Friend-to-the-stars Amy Sacco has succeeded in bringing a flavour of Manhattan sophistication to central London with Bungalow 8, the notorious members’ club that offers genuine exclusivity.

The Venue
Found below the ultra-glamorous St. Martins Lane Hotel (home to the infamous Light Bar), the London outpost of Bungalow 8 is easily reached from Leicester Square or Charing Cross tube stations. Founder Amy Sacco and her bartender extraordinaire business partner Ben Pundle didn’t have as much room to play with here in London as they did in New York City, so the venue is much more intimate and cosy as a result. There’s nothing exceptional about the symmetrical banquettes, tiny DJ booth and stripy walls, but both the upstairs and downstairs rooms are inviting enough. It’s so cramped you may find yourself rubbing thighs with the fashionistas and celebrities who love Bungalow 8.

The Atmosphere
In common with many London members’ clubs, Bungalow 8’s regulars can be a little pretentious. Of course, they probably feel they deserve to be smug after making it past the capital’s strictest velvet rope. This isn’t one of those so-called members’ clubs where parting with twenty quid gets you in – if you’re not with a member or attending a special event, you’re not getting in. The door staff look like high-fashion models and, as such, the crowd is pretty A-list. Celebrity fans include Kate Moss, Jude Law, Sienna Miller, Agyness Deyn and Henry Holland. During Fashion Week, members have been known to complain that the venue is closed every night for private parties, such is its popularity with the international fashion set. It’s fortunate that the bar staff are so down-to-earth and friendly because it helps prevent the punters taking themselves too seriously.

The Music
At first listen, it’s hard to know what to make of the music policy at Bungalow 8. There’s lots of funky electro and house music, but you’ll probably find Kylie’s latest ‘masterpiece’ or a retro Eighties disco classic thrown in to confuse matters. It can be a bit disconcerting, but it’s all part of the fun, so just forget how cool you think you are and get into it. The club attracts outstanding international DJs including both Mark and Samantha Ronson, and one of London’s finest Sam Young is a regular, with his Blow Out party bringing a more credible angle to the music policy. It’s a shame with such a fun and irreverent music policy that there’s no dance floor. Dancing in your seat isn’t very liberating, is it?

The Drink
There have been a lot of complaints from unsuspecting punters about Bungalow 8’s expensive drinks over the years. They’re not actually any higher than other London members’ clubs, but there’s no doubting that they are very high. Expect to pay as much as £8-10 for a bottle of water, and between £15 and £30 for cocktails. Champagne and classic New York martinis are the real focus here.

The Last Word
Bungalow 8 is small and dark, expensive, and there’s nowhere to dance. Despite all that, it’s a fun night out and it’s really settled in and established itself as the go-to venue for fashionistas and global A-listers when they’re in town.

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