This week ViewLondon introduces our new guy about town and all-around gossip hound, John Gough. With his finger on the pulse of the London club scene, every Friday he'll be bringing us all of his party ups and downs and hot club tips... with a little help from his celebrity pals, of course! Over to you, John...
There must be something about the sunshine that brings out the future AA-attendee in us all, because the Bank Holiday was all about bar-hopping for most of us, wasn’t it? OK, I know what you’re thinking – that’s nothing new, but London clubs definitely get busier at this time of year. I squeezed a hotel stay, five nightclubs, a Brixton house party and a swanky Holland Park dinner into my Bank Holiday, and emerged unscathed (except for falling asleep and leaving my new Patrick Cox silver shoes behind when someone helpfully carried me to the car!).
Celebrity Spots
Before I go any further, it’s time to brag about the celebrity ‘friends’ (are there any other kind?) I’ve bumped into this week. First of all, I was more than a little excited to be next to royalty at Le Caprice. Well, gay royalty anyway. I was quite the voyeur watching Sir Elton John tuck into his dinner with some gusto. I just couldn’t resist introducing myself - I wanted to know what he was ordering!
Tuesday is the day the trustafarians hit Mayfair tropical hotspot Mahiki. I had a chuckle to myself at Kelly Osborne when I saw her there this week - she was so drunk she needed helping out by the manager! Now that had to hurt in the morning!
Mind you, she was nothing next to the pornography and plastic surgery legend that is Jenna Jameson, who I saw at Dolce, Amika and Chinawhite last week (no, I’m not her stalker!). She was asked to leave Chinawhite for taking a friend into the toilets with her, although I’m sure she wasn’t there for anything untoward… right?
Top Club
Mo*vida really pull it out of the bag time after time, don’t they? On Wednesday I checked out their Fash Bash party, which played host to fashion designer and Prince William’s new polo pal Henry Holland. Gutted you missed it? Check out their End of Season party for premiership footballers and assorted VIPs on Sunday – it’ll be wannabe WAGs aplenty as well as the fashion set. I can’t wait!
Top Bar
Anyone who hasn’t checked out the new Zebrano at the Establishment on Greek Street in Soho should head along this Saturday. This is one of my favourite nights in London at the moment! Toss aside your pretensions, stop taking yourself so seriously and get your face painted, wear bright neon colours and throw on some joke glasses with fashionista Terry-James Lynch and his motley crew of drag queens and oddballs. I find there’s always a great mixed vibe with really approachable people, and (best of all) the drinks start at £3, so there’s no excuse not to be hammered by the end of the night. Line them up on the bar for me!
Big News
OK, here comes my serious moment…. They don’t happen very often, so sit up and pay attention. Last night Dolce on Air Street played host to a benefit night for the Against Breast Cancer charity. Hosted by infamous Joe Caulfield - who will also be taking part in the charity’s bike ride on Sunday through Oxfordshire - it’s all in the name of raising funds for further research into a vaccine to protect women from this killer disease. The charity believe a vaccine is just a few years away, so dig deep and let’s make it happen - save the breasts! You can learn more and donate at www.aabc.org.uk.
My Top 5 Clubs
Still stuck for ideas? Here are my top five this week.
1. PUNK
Lily Allen doesn’t let a week go by without falling out of this place and swearing at the paps.
2. 20 Kensington Church Street
After playing host to the afterparty for the Soap Awards last Sunday, this place is definitely worth a look – even if you don’t fancy pulling a D-Lister!
3. Studio Valbonne
With Calum ‘I’ll go to the opening of an envelope’ Best hosting this Thursday and Jade Jagger’s Jezabels taking to the decks, Valbonne is having a night dedicated to celebrities’ kids.
4. Mamilanji
Is West best? Loafers are back in fashion so slip them on to bring out your inner Sloane on the Kings Road.
5. 93 Feet East
We all need some East End edge in our lives. With the credit crunch upon us and our shopping bags sure to take a hit, it’s the perfect excuse NOT to dress up.
I totally rate Punk, too! I went there at the weekend - the bouncers were a little arsey, but the night rocked!
Kelly Osbourne - what a damn state! At least she parties it up in style, tho!