A members’ club that doesn’t charge for membership – what’s that about? Located on the former site of Lot 55, Victory is trying to win over the capital by being a little bit different.

The Venue
Victory makes its home at the former site of Lot 55, owned by Hedges and Butler, who took over an underground car park and turned it into a film set-cum-nightclub, with private rooms made up to look like different shops and houses. The new club has kept the same layout (and owners) but has given it a different look, a combination between faded Victorian glamour and edgy urban grit.

There are two floors to the venue, the top of which is a mid-sized room that almost looks like a cafe – albeit a 19th century one, complete with antique books, a gramophone and an empty birdcage. Head down the large staircase, past the toilets with boudoir-style sinks and enter into the main area, Victory Street. It is, quite literally, a paved street with a dashed line down the centre, leading to the large bar (made out of wooden beer cases) at the back. Umbrella-topped tables line the edge of the street, and off to the side are the private rooms, each decorated like a room in a house and with their own front and back entrances.

In the kitchen room, whisks and pots hang off one wall and the seats are positioned around a large counter with a sink whilst the walls are decorated with enormous paintings of anime lesbians – so graphic that it’s almost silly. Next door is the dining room, with a big wooden table in the centre, and then the bathroom which has a white porcelain bath, sink and toilet. Finishing up the rooms on this side is the lounge area, with big cushy velvet armchairs and an antique art nouveau painting. When you’re back on the street, hang a right at the bar and you’ll find another large, open area, similar to the area upstairs, with bookshelves full to bursting with huge antique tomes.

The Atmosphere
Victory is a members’ club, but unlike other similar venues there’s no membership fee here. Each applicant is judged on their personality, not their money - a novel concept. The club aims to fill itself with creative and intelligent people, so expect loads of arty folk along with some media types. Bar staff are efficient but don’t put up with any attitude, so if you’re the holier-than-thou sort don’t expect special treatment.

Although there’s no disguising that the club is underground, the high ceilings ensure that the space doesn’t feel too cave-like. It does get hot though, especially toward the bar, but there are enough open spaces where you can go to cool off.

The Music
The upstairs area and the downstairs lounge area towards the back are perfect places for small, low-key performances, so expect everything from singer-songwriter types to spoken word to performance art. Victory is more like a salon than a nightclub, so the music will either take a backseat to networking or be treated like a proper performance.

The Drink
The cafe-style ambiance upstairs makes it a good place for a coffee during the day, whilst downstairs the alcohol flows freely. All the standard drinks are on offer, from red and white wines to cocktails, and the clubs also prides itself on its extensive Champagne list. There’s also a separate bar where you can mix your own Mojitos.

The Last Word
Although you don’t have to worry about having enough money to get in, you might have to worry about whether your personality is interesting enough to pass the test. But if the thought of browsing through antique books, networking amongst lesbian anime graffiti art, downing a drink in a bathtub and strolling along an underground street piques your interest, best ask for an application.

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