The club at Automat is a star-studded basement where the beats really bounce.

The Venue
A reassuringly exclusive back-door entrance leads you to the area below the well-known Mayfair American brasserie, Automat. This is a basement best described as a ‘sophisticated squat-party’ venue. The brickwork is exposed, the coats are hung on a metal clothes rail at the bottom of the stairs, and the bar is made of undecorated hardboard. Large leather sofas provide the seating around the dimly lit dancefloor with plain wooden tables sporadically dotted around the club being the only other furniture in the place.

However, word on the (Dover) street is that the venue is soon to be refurbished into the more generic, plush, Mayfair members bar we are used to seeing spring up in the area. So go now if you can.

The Atmosphere
The makeshift appearance of the ‘secret’ club at Automat seems to lend a more laid-back atmosphere to the night then you would expect in this part of town. As this is currently open for private parties, events and ‘special invitation’ only, the clientele are knowingly cool and collected. Princess Beatrice had her birthday party here and the reminiscences of royalty remain even at other events. All the staff are extraordinarily friendly – not surprising as they have never had to deal with a non-payer or a cage-fighting wannabe.

The Music
It’s up to the people holding the party what tunes they get on the turntables – but electro house and party classics seems to be the most popular genres for getting the well-heeled feet on the dancefloor.

The Drink
Apple Mojitos and raspberry Bellinis are two of the house specialities at the Automat Club. Due to the private functioning of the venue, there is no drinks lists or prices – you get what you are (very nicely) given. But it’s sure to be good.

The Last Word
A place that really is difficult to get into, whoever you are, gives Automat an added glamour that makes it immediately interesting. With a guaranteed cool crowd, free drinks and decor denoting East in the heart of West – this is a place that should go to the top of your ‘get me in, whatever it takes’ list.

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