DINING & NIGHTLIFEProud2Step inside this stylish superclub and you might think atipple too many has transported you to the clubbing capitalof Las Vegas. Trapeze artists dangle from the ceiling anddrag queens accessorise the decadent décor, in what isin fact the latest addition to <strong>London</strong>’s nightlife scene –Proud2. Situated in the O 2 , the club formerly known asMatter has undergone a major makeover, transforming theindustrial-style interior into an ultra glamorous superclubsetting. Its weekend club nights and circus-themedproductions promise to change destination clubbing in thecapital, with snake charmers, aerialists and performanceart just some of the entertainment on offer. Geometricpatterned walls and 1960s modernist chandeliers providean added feast for the eyes, while the DJ line-up willimpress even the most dedicated clubber. Caroline MerryThe O 2 , Peninsula Square, SE1. % 020 8463 3070. :proud2.com Ë North Greenwich. Map inset.Cave for its excellent wine list,The Brasserie for dining and acharming terrace.8 Lancashire Court, BrookStreet, W1. % 020 76591500. : hush.co.ukË Bond Street. Map C4.IcEBar By IcEHoTELThis famous bar is madeentirely of ice – walk into astreet scene complete withdistorting mirrors and frozengraffiti. Book a 40-minuteslot, slip on the thermal capeand mittens provided and tuckinto tasty cocktails – evenyour glass is ice. RestaurantBelowzero offers deliciousmodern European food. ££.31-33 Heddon Street, W1.% 020 7478 8910.: belowzerolondon.comË Piccadilly Circus.Map C5.JEWELThe Beckhams and JenniferLopez have partied at thischic West End bar and club. Itboasts fabulous cocktails anda luscious interior, divided intogem-themed rooms, plus tastysnack plates.4-6 Glasshouse Street,W1. % 020 7478 0780.: jewelpiccadilly.co.ukË Piccadilly Circus.Map C5.purLOne of the hottest openingsof 2010, this bar has takenmixology beyond art andinto (weird) science – try aMr Hyde’s Fixer Upper: arum-based delight in a potionbottle resting in dry ice. Thequirky décor resembles aVictorian boffin’s living room.50/54 Blandford Street, W1.% 020 7935 0835.: purl-london.comË Baker Street. Map B4.clubsBaTHHousE, THEExtremely quirky supper clubin a fantastic 19th-centurybuilding. It offers all sorts ofentertainment, from burlesqueand cabaret to mixed musicnights. Look out for TheTassel Club every Thurs.7-8 BishopsgateChurchyard, EC2.% 020 7920 9207.: thebathhousevenue.com Ë Liverpool StreetMap B9.GuaNaBaraOne of central <strong>London</strong>’sliveliest spots for dancing, thiscavernous Brazilian bar andclub is always jumping. Don’tleave without sampling thedelicious house caipirinhas.Parker Street, WC2. % 0207242 8600. : guanabara.co.uk Ë Holborn. Map B6.HEavENWorld-famous gay venueand an exceedingly fun nightout. Home to dance nightsincluding G-A-Y (Thurs-Sat).Expect caterwauling divas anda young crowd moving to thelatest anthems.Off Villiers Street, WC2.% 020 7930 2020.: heavennightclublondon.comË CharingCross/Embankment.Map C6.KoKoThis historic venue has beena pleasure palace of one sortor another since 1900. Ithosts a huge range of music,as well as the legendaryGuilty Pleasures night on thelast Sat of the month.1a Camden High Street,NW1. % 0870 4325 527.: koko.uk.comË Mornington Crescent.Off map.maDamE JoJosOld-school, anything-goesvenue with nights rangingfrom cabaret to rockabilly, andlive bands. No dress code buton some nights you might feeldowdy next to <strong>London</strong>’s mostfabulous drag queens.8-10 Brewer Street, W1.% 020 7734 3040.: madamejojos.comË Piccadilly Circus.Map C5.maHIKIThis Polynesian-themed cluboffers lots of fun cocktails– why not try an infamousMahiki Treasure Chest inhonour of Prince William’swedding – he is a fan after all.Other celebrity visitors includeMadonna.1 Dover Street, W1. % 0207493 9529. : mahiki.comË Green Park. Map C5.NoTTING HILLarTs cLuBWest <strong>London</strong>’s favourite club:an intimate subterraneanvenue with a well-deservedreputation for exhibitions andoriginal music sets, whetherska, disco or hip-hop.21 Notting Hill Gate, W11.% 020 7460 4459.: nottinghillartsclub.comË Notting Hill. Off map.pIGaLLE cLuB, THETaking inspiration from theeponymous 1930s supperclubin all its decadent glory.Pop in for drinks, dinner andentertainment, followed bydancing until late.215 Piccadilly, W1. % 0207734 8142. : thepigalleclub.com Ë PiccadillyCircus. Map C5.roNNIE scoTT’sThe famous Soho jazzclub celebrated its 50thanniversary last year. Dineon modern European cuisinewhile listening to some ofthe best jazz, funk and soularound. Booking essential.47 Frith Street, W1. % 0207439 0747. : ronniescotts.co.uk Ë Tottenham CourtRoad. Map B5.saLsa!You don’t need to be ableto salsa here – just turn upearly to grab a partner andjoin in the dance lessons.Great value.96 Charing Cross Road,WC2. % 020 7379 3277.: barsalsa.info Ë CoventGarden. Map C4.WILmINGToN armsA vibrant pub near ExmouthMarket hosting live indiemusic, DJs and excellentcomedy and club nights.69 Rosebery Avenue, EC1.% 020 7837 1384.: thewilmingtonarms.co.uk Ë Farringdon.Map A7.120 | visitlondon.com | LONDON PLANNER | June 2011
HaandiAdvertisemeNtPark terrace restaurant & BarDINING & NIGHTLIFEEnter from Cheval Place at the rear and a small bararea opens onto the plush, lush main salon.Decorated with muted colours, fabrics, tropicalgreenery and sparkling mirrors it leaves no doubt as toHaandi’s African origin. The glass-enclosed kitchenremains the focal point as the chefs add an element ofdrama to the whole dining experience. Specialising inNorth Indian Frontier cuisine, the masalas are freshlyprepareddaily and everything is created in house.Celebrating their 10th anniversary, Haandi is a trulyauthentic Indian restaurant aimed at a clientele thatknows its raitas from its rotis.2 entrances: 7 Cheval Place, <strong>London</strong>, sW7136 Brompton road, <strong>London</strong>, sW3% 020 7823 7373Ë Knightsbridge: www.haandi-restaurants.comthe sea shellThe Park Terrace restaurant at the Royal GardenHotel, overlooking Kensington Gardens, is now open.The restaurant is divided into three areas: a restaurantserving a la carte British cuisine, with a strong focuson locally sourced ingredients: a lounge area offeringall day dining and afternoon tea: and a stylish barserving an extensive selection of drinks. The DuJour lunch menu is just £15.50 for two courses andour famous afternoon tea, with views of KensingtonGardens is available from £22.Quote ‘<strong>London</strong> Planner’ and you can enjoy acomplimentary Glass of Champagne with any lunch anddinner booking until the end of June.royal Garden Hotel2-24 Kensington High street, <strong>London</strong>, W8 4PL% 020 7361 0602Ë High street Kensington: www.parkterracerestaurant.co.ukmr. FishFor over forty years, The Sea Shell restaurant in<strong>London</strong> has been serving the great British traditionof fish and chips. The Sea Shell has gained a greatreputation with stars and celebrities alike, beinglocated close to many hotels and some of <strong>London</strong>’smost famous landmarks – such as Madame Tussaud’s,Abbey Road and <strong>London</strong> Zoo.Mon-Fri 12-2.30pm; 5-10.30pm; Sat 12-10.30pm;closed Sunday’s.49-51 Lisson Grove, NW1 6UH% 020 7224 9000Ë marylebone: www.seashellrestaurant.co.ukFor a truly traditional British Fish and Chipsexperience, head over to Mr Fish, conveniently locatedin vibrant Bayswater. The 70 seater restaurant withits fully licensed bar is an ideal destination for agreat lunch or dinner. Choose from a classic Cod andChips with mushy peas and a refreshing beer, to asumptuous grilled Seabass, Plaice or Halibut washeddown with a fine glass of wine. Make sure to presentthis advert for 15% off your total bill when you dine inat <strong>London</strong>’s Premier Fish & Chips.. One bite and you’llbe hooked! Recommended by TIME OUT LONDON.Opening times: 11.00am to 11.30pm daily9 Porchester road, Bayswater, W2 5dP% 020 7229 4161Ë Bayswater/Queensway/royal Oak: www.mrfish.uk.comJune 2011 | LONDON PLANNER | visitlondon.com |121