At his trial, Oscar Wilde said that his aim in life had been self-realisation through pleasure, and this sexy new London nightspot in Soho is testament to the raunchy poet’s policy of hedonism.

The Venue
Set in the middle of London’s busiest bar zone, the Green Carnation is the latest destination de decadence for the Soho set looking to add some sparkle to their Saturday night. The lavish decor straddles the line between Victorian grandeur and Bohemian comfort with impeccable style. Upstairs, fleur de lys wallpaper and plum velvet chaise lounges ooze decadence, while the delicate fabric of the upholstered ottomans is protected in a glass casing, so you don’t have to worry about spilling your drink. The mood is reminiscent of a plush members club, where pleasure-seekers can nuzzle in candle-lit corners, sipping heady cocktails of exotic liqueurs from distant seaports.

The Atmosphere
Don’t be fooled by the sleek doormen sporting black suits and bowties, the atmosphere at Green Carnation is surprisingly laid back. Chandeliers and gilt frames let you know you are in a high-brow establishment, and you can’t help but feel indulgent as you sink into one of the soft leather chaise lounges. The music is sexy and chilled and you don’t have to yell to be heard. The atmosphere is one of pure indulgence, and, whether or not they have a green carnation in their lapel, the crowd all share a common aim - the pursuit of pleasure.

The Music
Downstairs there is more of a good-time disco feel. The mood is more upbeat and raucous than the upstairs lounge, with sweaty bodies spilling from the spacious dance floor to the bar. The music policy is suave upstairs with the usual party mix downstairs. Special guest DJ nights mix up the pace.

The Drink
Prices are reasonable at Green Carnation, especially for Soho, but don’t expect to grab a bargain. Bottles of beer start at £3.50 and the cocktail list is impressive albeit, featuring the usual suspects. For those wanting to splash out, a wide selection of champagnes is available in the upstairs bar.

The Last Word
Bringing a touch of class to Soho, the Green Carnation has something for everyone from the opulent feel of the upstairs lounge bar to retro flashing walls that light up and the disco vibe downstairs. Whatever your mood, this new kid on the block will cater for all, and you may even pick up some snippets of Oscar Wilde’s poetry, which are scrawled on the walls and toilet doors.

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