A Friday evening filled with glitz, glam and Gatsby is a hard offer to turn down. So on a cold night, I found myself in the trappings of The London Cabaret Club, for an evening that was simply spellbinding and provided both food and frivolities.
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The Venue – The London Cabaret Club
I’d visited the iconic London venue, based in Bloomsbury Ballroom, once before and had such a fun night. As soon as you enter the venue, there’s an air of mystery.
You’re taken to a dimly-lit room that boasts cosy chairs and a large bar and you can pick from a booming cocktail list before enjoying a spot of pre-show entertainment that gets you in the mood for the main event.
Intriguing Gatsby-eseque features were added to the space, to make you feel like you were at one of Jay’s 1920s bashes, and the cast sure does bring the atmosphere.
Paul McDowell is a crooner who plays a modern-day Frank, and Hannah Goodman is Daisy. There’s no doubting these two can sing and perform. That, plus their on-stage connection, makes for compelling viewing.
The ballroom is impressively large, with dining taking place around the stage which is positioned pride of place in the middle. Candles twinkle, colourful hues bounce off the walls, and the room fizzes with music.
Drinks – The London Cabaret Club
With a drink in hand, we basked in performance, unlike Great Gatsby. The performance is Baz Luhrmann-esque, with new techniques, music periods, and costumes at every turn.
The crowd lights up when Britney’s Toxic is sung loudly, as well as the music Top Hat is heard. And it’s a lot of fun.
A group of women celebrating their 60th birthday surged to their feet and shook their hips to the music. A 40th birthday party burst onto the dance floor, whizzing and swirling about to the music.
There’s a lot to see, including high-energy sequences, seductive Gatsby and Daisy duets, and adorable canines. The feather boas, pearls, and Champagne gushing out of glasses will not disappoint.
Menu – The London Cabaret Club
You almost forget you have to eat as you’re whirled away with the music and impressive dancing. However, the food was delivered slower than it should’ve been, coming out over the course of three hours.
The cod croquettes were a little lacklustre, but the sweet potato pavé and chicken course for the main were delicious. For dessert, it’s all about the blood orange passion fruit mousse which is totally worth the wait.
We accompanied our feast with a bottle of white, which went down far too fast but hardly surprising given we felt like we were at a Gatsby party!
Expert Conclusion
Those hooked on The London Cabaret Club will be excited about the heart of its expansion, with the immersive experience set to launch in Dubai’s Soho Garden Palm Jumeirah club. It will open with the Bond-inspired show London Never Dies, and if you’re in the area it’ll be one for the bucket list.
✔️ Overall Rating – 8/10
📍 Bloomsbury
💰 ££
👨🍳 Our Expert: Lottie Hulme
Website: www.thelondoncabaretclub.com