338 Boord Street,
Greenwich,
London,
SE10 0PF
(020) 8467 1700
The ViewLondon Review
THAT, the reincarnated The House and Terrace, aims to bring a slice of Ibiza to North Greenwich.
The Venue
THAT London, a short stumble away from the O2 Arena on the Greenwich Peninsula, is aiming to be London’s next big club. And God knows we need it. The Key, The Cross, The End and, sniff, Turnmills have all snuffed it in the past few years, leaving a massive decks-shaped hole in London’s club scene. With a 1,800 capacity it’s certainly showing off its desire to become one of London’s top superclubs, a reality that’s looking ever more likely as all of its competition fades to black.
THAT London stands out from its not-so-central surroundings, circumvented by industry and ugly new-build apartments. The decor is, happily, very Ibiza-like with stark seating and sharp colours complementing the cushy maroon interiors and spacious dancefloor. So far, so Space.
The interior and exterior design is pleasant if uninspiring although the owners have got it spot-on. A club is a club, after all, not a Victorian-themed gastropub (irregardless of its mock-Tudor facade). The terrace is especially well-decked out with cosy treetop roofing and charmingly understated lighting. VIP booths are suitably opulent, looking like a philosopher’s back bedroom, although they’ll set you back a cool £500-£1000.
The Atmosphere
Considering THAT London labels itself as a slice of Ibiza, there shouldn’t be much attitude or pretension – more like loved-up day-glowed dance freaks hugging and kissing to the beat. However, depending on the night you go, you’ll barely clock sight of anyone resembling a ‘raver’; more like stag and hen dos fancying a change of scenery from their local clubs. Not that this is a bad thing. The door staff help to ease any bravado with a mild manner and almost friendly exterior; a minor miracle in London, let alone Greenwich.
Perhaps a little cheesy, they also offer a range of additional entertainment here to further spice up your night. Dancers, a percussionist, saxophonist and even a magician, fire breathers and stilt walkers have been known to stroll about the club.
The Music
The DJs who are THAT London's most clued-up accoutrements, supply an endless conveyor belt of agreeable house tunes with skill and a hint of panache. There’s a good choice of nights on offer, the launch party for example came courtesy of Kinky Malinky. In Bed with Space adds a further nod to its Ibizan desires, utilising the club's first international promotor, with DJs like Jon Allegro and the Trophy Twins throwing out the tunes.
They have managed to pull in a couple of well known club nights, as well. Namely, Plush Dafunk and Smartie Partie, which have languished at some of London’s more established clubs. It’s certainly a step in the right direction.
The Drink
You’d expect drinks to be done quicker than a Peaches Geldof marriage here, but surprisingly the staff seem to take care and attention pouring the mojitos, which are just the right side of fresh without overdoing the mint like so many other London clubs. Likewise, a vodka martini is mixed so sweetly you can tell which brand of vodka is hitting the back of your throat before you’ve barely had a sip. Later on, and with a few too many spirits contending for stomach space, it’s on to the beers. The selection of which hardly sets the pulse racing, but this isn’t a Putney ale house (it certainly isn’t the boat race), so a Becks and a Corona, chilled agreeably, are more than adequate.
The Last Word
If you like a bit of a dance, a drink and a flirt then THAT London is one to tick off the London list. It may not have yet reached the dizzying heights of Ministry or Matter but it’s definitely crawling its way up the social ladder.
THAT London has been reviewed by 4 users