5-7 Brewer Street,
Soho,
London,
W1F 0RF
(020) 7317 9270
The ViewLondon Review
Unashamedly camp yet luxuriously exclusive, Shadow Lounge proves that the unlikely combination of elegant and camp is possible.
The Venue
The velvet canopy above the door, a visual landmark on Brewer Street, is the first visual reference to Shadow Lounge. For some reason it inspires images of large, classic, Manhattan nightclubs but, once inside, the diminutive space serves as proof
that, sometimes, the best things come in small packages. The space is limited to a medium-sized room, cleverly split in two levels and, overall, it has a 300-capacity. In this exclusive retreat, the decor is opulent, declaredly camp but elegant rather than
tacky: the walls are encrusted with gold leaf, the padded benches are also golden and the black ceiling is dotted with LED lights, programmable to look like the sky.
There are seven booths (six seating up to 6-8 people plus a larger one) around the walls, all of which are nested into their own vaults and come decorated with glass chandeliers and mirrors. You will also find a bar, a DJ booth and a small stage. In the
middle, a few steps below, there is a sunken dance floor surrounded by a few chairs and tables. Overall, the effect is more Marie Antoinette chic than cheap and garish.
The Atmosphere
Despite the grand decor, the good drinks list and the very catchy music, Shadow Lounge is all about the atmosphere. An incredibly successful members’ club since it opened in 2001, the space is open to the public at weekends, or by invitation or
guestlist during the week (entry is £5 during the week and £10 on weekends), but it has a strong focus on membership (£350 per year, with discounts available for non-London residents and under-27s). The active members’ list is around 600 and many
celebrities can be counted in the list. Expect to meet the most upmarket and fashionable section of the gay population pressing at its doors and it is definitely advised to make an effort to look elegant and stylish before being screened at the
entrance.
A favourite with the media and fashion crowd, Shadow Lounge is, maybe surprisingly, very approachable - the staff are just delightful and there is a general friendly atmosphere permeating the space. Conversations spark up quickly and easily and good
nights of unrestrained fun are almost guaranteed.
The Music
Pop music, current chart hits, party anthems and commercial dance are all part of the music policy, one that’s been devised for maximum fun. Expect loud sing-alongs and lots of exuberant dancing. The crowd responds well to the tunes, many of which
are club remixes, by showing off on the stage and by performing improvised choreographies. Even the volume, often too loud especially in small venues, has been set at a perfect level: you can talk without shouting too much but the music fills up
the space. DJs are in residence from Monday through to Saturday night, whilst professional choreographies and dancers perform on Wednesdays and Saturdays. If you’ve seen the hilarious Pineapple Dance
Studios TV program, then you’ll know what to expect and you may even see some of the stars of the show.
The Drink
You can pick from almost two dozen cocktails (£8, including Champagne cocktails). Particularly popular are the Cream Cracker (Baileys, Kahlua, butterscotch schnapps and Amaretto), and the Mixxas Fuzzy Strawberry (peach schnapps, melon and
strawberry liqueur, orange and strawberry puree). These two and other fruity concoctions best reflect the spirit of Shadow Lounge.
Alternatively you can pick from a few shooters (£5), wine or Champagne. The prices are surprisingly affordable with wine
cheaper than most pubs at £3.60-£6.40 for a glass and only £13.50-£26 per bottle. The same is true for Cava and even house Champagne as a glass of each can be yours for £4.50-£6.25, with bottles costing £25 (Cava) and £33.50 (Heidsieck
Monopole). Naturally, more expensive options are on offer, such as Moet ed Chandon and Pommery (£50) and Laurent Perrier Rose (£90). You can even splash out on £250 for the notorious Louis Roederer Cristal.
If cocktails, wine or Champagne aren't your poison, then bottles of Tiger, Stella, Peroni (all £4), and house spirits and mixer (£4.10 for single) should do the trick.
The Last Word
Classy and exclusive but not at all stuck up, pretentious or shamefully tacky, Shadow Lounge succeeds in delivering a unique combination of opulent decor and a truly enjoyable atmosphere, while at the same time remaining proud of their unrestrained
camp nature. A good night out is practically guaranteed.
The Shadow Lounge has been reviewed by 5 users