Singapore, several in New York and more elsewhere.

I went there as the guest of somebody who is a member of the Williams Club in New York. For reciprocal club see the website www rafclub.org.uk Members of reciprocal clubs can also book accommodation.

My friend said the RAF club had a great buffet on Saturday lunch time with lots of cheeses.

If you are just visiting, pick up a copy of the magazine which members are sent. It told me about VIP members and past events. One of three survivors of The Great War, aged 112, had had a book launch here. And a young woman, the first to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross, lunched here after receiving her award nearby at Buckingham Palace.

I also read articles about the development and use of the Harrier and Lancaster planes. The bust of a plane designer is in the corridor leading to the cloakrooms. Another article explained the reason why certain planes were shown in the stained glass window installed in 2008 as the result of a bequest.A wonderful building full of paintings of planes in action, display on Spitfires, painting of Berlin airlift.

The elegant dining room is carpeted and quiet. There is a dress code and rulings about recording devices.

You can order two-course or three course set meals, or a la carte. The a la carte menu changes fortnightly.

Starters included soup of the day and liver pate.

We watched beef being carved from a trolley which had a cover.

I had set menu, partridge. It was December, the time of year for hearing a Christmas carol about 'a partridge in a pear tree' and I'd never had partridge before. I won't again either. I always find that chicken is the favourite bird worldwide for good reason. The partridge was small tough with no special flavour. What's more it was underdone and bloody. I asked them to cook it more. However, I did like the chestnuts and the heart-shape fried bread. The green beans were suitably crisp.

The cod from the a la carte menu was good. Vegetables had to be ordered separately.

The dessert trolley included what looks like summer pudding but it's winter pudding because it contains alcohol - Mulled Wine Winter Pudding. Other choices included apple pie, fruit salad; sherry trifle, mince pies, ice creams and sorbets, Yule log. Hot desserts were Xmas pudding with brandy sauce and Rum; and chocolate sponge pudding with clotted cream.

The clotted cream was too thick, like butter. It should look and sit solid but still be suckable and slurpable.

The British cheeses were most unusual, and included Cornish Yarg wrapped in nettles.

The dining room is open lunch 12.30 pm -last orders 2.30 pm and dinner 6.30 pm to last orders at 9.15 pm.

We had cafetiere coffee. With mints in contrasting colours of foil - good to look at. We had coffee upstairs in a long lounge. You can pay your bill in the dining room but have coffee served upstairs to drink at leisure sitting in arm chairs or on sofas. The lounge was redecorated in 2008, with the best picture I've ever seen of glamorous young Elizabeth (now Queen).

The lounge is named after the man who donated the house to the RAF to be an officers' club.

the building is equally near Hyde Park and Green Park stations.
Hyde Park station has wonderful murals.

The club is open to present or previous members holding a commission with the RAF and their families, but also has reciprocal arrangements with two clubs in Edinburgh, Tanglin Club in Singapore, several in New York and more elsewhere.

I went there as the guest of somebody who is a member of the Williams Club in New York. For reciprocal club see the website www rafclub.org.uk Members of reciprocal clubs can also book accommodation.

My friend said the RAF club had a great buffet on Saturday lunch time with lots of cheeses.

If you are just visiting, pick up a copy of the magazine which members are sent. It told me about VIP members and past events. One of three survivors of The Great War, aged 112, had had a book launch here. And a young woman, the first to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross, lunched here after receiving her award nearby at Buckingham Palace.

I also read articles about the development and use of the Harrier and Lancaster planes. The bust of a plane designer is in the corridor leading to the cloakrooms. Another article explained the reason why certain planes were shown in the stained glass window installed in 2008 as the result of a bequest.

Rex - Rex Bar a good time by vanessat

vanessat — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:35:20 +0000

Review by vanessat

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7287 0102

Tags: cool, posh, dance

The Rex is located near the Planet Hollywood in Picadilly. This place is a good venue to sit back and relax, dance, or eat some yummy munchies. The staff is also super friendly. To get all the perks though, you have to be a member. That costs a pricey Â£250 a year.The Rex is located near the Planet Hollywood in Picadilly. This place is a good venue to sit back and relax, dance, or eat some yummy munchies. The staff is also super friendly. To get all the perks though, you have to be a member. That costs a pricey Â£250 a year.

Royal Automobile Club - Edwardian splendour... by RyleParker

RyleParker — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:55:18 +0000

Review by RyleParker

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7930 2345

Set in the heart of St James's, the Pall Mall clubhouse is magnificent with high ceilings, rich carpets, and ornate plasterwork - as well as a fine collection of art. These help create the luxurious and comfortable atmosphere of a traditional club.

The facilities are simply too numerous to mention - 84 bedrooms, gymnasium, swimming pool, squash courts, billiards room; the club even has its own Post Office (one of the three private Post Offices in Great Britain; the others are at Buckingham Palace and the Chelsea Pensioners' Hospital).

RAC's Post Office mainly caters for members who use the well equiped Business Centre - briefcases/files are not opened in the club area!

In addition, there are many bars, lounges and restaurants; the jewel in the crown is The Great Gallery restaurant which is one of the finest in London. The Long Bar - in the club's basement, with its leather sofas/chairs and open fire - typifies the St James's environment.

Newspapers and magazines abound and The Library, with its helpful research staff, is one of the gems of SW1.

Food quality and service are excellent throughout the club and its very likely you'll see a famous face (or three) in The Great Gallery or Long Bar.

But there's more!

Just 16 miles away - Woodcote Park - a 350 acre estate set in the Epsom Downs. Built in 1679, the mansion retains the style and atmosphere of a great country house and is the perfect place for members looking to escape urban life.

Once again, the facilities are more than ample - and first class.

Two 18 hole golf courses (the '19th' is one of the finest in Surrey), gymnasium, tennis courts, croquet lawn, swimming pool, squash courts, 23 bedrooms - to name but a few.

Bars and restaurants appear all over and The Boston Grill comes into its own at the famous Derby Day lunch; members and their guests watch the race from the club's secluded grounds, overlooking the world renowned racecourse on the Downs.

A friendly atmosphere permeates in these diverse venues and both offer a wide variety of entertainment. Outings - sporting, gourmet, and cultural - are regularly arranged.

If there is a better club in the UK offering this variety and quality of facilities/services, I have not seen it.

But there's even more.....

The RAC (which has nothing to do with the car breakdown entity) has reciprocal arrangements with similar clubs throughout the world - where members can stay and use the facilities/services.

Over 60 reciprocal clubs are in 20 countries - in Europe, North & South America, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Far East etc.

My personal favourite is the New York Athletic Club which also boasts two amazing clubhouses - town and country; the former is in a prime position on Central Park South.

Set in the heart of St James's, the Pall Mall clubhouse is magnificent with high ceilings, rich carpets, and ornate plasterwork - as well as a fine collection of art. These help create the luxurious and comfortable atmosphere of a traditional club.

The facilities are simply too numerous to mention - 84 bedrooms, gymnasium, swimming pool, squash courts, billiards room; the club even has its own Post Office (one of the three private Post Offices in Great Britain; the others are at Buckingham Palace and the Chelsea Pensioners' Hospital).

RAC's Post Office mainly caters for members who use the well equiped Business Centre - briefcases/files are not opened in the club area!

In addition, there are many bars, lounges and restaurants; the jewel in the crown is The Great Gallery restaurant which is one of the finest in London. The Long Bar - in the club's basement, with its leather sofas/chairs and open fire - typifies the St James's environment.

Newspapers and magazines abound and The Library, with its helpful research staff, is one of the gems of SW1.

Food quality and service are excellent throughout the club and its very likely you'll see a famous face (or three) in The Great Gallery or Long Bar.

But there's more!

Just 16 miles away - Woodcote Park - a 350 acre estate set in the Epsom Downs. Built in 1679, the mansion retains the style and atmosphere of a great country house and is the perfect place for members looking to escape urban life.

Once again, the facilities are more than ample - and first class.

Two 18 hole golf courses (the '19th' is one of the finest in Surrey), gymnasium, tennis courts, croquet lawn, swimming pool, squash courts, 23 bedrooms - to name but a few.

Bars and restaurants appear all over and The Boston Grill comes into its own at the famous Derby Day lunch; members and their guests watch the race from the club's secluded grounds, overlooking the world renowned racecourse on the Downs.

A friendly atmosphere permeates in these diverse venues and both offer a wide variety of entertainment. Outings - sporting, gourmet, and cultural - are regularly arranged.

If there is a better club in the UK offering this variety and quality of facilities/services, I have not seen it.

But there's even more.....

The RAC (which has nothing to do with the car breakdown entity) has reciprocal arrangements with similar clubs throughout the world - where members can stay and use the facilities/services.

Over 60 reciprocal clubs are in 20 countries - in Europe, North & South America, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Far East etc.

My personal favourite is the New York Athletic Club which also boasts two amazing clubhouses - town and country; the former is in a prime position on Central Park South.

St. Moritz Club - Unusual antics by ben1982

ben1982 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 17:04:18 +0000

Review by ben1982

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7437 0525

Attracting hugely different types of people, from the leather-clad to the shiny suits of the soho media workforce and bemused tourists, this noisy basement can be a great place to head after bars have closed for a uninhibited dance! With nights ranging from indie to industrial metal, be careful as to the night you pick to visit. Drinks are also far from cheap, but the sheer variety of people usually found here guarantees a night of unusual anticsAttracting hugely different types of people, from the leather-clad to the shiny suits of the soho media workforce and bemused tourists, this noisy basement can be a great place to head after bars have closed for a uninhibited dance! With nights ranging from indie to industrial metal, be careful as to the night you pick to visit. Drinks are also far from cheap, but the sheer variety of people usually found here guarantees a night of unusual antics

Cafe De Paris - Cafe Rocks by VickieMac

VickieMac — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:48:24 +0000

Review by VickieMac

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7734 7700

Website: http://www.cafedeparis.com

Tags: hole in pocket, dance, live music

I've been to this spot a few times but Cafe Rocks was one of my best nights. They had four great bands on then some really great music into the early morning.

No problems on the door for me but we arrived around 9pm which isn't quite peak club time.

We had VIP so we had the pleasure of enjoying the balcony and when the bar closed we found ourselves ushered into a VIP room downstairs in the back with it's own bar and some really cool "beds". Very plush!

My biggest complaint with this place is the price of drinks - Â£27 for a bottle of "house" wine. I've paid this in other clubs so I guess it's normal by London club standards but that doesn't mean I have to like it!

I'd definitely hit it again.I've been to this spot a few times but Cafe Rocks was one of my best nights. They had four great bands on then some really great music into the early morning.

No problems on the door for me but we arrived around 9pm which isn't quite peak club time.

We had VIP so we had the pleasure of enjoying the balcony and when the bar closed we found ourselves ushered into a VIP room downstairs in the back with it's own bar and some really cool "beds". Very plush!

My biggest complaint with this place is the price of drinks - Â£27 for a bottle of "house" wine. I've paid this in other clubs so I guess it's normal by London club standards but that doesn't mean I have to like it!

I'd definitely hit it again.