LONDON ISSUE 136 Nov 2008

The launch of Vendome Mayfair in September saw the end of the minimalist nightclub design that has saturated London's West End over the past decade. The club has been created to induce patrons back onto the dance floor and revive the atmosphere of the clubs of old, with a combination of 70s retro disco - redolent of scenes from the movie 'Xanadu' with distinctly futuristic bespoke design elements - and an array of bold and colourful furnishings.

The focal point of Vendome is the raised revolving DJ booth in the centre of the club, surrounded by a fully circular video-interactive dance floor - the first in the UK. The drinks list will again reflect the 1970's retro-futuristic vibe, with some classic favourites and some molecular mixology.

The music is just as important as the design, however, as club founder Freddie Frampton explains: "If commercial house is to the right, and more underground to the left, then we lean 20 degrees each way. Think a little education with a lot of smile!"