In the club: Glitz, glamour and music at The Court in Soho

While many have bemoaned the steady decline of Soho’s nightlife in recent years, one newly opened venue on Kingly Street is injecting some much-needed glamour back into the area. Inspired by The Roaring Twenties and La Belle Epoque, The Court is a private members’ club with a twist, focusing exclusively on after-dark revelry in sumptuous settings with a sparkling array of nightly music and entertainment.

The venue has a long and characterful history. First opened in the 1930s, it became the iconic Bag O’Nails club in the 1960s (playing host to the likes of Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones and Fleetwood Mac). The Court’s founder, Harry Mead, aspires to keep the building’s musical heritage alive with performances from a well-chosen mix of lively acts, up-and-coming musicians and established names. Opera, cabaret, jazz, pop, rap and dance all come together under one roof; and as no two nights are ever the same, you’re never quite sure what you’re going to get – although the last Thursday of each month is set aside for a party from Fat Tony.

Descending from street level to The Court’s main space downstairs, the first impression is one of a 1920s speakeasy. Its art deco design is luxe but elegantly so, all jewel tones, velvet seating and gleaming gold accents. There are also a number of artworks by Bradley Theodore adorning the walls. The space is intimate while still providing room to dance should one wish, allowing for 120 guests max.

While The Court really comes into its own come nightfall, members can enjoy the space during the day too. Careful thought has been given to the food offering, where bar snacks and lunch options update familiar favourites – think beef fat doughnuts and cured salmon with buttermilk bitter leaves – while dinner ramps things up a notch with such indulgent dishes as a rich 45 day aged steak tartare.

The drinks offering is also very good, having been created by some serious industry big-hitters (Mr Lyan Studio is behind the cocktails, while Bibendum advised on the wine list). The bar isn’t huge so queues can form on busy evenings, but it’s well worth waiting to get your hands on a Bradley’s Margarita or a perfectly crisp martini. 

Membership at The Court starts from £600 per year. For more details, visit thecourt.co.uk