Fifty London Club

Rumours invariably spell trouble for their supporters and insight into the world of “Fifties” had gone round many tables at which I had sat in venues far away with tales of riches, amazing times and wonderment. Let me just say that these are not rumours but hard-stone truths, Fifties is an amazing place. Let me start by saying that Fifties is a members club and my first experience inside was owed purely to a generous member who bought a work party into this private club with him. The venue is situated on the cusp of Mayfair and Piccadilly, taxis and limo’s seem to be the only vehicles that pull up outside. Inside the large glass rotating doors is a sign-in desk, various hosts taking jackets and signatures and at the far end a magnificently grand staircase heads up to floors beyond. To the right, a large bar-come ballroom is located and the place is not over-crowded, the persons milling about the place are both friendly and seem pleased to make eye contact. I am told that about the room sit celebrities not willing to be singled out for visual exposure. The bar itself is a grand affair with hundreds of different types of spirits and on high, the unmistakable shape of refined cognac. Table service is swift and friendly, one can literally order anything - I partake of the lychee mojito, the others drink champagne. Heading off to explore I find a casino on the upper level, men wander round in tuxedos and fine suits aside women in ballgowns and racy outfits. The high contrast of the green velvet roulette tables match the bright ballroom-like expediated decor of the room with a class I have not seen before.

The lower level places host to a more of a club with mirrored walls, lit up floors and dark booth corners, this floor is long and feels narrow in the thick darkness but again it is not crowded, the heavy bass a world away from the bar and casino above. Perhaps it is lastly worth describing the toilets; beige marble hallways, mahogany doors on the cubicles and attendants with white glove service, not even meeting the gaze of the user but offering polite words and servitude as like a palace experience. Overall I am a bit of a sucker for all things grand and this was no exception, the prices did not even seem too galactic and by all accounts the Casino could easily fund a night out for the smallest of bank balances. I would love the opportunity to return, playground for the privileged and every bit worth hours spent inside - 9/10