Chic-Londres went to the launch party of Proud Cabaret, a new venue in the City offering a fun mix of cabaret, jazz and burlesque entertainment.
The person behind Officially launched on the 5th of November, Proud Cabaret is the new venue opened by Alex Proud, the promoter behind Proud Galleries and Proud Camden. The first -located in Soho, Camden and soon Chelsea- are Europe’s most popular private photographic galleries specialised in pop culture, fashion and rock, while the second is the incredibly cool concert venue where singers and bands like Dizzee Rascal, The Kooks or Stereophonics regularly play intimate sets.
The concept While his previous venues have a definite rock’n roll feel, Proud Cabaret is all about the return to a bygone and glamorous era: modelled on a 1920s speakeasy (and designed by trendy Russell Sage), this new restaurant and bar offers live entertainment -from jazz to tap dancing to burlesque- in the style of a retro and slightly decadent Hollywood club. There is a constant stream of live bands, performers and DJs, with staff dressed in flapper dresses to enhance the cabaret atmosphere.
The launch party Proud Cabaret officially opened on the 5th of November, two days after its launch party. For the latter, many of Alex Proud’s famous friends had shown up, with guests including top model Helena Christensen, It Girl and fashion muse Alice Dellal, Olympics swimmer Mark Foster, actress Oona Chaplin and Coldplay guitarist Guy Berryman. Lots of champagne, oysters, fried calamari, as well as naughty burlesque artists, big bands, Fred Astaire-types singers and enthusiastic dancers, made for a very cheery night (especially for a Monday!)
The verdict A really fun place with a great atmosphere, sadly located in a district -the eastern part of the City- which is much less so. The West End would have been much better suited to its atmosphere and the kind of fun crowd the launch attracted. Nonetheless, it is definitely worth the visit, as the entertainment and surroundings are truly original and fun, with friendly staff and good cocktails.
Proud Cabaret: No.1 Mark Lane, corner of Dunster Court and Mark Lane EC3 (Monument, Tower Hill)
Alice Dellal arriving at the party (Left), Waitresses and Dancers
