By Nicola Moyne
SUPPER Clubs reminiscent of the Jazz Age are, it seems, once again all the rage. East London in particular has seen a revival of the flamboyant entertainment venues of late, and one that’s standing out from the crowd is Volupté.
Situated in Norwich Street near Chancery Lane tube station, the venue seems unassuming from the outside. A black, undetailed exterior carefully protects the colourful goings-on inside. And, as I found out on my recent visit to Volupté, it really is a magical world where anything goes.
Supper Clubs were popular from the 1920s right through to the 50s. They provided a place to eat, be entertained and meet with friends in a sociable atmosphere. However, as bars and nightclubs became more dominant, the glamour and decadence of the elite Supper Clubs was lost on the dance floor.
Now though, thanks to venues like Volupté, the trend for being entertained while you dine has returned – and the variety of acts on offer knows no bounds.
From live jazz and comedy, to burlesque dancing and cabaret shows, Volupté offers it all, often all at once.
I visited on a night when Professor Starmayr’s Exposition of Wonders! was showing, and it’s fair to say I was excited about the prospect of being transported back in time.
Arriving half an hour before the show began allowed me a moment to take in the scenery and I was impressed with how intimate and secluded the venue is. Upstairs, customers can enjoy having a quiet cocktail or three in the opulent, atmospheric bar, while downstairs you’re greeted by a cosy dining room that centres around the stage.
Decorated in scarlet hues with boutique-style accessories, the seated area seems to have been resurrected from a by-gone era and oozes glamour and sophistication; you feel as though you’ve just found London’s best kept secret.
The idea of course is to enjoy a meal with friends while the performers do their thing. So, prior to the action starting, I ordered warm vegetable quiche (£6.95) for starters, while my friend plumped for a dish of chicken satay with peanut sauce (£5.95). Both meals were presented perfectly, and were full of succulent flavours.
Indeed, while the entertainment is there to make the evening more memorable, the food is just as important, and provides the foundation for the whole night.
As I tucked into my deliciously tender mains of fillet of beef with chunky chips (£22) and french beans (£3), Professor Starmayr entered the stage and I began to see why Supper Clubs have gained something of a cult following.
The night’s theme was science, so each comedy act was loosely based around this. There was bullet catching, burlesque (complete with nipple tassles) and even clairyoyancy. At one point what seemed to be a singing squid made an appearance, and a duo making animal noises was also thrown into the mix.
To be honest, it was all bit bizarre – but in a good way. It’s certainly like nothing I’ve ever seen before, and made for a really interesting night out. Obviously all the shows differ from night to night, so if you’re after a quiet night of jazz, or a simple afternoon tea, then make sure you look on the website before you book.
Overall though, the atmosphere was electric, the food was delectable, and the entertainment was fun, particularly if you’re looking for the antithesis of fast food and characterless clubs.
Volupté has certainly achieved what it set out to do: indulge its customers in a world of decadence and delight. Just don’t be put off by the singing squid.
For further details, or to book a table at Volupté, visit www.volupte-lounge.com or call 020 7831 1622.