Supperclub
The Supperclub was 'better than I expected'

Supperclub

Open Wed–Sat 6pm–2am; Sun 11am–6pm

The style:

We weren’t sure where to include this review as there aren’t enough regular club openings to warrant a club review section. The Supperclub isn’t a normal club anyway. The original was founded by a group of artists in Amsterdam 17 years ago and this is the fifth international outpost (Los Angeles is the next destination).

Occupying the space formerly known as Neighbourhood (and Subterranea before that) underneath the Westway, off the top end of Portobello, the new club features La Bar Rouge at its entrance and a two-floor main room – La Salle Neige restaurant which transforms into a club after 10pm. Arty films are played on the big screen on the back wall, while the DJ spins soul, reggae and a Buddha Bar-style soundtrack early on, before getting everyone on the dancefloor with funky house. Upstairs, Bar Noir offers a cosy area with its own entrance and an extensive champagne list.

We were expecting the concept – minimalist white décor, dining on oversized beds and cabaret-style entertainment – to be a bit passé, but we were pleasantly surprised. The oversized white ‘beds’ run the perimeter of the club, providing a friendly, communal atmosphere. Staff – wearing fancy dress such as sailor and white boiler suits – were friendly and seemed to genuinely be having a great time. Even the bouncer standing at the end of our bed couldn’t stop laughing at the first performance (which included two female artists, lots of white sheets and gaffer tape). The club has also already hosted two La Clique performers.

The crowd:

Beautiful people, mostly dressed to the nines, include couples, parties and Euro trash, who act out their secret pole dancing fantasy on the balcony overlooking the main floor.

The food:

You’ll need to take your shoes off and it’s tricky eating while lying on the bed, unless you’d rather eat at one of the few tables (in which case you’re closer to the entertainment so more likely to have a performance artist throw themselves at you). Despite the pressure of serving one sitting, the set four-course (picky eaters need not apply) menu (£45) was better than I expected, although I think my veggie option was better than the meat choice. We started with a cashew-nut mix (although the waitress thought it was tofu)-stuffed artichoke, and sea bass. Next, a soup kitchen was wheeled out to serve a sweet celeriac, apple and chestnut soup served in an old-fashioned jar. My friend’s main course of lamb (served with chocolate sauce, caramelised onions and parsnip puree) was a bit tough, but my red onion and vegetable tart was fine. A screening of someone gorging food didn’t help us digest the dry gingerbread sponge dessert which came with a sweet pear and red wine ice-cream.

The drinks:

A pricey wine and champagne list is extensive, while the (equally expensive) beer and cocktail menu is more limited.

Supperclub, 12 Acklam Road, London, W10; www.supperclub.com; 020 8964 6600

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