A multi million pound addition to Central London’s booming members’ club scene, Jalouse attracts the beautiful and moneyed. Strictly members only, unless you’re with a member there’s little chance of blagging your way in here, although Wednesday and Thursday nights are a little less strict (providing you look the part, of course).

The Venue
Tucked away on Hanover Square in Mayfair is Jalouse, meaning jealous in French. The name is there to sting; those that aren't fortunate enough to be a member or get in on a guest list are certain to feel the pangs of jealousy.

As you might expect, this upmarket club has already attracted a host of big celebrity names; Paris Hilton and Ronan Keating both attended the launch and Skin from Skunk Anansie has spun a few tunes on the decks here, which is what you’d expect from this type of venue. There are around 50 members of staff to serve your every need on any night - not bad for a club that only lets 420 people in. You will not have to queue at the bar or find a waitress to get a drink, that is for certain.

Upon arrival at the small and discreet doorway, the only thing that belies its club nature is the roped off walkway outside and the futuristic lighting through the glass doors of the reception. Descending the staircase into a nocturnal lair, you’ll find a large, open-plan main room that’s sleek in design and feels incredibly expensive. There is a central dancefloor with a large crystal droplet ceiling. Each crystal has been lovingly handmade, giving a feeling of opulence and luxury. It’s easy to see why Paris Hilton could feel at home here. The DJ booth is almost pod-like, directly facing onto the dancefloor. The bar is big and spacious and the dancefloor is tiered so those wanting to watch can, allowing those wishing to dance the space to really throw out some shapes.

The Atmosphere
Jalouse breathes quality and class. Membership is strictly limited to those in the know; anyone wishing to apply can only do so if they’re honoured by two existing members and have a spare grand or so lying about.

The low lighting and light-reflecting ceiling crystals make you feel like you’re in Hollywood – it’s chic without being tacky, the try-hard nature of many similar establishments is glaringly absent here. There are tables scattered around the outside of the dancefloor, stacked high with ice buckets and Champagne bottles (the drink of choice here, naturally) with neat little chairs that are so clever in design you’ll hardly notice that they are there. The door staff are friendly yet efficient and the bar and waiting staff are unsurprisingly gorgeous and attractive; everything feels like it has been thought about and organised to the highest specification. Queues are expected every night as attractive blondes and cool, no doubt rich men wait patiently in the cold to see if they can get in.

The Music
Thursday night sees a very cool collection of tunes from regular rotating DJs. Light electro beats with a dance fusion gets the party started. Other nights include electro-rock funk that is edgy and slightly different to the trends the other clubs in the area are following. Guest DJs are booked on other nights, including such class acts as Bob Sinclar, pulling in huge crowds and insuring the party lasts well into the early hours of the next morning.

The Drink
Make sure you come in with stacks of cash or hope that someone else is buying. Drinks here are not cheap and they don't have to be. Cocktails start from £13 (£14 for a Champagne cocktail) but they are big and generously stacked with fresh ingredients and plenty of alcohol. Every cocktail you could want can be made and the classic favorites like the mojito and martinis seem to be the ladies drinks of choice. Champagne is drunk like water here, bottles constantly flying off the shelves whilst girls look on hopefully. There is a drink list for the VIPS that includes the Million Dollar mojito and a Crystal Clear martini, which are £18 each and made with the finest liqueurs. There are virgin cocktails that are just as generously portioned as the alcoholic ones but are still £8.

The only beer available is Tiger at £6 a bottle and the wine list is limited and hugely overpriced. The house white is a Sauvignon Blanc for £40 a bottle, and the house rose is particularly recommended at £30, or there’s a Semillon house red for £35. The menu and choices are designed to steer you off wine and beer (by being limited), on to million dollar cocktails or magnums of Champagne, which is the right way to go for a place like this.

The Last Word
Think Sex in the City and Paris Hilton and you'll have a good idea what this club is like. Members’ clubs aren't always quite what they want to be but this place has achieved exactly what it’s set out to do. It’s the place to be seen and getting membership here is money well spent, if you can afford it and regularly socialise in these circles. Still, in the midst of the economic crisis and if membership is way out of your league you can get in on the guestlist or pay £20 on the door on a Wednesday or Thursday if you arrive early enough, look the part, and are able to charm the door staff.

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