The Blitz party -one of Chic-Londres’ favourite soiree- is back! So time again for ladies to don their red lipstick and draw on those stockings, and for gentlemen to dust off their medals and pin up their bunting. Almost coinciding with the 68th anniversary of D-Day, the fun-filled retro party returns to London on Saturday 9th June at the Old Vic Tunnels, transformed into an air raid shelter for the occasion. What best way to remember and honour Britain’s finest than with 1940s cocktails, music, dancing and a good dose of neighbourly spirit?

Fun-loving party girls who like a handsome man in uniform can rejoice: the fantastic Blitz party is back, this time at the Old Vic Tunnels (CL’s new favourite venue). As in its former Shoreditch home at the Village Underground, the tunnels will be transformed into a wartime East End air shelter, complete with sandbags, searchlights, blackout curtains, oil lamps and military bunk beds. Ration books will replace bar menus and scarce provisions will line the walls, while the dedicated Spitfire Bar will quench the thirst of soldiers with hearty British ale and champagne. Spread over five rooms, the two live stages will host live swing bands, performers and DJs. Union Jack waving and neighbourly spirit are the order of the evening, with original newsreel and wartime films projected to add to the atmosphere. Bunker opens at 8pm, floorshows & entertainment from 9pm, blackout till late- Dress Code: 1940s glam, home front utility clothing and allied uniform all welcome- Tickets £20 read more

She may be best known as Mrs Mark Ronson (or for those saucy Agent Provocateur ads), but Joséphine de la Baume is also a talented musician in her own right. The gorgeous French model and actress, who forms half of pop band Singtank with her younger brother Alexandre, will play an exclusive acoustic set at the Sanderson on 30th May, launching the third season of Sanderson Sessions.

Sanderson Sessions (previously Sanderson Predicts) -which played host last year to Violet, The Shoestrung, Glasser and Yasmin and was attended by Bob Geldof, Nick Grimshaw, Ellie Goulding, Edie Campbell,  Jamie Winstone, Alfie Allen, Patrick Wolf, The xx, Solange Knowles, Tim Noble and Sue Webster- is back for a third consecutive summer. As in the previous years, the program will showcase some of the most innovative new bands, who will take over the hotel’s courtyard for a series of evening concerts. read more

What do ex-president Bill Clinton, actress Gwyneth Paltrow, street artist Banksy, ex-servicemen and theatre performers Combat Veteran Players and The Big Issue have in common? All have participated to events organised at the Old Vic Tunnels, arguably the most exciting artistic venue in London. With its quirky masked balls, original theatre performances, edgy art exhibitions, “Secret Cinema” nights and glamorous fund raising parties, this series of cavernous Victorian tunnels, acquired by the Old Vic Theatre in 2010, offers to this previously neglected South London corner a suitably gothic-y venue to an eclectic mix of events. Here, its creative director Hamish Jenkinson, who cut his teeth working with Madonna, Guy Ritchie and Kevin Spacey before taking over the Tunnels (as well as becoming UK chairman for charity Free the Children), talks to Chic-Londres about his ever expanding and inventive art venue.

How did you discover this place?  I was invited by Banksy in 2008 to a street art festival called the Cans Festival in Leake Street, underneath Waterloo station. Because Banksy is so secretive, it was all folded up so no one could see what was happening inside the tunnel, which back then remained closed 99% of the time. I started exploring and saw a side door on the tunnel wall, which I kicked open. That’s when I discovered those Victorian vaults, built in the 1850s to prevent Waterloo train station from sinking into the marshes. I learnt later that they had been used as a raid shelter during the Blitz and squatted by tramps in the 70s, until they were finally boarded up and forgotten. read more

While some might escape to warmer -or snowier- climates to end 2011, a lot of Londoners will be staying in the city to celebrate the arrival of 2012. As usual, London won’t be short of parties on the 31st. Here are a few suggestions for those still undecided.

Masked Ball at Paradise Following the success of its New Years Eve parties over the past few years, Kensal Green’s most theatrical pub will once again open up to host an elaborate masquerade extravangaza. DJs s will be playing over the venue’s two floors from 8pm to 4 am, while ticketholders arriving before 9.30pm will receive a complementary cocktail. And don’t forget: No mask, no entry! £25 www.theparadise.co.uk

Henry Conway at Sanderson The flamboyant party organiser, who has made his mark at clubs like Mahiki and Bungalow 8, is bringing his own brand of extravagance to the Sanderson on the 31st. Guests at his “evening of weird, wild and wonderful” will be treated to unusual delights like shows of stilt walkers and fire dancers, with music provided by a live band and DJs. £75-220www.sandersonlondon.com read more

Parisian pop duo The Two might be a relative newcomer, but the band mates’ names are already well known… Not surprising given that Ara is the daughter of prolific designer Phillippe Starck, and David the son of French composer Jean-Michel Jarre and English actress Charlotte Rampling. The duo, which has been praised by cult French music magazine Les Inrocks and debuted in Parisian legendary theatre l’Olympia, will perform in London on the 15th and 16th September at Momo Restaurant.

While it would be easy to dismiss them as celebrity brats trying to milk their genitors’ fame, there is definitely more to the Parisian band formed by David Jarre and Ara Starck than their well known surnames. Instead, The Two prove that talent can definitely be hereditary.

Unassuming and obsessively creative, painter Ara and magician David formed their duo seven years ago when they met in Paris. They have since created a rather inspired folksy music, sung in English, using the magic of uncluttered melody and vocal harmony; not surprisingly, David is also a multi-instrumentalist. read more

Secretly dreaming of unleashing your inner French Cancan dancer, WWII hero or gangster surrounded by Roaring Twenties showgirls? If so, London seems to have become the perfect place for that, with fabulous vintage parties in creasingly popular amongst revellers who have become tired of classic clubbing. With themes such as Belle Epoque, Blitz and Prohibition, they combine extreme attention to historical details to impressive inventiveness, to befound in the choice of entertainment, decor and costumes. Each party is infused with its very own atmosphere, with music and cocktails themed around each era. In brief, dressing up has rarely been so much fun.

Belle Epoque: Depraved Hedonism The sexiest of the lot, the Belle Epoque party celebrates Parisian decadence in the 1900s. The decor resembles a lavish music hall, with golden balustrades and crimson velvet curtains, while acrobats and French Cancan dancers provide the entertainment. Ladies are encouraged to release their inner courtesans by wearing corsets, suspenders, petticoats and chokers, while the gents can go for pleasure seeking aristocrats in top hats and tails or depraved artists. Detail we love: the absinthe cocktails flowing from liquor fountains.www.belleepoqueparty.com read more

London males, rejoice! The legendary Parisian cabaret, whose admirers over the years have included Elvis Presley, Liz Taylor, JFK, Salvador Dali, Madonna, Pedro Almodovar and Beyonce, has just arrived in London. For one month, the most sophisticated and avant-garde burlesque act in the world presents a series of racy shows at the fashionable Supperclub in Notting Hill. Chic-Londres was at the opening on Tuesday 24 May, for an evening of naughty and utterly fabulous fun.

One might think that attending guests such as Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, hairdressing legend Vidal Sassoon, “Sex on Fire” American band Kings of Leon and writer Zadie Smith -plus countless beautiful models- would be enough to distract roaming eyes from the show, right? Well, wrong actually, because who wants to peer at good old Ronnie (or even a topmodel) when the entertainment in question is provided by the infamous Crazy Horse girlies, an integral part of the French heritage whose show has seduced over ten millions spectators since its inception in 1951? read more

A balmy night, a gourmet picnic, a great movie and some of the most stunning outdoors views in London… That does sound like the perfect summer alfresco outing and -providing the weather remains accommodating- it will be, thanks to a program of pop up cinema screenings under the stars that will take place in iconic locations including Kensington Gardens, Regent’s Park, Greenwich Royal Observatory Gardens and the Brompton Cemetery.

Founded by Sally Wilton, the owner of the Lexi -a boutique cinema that has become a social hub for the Kensal Rise/Queen’s Park creative community- and George Wood, The Screen on the Green managing director, the Nomad hosts a summer season of “cinematic journeys” through London’s greatest parks and green spaces, in venues including Kensington Gardens, Regent’s Park, Holland Park, Hyde Park, Richmond Park, Bushy Park, Greenwich Royal Observatory Park and the Brompton Cemetery.

Each venue has been given its own sub-theme, with a selection of films that connect and embrace each setting. In Greenwich Park, for example, the big screen will be set up next to the Royal Observatory, with the theme of time and space synonymous to the venue being reflected in the programming, with cult movie 2001: A Space Odyssey. There will be something for everyone, from cult classics to mainstream guilty pleasures, with Chic-Londres favourites including Casablanca in Dulwich Park (28th May), Fargo in Kensington Gardens (17th July), The Birds at Bushy Park (28 juillet), Some Like It Hot in Holland Park (18th August) and Pan’s Labyrinth in Brompton Cemetery (8th of September). read more

Forget about austerity, recession or budget cuts… For those who can afford to pay £1,200+ for an entrance ticket, next September will -supposedly- see the biggest party ever, organized simultaneously within 24 hours in 80 of the most luxurious venues around the world, including the Orient Express, super yachts and private members clubs. Does it sound a bit ostentatious in those difficult economic times? Yes, but at least this display of hedonistic fun, if not in perfect taste, is at least for a good cause: raising sixty million pounds for charities.

“Inspired by Phileas Fogg” (says the invite), the Global Party is the brainchild of entrepreneur David Johnstone and hedge fund tycoon and philanthropist Lord Stanley Fink, also former Tory treasurer philanthropist and chairman of ARK, the charity which broke a record in 2006 by raising £28m in one single evening. Both men presented their project to the London press at a lavish pre-launch party held at jet set favourite the Marbella Club and private villa La Zagaleta in Marbella on March 17th. read more

Fancy watching a polo match -or just ogling the cute players- while sampling some great Argentinean steak? Gaucho, the luxury Argentine restaurants group, brings international polo to London’s O2 Arena for the first time on 24th February: a fun day out for polo fans and families.

If there is one thing that the Argentineans are really passionate about -apart from football, tango, wines, meat and possibly the Falklands- it has to be polo, which attracts to their country the best players in the world. Now there is a chance for novices to discover it and for existing fans to watch some of the best players in the world, not only in an affordable way and outside the traditional summer season, through this arena polo one-day tournament, but also in a more spectator friendly way. read more

This quirky, atmospheric and hugely original pub has long been part of the cool, arty Kensal Green and Notting Hill community. Notable for its strong musical history (from The Clash in the 80s to upcoming bands like I Blame Coco today), the boho-chic institution is not only Kensal Green’s central party scene -with top DJs, burlesque, cabaret and comedy nights- but also a magnet for London’s foodies, having reinvented its cuisine over the past few years to appeal to more sophisticated palates.

Built in 1892 and borrowing its name from a GK Chesterton’s poem referencing the nearby cemetery (“For there is good news yet to hear and fine things to be seen, Before we go to Paradise by way of Kensal Green”), this atmospheric pub -comprising a front bar section, dining room, an outside terrace and three event spaces- has long been the pride and joy of Kensal Green, attracting the arty and creative crowd that populates the area. For there aren’t many pubs that look like the former coach inn, which design -with its candle lit rooms, artfully peeled wood-panelled walls, statues of angels, Victorian portraits, hanging bird cages and theatrical chandeliers-conveys the atmosphere of a sexy vampire movie, combined with a definite party vibe. read more

Originally launched last September as a three-month only pop up private club, Quintessentially Soho has been so successful that it still remains open and will do so until at least 30 September (and possibly later). So not too late then to become a member and do your bit for philanthropy -as 99% of the membership price goes straight to charity- or to visit the magnificent Grade 1 listed building at one of the club’s open evenings for non members.

For those in search of a new watering hole/place to organise business meetings/events space, there are two good reasons to become a member ofQuintessentially Soho. First, this is a rather fun way to do your bit for charity, with the club raising funds for disadvantaged children and for people in need. Since its opening in September last year, the club -supported by celebrity members Emma Watson, Sophie Dahl, Lily Allen, Daisy Lowe, Mick Jagger, Steve Jones and The Kooks– has raised over £400,000 for charities, while its in-house Life Skills programme has seen over 50% of the volunteers moving into further employment and 48% going onto further education. read more

The private club, which has hosted since its opening in 2007 a clique of celebrity clients including Leonardo Di Caprio, Cameron Diaz, Will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas, P Diddy, Grace Jones, Paris Hilton, Orlando Bloom and Giorgio Armani -to name a few- is opening from the 1st of July its glamorous doors to non members, who will now be able to book at its restaurant: a good way to play at Spot-the-Celeb while enjoying a meal.

As with most successful private clubs in London, passing the doors ofMaddox can be a stressful challenge. So booking a table at its intimate 60-cover restaurant is a good way to discover its super glamorous surroundings, masterminded by design guru Sammy Chams, while having a peak at its beautiful -and often famous- clientele.

And while the food often remains a sore point in nightclubs, the Mediterranean menu on offer at Maddox is definitely above average, with dishes including grilled artichoke and asparagus salad, veal costoletta in sage and truffle oil and tiramisu for an affordable (at least by Mayfair standards) set price of £35. Last but not least, the cocktails are brilliant! As for the service, it is friendly and attentive under the eagle-eyed owner Fred Moss and general manager George Callisto, who make sure everything runs smoothly by hosting the restaurant and club every night. read more

This summer, the five-star hotel is welcoming back Sanderson Predicts, its summer music series of concerts in conjunction with label Modular Recordings. It started with a concert by I Blame Coco on the 3rd June, and will host a series of special performances in its courtyard from some of the freshest names on the UK’s music circuit on selected Thursdays all summer.

The music is all about handpicked young British talents deemed to get big. Kicking off the series on Thursday 3rd June, I Blame Coco did an acoustic set from her debut album The Constant. In close pursuit comes pop nez hotties Othello Woolf (17th June) whose contemporary pop sound is set to become a huge hit throughout the summer, Babe Shadow (8th July), the 22-piece London based female choir Gaggle (15th July), Fenech-Soler (12th August), and a special guest to be announced on 29th July.

The five-star hotel is worth a visit in itself. Built in 1958 as the headquarters of the Sanderson wallpaper company, it is listed as a Grade II heritage building and has been revamped by French designer Philippe Starck. The concerts take place in the hotel garden courtyard, decorated with trees, fountains and a reflecting pool. Very cool place, great cocktails and a good selection of up and coming young artists, and no sweating crowd in sight… read more

This captivating collection of drag queens have just brought their own brand of glitz, glamour and 8-inch heels to the City, where they are on show every Thursday at Proud Cabaret: wonderfully camp, good fun and entertaining!

Bring your heels, sequins and feathers! Proud Cabaret, the City restaurant and club modeled on a 1920s speakeasy, has just launched its new Thursday’s act, the fabulous Globe Girls, and it is as fun as it can get. Particularly popular amongst celebs, the three fabulous professional West End dancers have already performed for admirers such as Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Beyonce and Lady Gaga… So expectations were high at the show’s premiere on April 18th, but they certainly didn’t disappoint, with two hours of the most over the top drag queen show this side of Las Vegas. read more

Following the launch last year of the Supperclub in Ladbroke Grove and Proud Cabaret in the City, the trend for restaurants which offer entertainment acts alongside the food continues, with the recent opening of Circus in Covent Garden: expect live snakes, burlesque dances and active participation!

Why go there?

Because it is fun: launched last January, Circus mixes bar, restaurant and entertainment in one venue. Drinkers and diners can be involved in the performance should they wish (or if they are sufficiently warmed up by the many innovative cocktails on offer!), while the main table doubles as the stage. On the night we visited, one act involved a giant python, as an accessory to a rather exotic dance.

To play “Spot the Celeb”:  although not a member’s club, Circus has got an influential “Friends’ Committee” of super connected individuals, such as fashion designer Matthew Williamson and eco warrior-multimillionaire David de Rothschild, to help attracting A-listers. Obviously, it works, with Jude Law, Sienna Miller, Mark Ronson, Jade Jagger and Agyness Deyn -amongst many others- having already been spotted there. read more

The luxury Knightsbridge hotel’s Health Club & Spa has transformed its roof-top terrace for the first time this year into a pine-filled forest cinema, and has a package available for Londoners on weekdays and evenings: the ultimately chic Christmas movie experience…

With its fluffy cushions, cosy pashminas, furry hot water bottles and heating lamps installed to keep guests warm, this pine-lined outdoor theatre provides a movie experience which is festive, fun, original, luxurious… and (Chic-Londres thinks) perfect for a date.

The spa visitors are treated to winter classics such as It’s a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th Street on the big screen while nestling between blankets getting warmed up with hot chocolate and mince pies.

A special Winter Wonderland package for Londoners is available until January 31st 2010. It costs £35 per person for up to four hours and includes full access to the movie theatre, heated pool and health club, with movies shown between 4.30pm and10pm on weekdays, weather permitting (so providing we are not snowed under!) read more

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. read more

This week, the May Fair, London Fashion Week’s “official hotel”, is undoubtedly one of the most glamorous places to be: a good occasion to discover its great cocktails and have a glimpse at its celebs clientele at the bar.

Who ? Model Erin O’Connor, singer Estelle, composer Simon Webbe and actor Jason Statham are amongst those staying at the May Fair Hotel for London Fashion Week, which started on Friday and will end next Wednesday. Its famous clientele also includes Slumdog Millionnaire’s star Freida Pinto, who stays here when she is in town.

Why ? The British Fashion Council has chosen the May Fair as its « official hotel » to celebrate London Fashion Week’s 25th anniversary, with a party on the 21st of September co-hosted by Geordie Greig, editor of the Evening Standard. First opened by King George V in 1927, the May Fair had a recent £75 million makeover. read more

The Emporio Armani Caffé, which has permanent branches in Milan, Paris and Knightsbridge, is temporarily setting up shop at St Martins Lane for London Fashion Week, just a short walk from its new site at Somerset House.

Why? With its proximity to London Fashion Week’s new home, a complimentary rickshaw service to and from Somerset House and its specific target at those attending the shows, the pop up cafe might provide an interesting glimpse to the professional world of fashionistas. And the reputation of the St Martins Lane Hotel -which also houses Bungalow 8 super cool private club- amongst the fashion and party crowd can only add to the attraction.

What? With its Mediterranean menu based on seasonal ingredients, interiors from Armani Casa and complimentary Wi-Fi, the café aims to be a modern and sophisticated, yet  relaxed, meeting place. With direct access from the hotel’s terrace or through the hotel’s main entrance, it is be open to everyone, with no reservation required. read more