Tuesday 20 March 2007

London Paper 15


Satellite, originally uploaded by chantelle.

On The Scene: Chantelle Fiddy

South London is better known for its gun crime than as a force to be reckoned within the nightlife racket. Only last year, the Ministry of Sound, probably south London’s best-known club and the UK’s first super-club, featured in the press when it was alleged a British terror cell had talked of blowing it up. It certainly bought a whole new meaning to murder on the dance floor. But the locals won’t be beaten. Just as the community has come together, once again, following the spate of teen murders, so have 16 of Brixton’s focal clubs and bars. The Brixton Collective – which includes Plan B, Mass and The Dogstar - hope to restore Londoners faith in the area and put Brixton back on the map as one of the city’s best nightlife districts. A number of special events are planned for this year, revolving around a spring carnival, details of which are soon to be unveiled.

Causing real excitement, even further south of the river, is the re-launch of The White House this Friday. Located on Clapham Park Road, it’s long being popular with those looking for a dose of something less Cheers and more Sex In The City. Renowned for it’s cocktails and music selection, nights out can range from champagne on a Thursday while watching Eclectic Method VJ, to full on dancefloor business at the weekend. Having first opened in 2001, with a DJ set from Felix of Basement Jaxx, guests who’ve since headed for the roof terrace include celebrities ranging from the Black Eyed Peas to Gordan Ramsay. Even the Cheeky Girls once took to the decks for the Pink Charity Party. But the venue is now upping the stakes of sophistication even higher. Due to changes in licensing laws and clubbing habits, The White House has reacted and intends to present one of the first ‘hybrid’ clubs, blending a stylish atmosphere with high quality drinks, food and service. Having spent in the region of £750,000, among the new assets is a sound system installed by Santi Arrabas (who did Fabric and Chinawhite) and a completely redesigned 2nd floor. The new Friday in-house night, Origami, supplies a cutting edge line-up including Annie Mac (Radio 1), Princess Superstar and Tom Middleton. Another big selling point should be the extensive cocktails now on offer. “We have tried to create an experience to suit people from early evening though to the small hours of the morning,” says Yann Roberts, Operations Director of The White House. “We now believe The White House is the leading venue of it's type in London and with upcoming artists like Annie Mac, Bodyrox, Krafty Kuts and Tom Middleton appearing alongside an indulgent cocktail list and dim sum - every aspect of your night out has been planned for, but don't just take my word for it come and see for yourselves.”

A version of this article appeared in last weeks London Paper.

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