Studio Valbonne aims to recreate the glamorous side of the '80s. At the upmarket end of the West End, it is predictably expensive but generally delivers.

The Venue
The entrance can be found on the secluded Kingly Street, just off Regent Street. You enter through a tiny gate and up a staircase to be greeted with the whole expanse of the club laid out before you in wonderful colour and light.

The club claims to reject the ultra modern look and feel of its contemporaries and instead chooses to decorate its interior with rich reds, golds and purples. This is to evoke the decadent party scene of '80s London that saw the likes of Boy George, Madonna and George Michael hosting glamorous nights at the old Studio Valbonne. There are plenty of plump red velvet and smooth brown leather banquettes around the walls for VIP seating and there is a separate VIP area with its own private bar. The 10m square dancefloor is in the centre of the club with two flanking bars.

The Atmosphere
Studio Valbonne likes to project an image of glamour, exclusivity and sophistication, but in reality it is less formal than that. People in stylish dresses and shirts mingle with more scantily-clad younger girls and guys in jeans who are simply there to dance, have a good time and flirt with each other. It's fairly expensive, but no different from the other West End clubs, and certainly doesn’t seem to discourage people, although the entry policy claims to be quite strict. The doormen and bar staff are generally efficient and polite, but you can end up spending a lot of time at the bar during busy periods.

The atmosphere is generally more open and relaxed than at other upmarket clubs – there is an air of civility, warmth and friendliness among the clientele.

The Music
The DJ tends to play mainly current chart hits with some older classic pop, RnB and hip hop tunes – basically whatever is guaranteed to get people onto the dancefloor. This is a club that uses its decor and ambience to set the scene, it is not one of those darkened concrete walled, warehouse-type clubs that relies solely on its music to create an atmosphere.

The Food
The restaurant at Studio Valbonne offers a limited a la carte menu comprising modern pan-European dishes. It is quite expensive; around £35-45 a head, excluding drinks. The club also serves late snacks after the restaurant closes.

The Drink
The club has a large list of premium whiskies, vodkas and Champagnes, as well as the usual spirits and cocktails. The prices are expensive, but glasses of standard wine are quite reasonable.

The Last Word
Relax and have unpretentious fun in an opulent glamorous setting that is contemporary but not garishly modern. Studio Valbonne is a club where the surroundings contribute to the experience as much as the clientele and the music.

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