For those of us regulars of Chelsea’s vibrant social map of restaurants, bars and clubs, we always appreciate the opening of new venues, especially when these feature fabulous food, an exciting concept, and an all encompassing offering from restaurant, bar and nightclub to a series of private luxury serviced suites.

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Paris’ most avant-garde cabaret, the legendary Crazy Horse is one of the city’s top nightly attractions. Also, we were agreeably surprised to receive an invitation from Printemps Paris to their latest Crazy Horse on Show series at the Printemps department store on Boulevard Haussman.

The event, presented by Philippe Decouflé and Ali Mahdavi, supports the Printemps Passions special operation this month, which celebrates seduction and women’s most glamorous trump cards, namely lingerie and beauty. Read the rest of this entry »

Being born and raised in Paris, if there is one thing that remained somewhat remote to me so far in London, it was the pub culture. Perhaps this is because I prefer the more French choice of wine or champagne to the traditionally British beer mugs. But in the interesting case of Geronimo Inns, we are speaking of a highly talented ex Veuve Clicquot executive launching a refined pub group with an ethos ranging from its truly refined food menus, a unique warmth and service and a strong sense of community to the highest standards of quality in every detail of their 27 venues.

I had the pleasure of discovering it all for myself through a delicious dinner at the group’s new “Geronimo-revamped” pub which just popped up down the stairs from our office: The Elgin in Notting Hill. Read the rest of this entry »

In its August 1 2009 issue, the bountiful FT supplement How To Spend It had a star on its cover I could not endorse more: the French Riviera. The issue passed into review why one of the most classic and chic destinations in the world is the one that sustains the most: the Survival of the Chicest. Indeed, ever since Queen Victoria, Tsar Alexander II of Russia, Napoleon III and Leopold II of Belgium, set foot on it, everything Paris has become to fashion, the Côte d’azur has become to leisure.

The Riviera has developed its hidden private hideaways, such as its classic Cap D’Antibes and the reviving Cap-Ferrat, as well as its hot spots in Saint Tropez, with its social life and beaches, in Cannes, with its Palais and festivals, and of course in Monaco, with its casino, hotels and nightlife. A lot of the time, the best places on the Côte d’azur are synonymous with the best places in the world, and this is the case I believe of the place I’ve just spent the evening at: the Bar Américain in the Hotel de Paris, which is one of the most sought after bars in Monaco. Read the rest of this entry »

For any regulars of London’s exclusive nightclubs, Aura, the club on St James Street,  has been a key spot over the past eight years. While over time, more and more inviting options have presented themselves, for example the new clubs on the map Whiskey Mist and Jalouse, or the well established Cuckoo and Maddox, not to mention the timeless classics which are Annabel’s and Tramp, Aura has managed to create for itself not a new name but better than that: a new aura.

Featuring its more than desirable location on St James’s Street, the new Aura, owned and ran by a strong, restructured and truly focussed team, is more than just a club, it also features its own restaurant and bar. Read the rest of this entry »

My House is a nightclub, recently launched in Los Angeles. Serving as a world-class nightclub in star-studded Hollywood and set against the captivating backdrop of a contemporary, luxury home - the club’s interiors redefine the classic house party by giving you the feeling as if you entered someone’s private home.

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