Well, well, well. Who’d have thought it? After a year of Central London clubs closing – think The Cross, The Key, Cargo, Marquee Club, and Turnmills – and more Central London clubs closing in January (The End and AKA), the news broke yesterday that it’s not just the dance clubs being hit. Chinawhite, Paper, Cafe Royal and Dolce London have all been given their marching orders by an Israeli developer.

I heard rumblings of this a few weeks ago, but it’s finally been confirmed. It’s the end for some of London’s most iconic celebrity clubs. Contrary to what some of the papers reported last night, however, I’ve had confirmation from the clubs themselves that Paper and Cafe Royal will shut their doors for good on New Years Eve after the mother of all parties. Chinawhite, however, will close on 20th December, sorry to disappoint those of you that were looking forward to shimmying on down there for New Year. Dolce London have yet to confirm their last date, but according to reports they only have until 20th January.

Now I used to be a big fan of that scene a few years ago when I had blonde extensions and would totter about in my smallest mini dress. Fast forward a few years and I can’t imagine anything worse than hitting Chinawhite on a Saturday night. Still, it’s undeniable that this recent development is going to change the face of London’s club land. These are some of the biggest names on the scene and, love them or loathe them, they have stood the test of time. Cafe Royal played host to such legends as Oscar Wilde, after all (although I doubt he was grinding on the dancefloor!). Paper has held some huge celebrity bashes, including The Bank Job premiere afterparty, Estelle’s album launch, P Diddy’s post Diana concert bash, Beyonce’s Wembley Arena concert afterparty and Keira Knightley’s 21st birthday. Chinawhite, um, held a Shipwrecked party… OK, I’m being a little unfair but I’m not a big fan. Dolce London must be gutted, they’ve only been around since January, they’re just babes in arms in terms of the big clubs.

Still, I reckon the newbies on the scene are rubbing their hands in glee – to be honest, even funkybuddha and Bungalow 8 must be happy about the news! Taman Gang has just launched a new club space and Jalouse, Whisky Mist and Vendome Mayfair now have space to thrust themselves further into the limelight. Where one celebrity club closes, another five spring up in their space like rabbits (or weeds, depending on your point of view!).

Goodbye Chinawhite, Dolce London, Paper and Cafe Royal, it’s been nice knowing you!