LULU LE VAY, AUGUST 2017
Traditionally, a socialite was from an aristocratic family background between the 17th and 19th centuries, social climbers with social and economic power. In its later re-incarnation, under the influence of celebrity culture and the media, the socialite became all about pleasure, with a desire to be recognized at the hottest parties, restaurants or bars – well known amidst the ‘who’s who’ of fashionable society. Well, you know what? Times have changed and now modern socialites are much hipper – queue the effortlessly cool Alexa Chung – and you too can tread the same circuit with just as much panache.
The Box Previously infamous strip club, the Raymond’s Revuebar, The Box is a burlesque and cabaret-style club, ‘a theatre of varieties’ – not for the prudes amongst you. Heaving with celebs and the occasional Royal, you have to dress to impress if you have any chance of getting in, and be prepared to sink a few quid. Sod it, if it’s good enough for Kate Moss and Rihanna, it’s good enough for you.
Disrepute Being a modern socialite doesn’t mean you have to be naff. It also doesn’t mean you have to be a member to get in everywhere. Look the part and you will be able to charm your way in to Disrepute (D.R.P, to those in the know), a cocktail speakeasy style bar in Kingly Court, a hidden gem styled with 1960s’ panache. Even if you don’t feel like a socialite when you arrive, we’re pretty sure you will after a couple of drinks.
Soho House If you’re not a member, find someone who is. Soho House do what they do best with this delicious four floor listed Georgian Townhouse in the heart of Soho on Dean Street. Here, you can eat, drink and be merry until the early hours in a variety of spaces which cater for your mood, whether that be relaxing in the drawing room or throwing some shapes in the live music space on the top floor. Just try not to fall over while you’re doing it.
10 Greek Street To be effortlessly cool like Alexa, you don’t have to try too hard. 10 Greek Street is unfussy, but the menu isn’t. With just a few items to choose from, the quality of seasonal ingredients is top notch, just like its customers. Don’t overdress, keep it casual chic. You can’t book, so be patient. Put your name down early and go for a pint around the corner. It’s worth the wait.
