12-13 Greek Street,
Soho,
London,
W1D 4DJ
(020) 7025 7844
The ViewLondon Review
In seen it all Soho it’s hard to impress. Clubs come, clubs go and generally they are so homogenous that if you weren’t paying attention you could blink and be none the wiser. Diu breaks the mould in breathtaking fashion.
The Venue
No corner has been cut, no detail is too small and the design of the club is truly unique and luxurious. Illuminated tables stretching down to the DJ booth glow in the dark and from there the exploration begins. The main room’s arched ceiling is a feature in itself with twinkling LED lights, there’s a nook of seating off it that’s perfect for private parties and another room at the back that’s just as much fun as the front half of the club with its motion detector security beams criss-crossing the doorway and slices of the same luminous green backlit in the floor. Even the loos are impressive with their burnished gold laquered doors and black on black embossed floor tiles.
The Atmosphere
Gerard Butler look-alikes, girls encased in high fashion rubber leggings and heels…and that’s just the staff. Be prepared to fall in love at first sight several times in a night as the genetically blessed tear up the dancefloor, laugh, joke and dance some more. And then, there’s that motion detector style doorway. Cue, photo opportunities galore and hours of fun pretending to climb through it.
The Music
From disco to electro to house, the music is upbeat and, most importantly, will keep you dancing all night. Boy George set the standard when he manned the decks at the launch party and Diu’s discerning door policy (you don’t have to book a table but you do need to make an advance reservation) ensures that everyone arrives prepared to party till the early hours.
The Drink
With such sumptuous surroundings and a talented mixologist behind the bar, Diu could easily double their prices but it’s reassuring that they haven’t gone down the bleed-the-suckers-dry route that so many high end clubs have. It’s certainly not cheap but it’s not obscenely expensive either. Glasses of house red and white cost £6 and whilst it’s not the finest wine you’ll have ever tasted, it’s more than palatable for the price. Glasses of Champagne start at £12 but if you’re a fan of cocktails you’re in luck as these guys certainly know their stuff. The Diu Classic (£12) is a twist on a traditional Champagne Cocktail and blends Perrier Jouet Champagne with lychee, lemon and vanilla.The Forbidden Fruit cocktail is just as imaginative – Finlandia grapefruit vodka, pomegranate liqueur, fresh watermelon and passionfruit are shaken together and it’s served long, charged with fresh apple juice and vanilla syrup.
The Last Word
With its phenomenal decor, exceptional staff and commitment to quality music, Diu deserves to become a regular Soho haunt for the capital’s most discerning night owls. Highly recommended.
Diu has been reviewed by 26 users