Reviews by MusicallyLed30yroldFemale

Bethnal Green Working Men's Club (Club)
16 October 2007

This place has been hosting Circus - a night hosted by Jodie Harsh, drag queen extraordinaire - for the last few months now. The venue itself is very 70s, very retro, but the addition of the bespoke nights gives it a highly glam, almost risque feel. With varied nights such as Circus, Gay Bingo, and other cabaret-style events, this draws the right crowd. Often there are curious, nosey parkers who come along to have a good look at what's going on, and who can blame them? Jodie and Johnny Woo certainly know how to throw a party, playing everything from glam dance tracks to downright trashy indie-electro-punk-synth!

Drinks are average prices, and the atmosphere is very good. You can sometimes feel a bit out of your depth, and there is quite a big gay following, but on the whole a great night - shame it's only till 2am. Conclusion: get down there for something different... oh, and make an effort!!

Cafe de Paris (Club)
15 October 2007

I went to CDP a couple years back with a member of the boss's family. We got VIP, which was nice. However, the area was full of suited guys and younger, foreign-looking young ladies who seemed to like their champagne free of charge. Looked like they were working hard that night, I can tell you...

The venue itself is OK, the decor however has seen better days but you have to remember CDP is a brand and the logo and the decor is what sells the place. Music-wise, the policy is commercial plus a bit of cheese and R'n'B. On one of the occasions I went they had a fantastic bongo player, which was a hoot. Generally though, they should rethink their music policy. The VIP section is very nice, with lots of nice comfy bed areas to lounge on, but then I'm not that much of a poser so bored of it after a little while. Doorstaff very rude and obnoxious on a couple of occasions I attended, which is a shame. Unfortunately they clearly do not have concise instructions on who to let in and who to keep out. The redeeming feature in the place for me personally is the balcony, as it's fun to people-spot and have a walk right around when the bed-lounging gets a bit boring.

Keep CDP for filming shoots for 'How to Look Good Naked'. As a club it's not that great and, overall, not my first choice for a Saturday night out... maybe my 5th or 6th choice.

Fabric (Club)
09 October 2007

Fabric is most definitely a club for discerning clubbers. While a lot of London's clubs are going with this new 'minimal/tech/electro' uprising, Fabric keeps it real - that is, for the people, by the people. There is no dress code, unlike other pretentious clubs asking you to do the 'Shoreditch or Camden look' - whatever that is...

People who appreciate their music frequent this club. Yes, it is touristy - everybody has heard of Fabric, who wouldn't want to go? And yes, it is full of people on drugs. However there is a zero tolerance policy and in spite of drug use being quite brazen in Fabric, there have been many dealers finding themselves on the wrong side of the doorstaff there. Who, I should add, are a truly professional bunch and are damn good at their jobs. They are all SIA licensed and regulated and very polite considering the dribbling messes they have to endure for 9+ hours a night.

The DJ line ups are unsurpassed, week in week out, so dont be too put off by the bar prices. Think of a £20 round as an investment - after all, if you can get through the door before 11pm on a Sasha night you've contributed to his pay for that set! The layout is spot-on, lights and sound system are the best in the world.

The crowd is always up for it and friendly. Yes there are a few pests, but if you're a girl who can handle herself and isn't intimidated easily, you will be fine. There are posters around the venue requesting you report any behaviour that upsets you - the club does take the wellbeing of its patrons very seriously.

Believe the hype and get yourself down to Fabric. Then, try the other clubs in London and compare for yourself.