With a host of luxe openings and events going on this winter, London dives headfirst into opulence

There’s something strange going on at the moment. Despite constant news alerts about double-dip doom, our inboxes continue to be flooded with releases about ultra-luxe launches: £250-a-head supper club The French Laundry, LRF’s Gourmet Odyssey tasting tour at £150 a pop, the £450 Grey Goose Winter Ball, and new members’ clubs opening daily.

Seems that when times are tough, we’re still willing to splash out on fun.

Like restaurants with something special about them. Chanel-inspired brasserie The Balcon opened on Pall Mall yesterday, complete with a champagne balcony and fabulous vintage cocktail menu. Recession – what recession?

Another super-luxury event coming up is the relaunched Stompin’ at The Savoy series, which kicks off on Saturday 29 October, with Paloma Faith playing alongside a 30-piece orchestra. The Savoy’s refurbed ballroom will be turned into a 1940s supper club for the occasion and with tickets starting at £125, our expectations are high.

On the nightlife side, there’s a new club coming up from Mahiki co-founder Nick House in November. The Rose, off Bond Street, is likely to become London’s latest playground for the rich and famous; while over in the Alps, House’s old buddy Guy Pelly is launching another young-aristo fave, Chelsea club Public, in Verbier.

Whatever else we save on, having fun is something that’s always worth investing in.

Info
Stompin’ at The Savoy Sat 29 Oct, Strand, WC2R 0EU, from £125

Revolutions in Sound

When we heard that Red Bull Music Academy was taking over the London Eye with DJs and live acts (like Skream, Hessle Audio and Deviation) playing in each capsule, we had to see if this bizarre idea for a party actually worked. And it turned out to be a lot of fun. Hyped up on Red Bull and other drinks, our capsule 27, manned by Seb Chew, Leo G & Lil Silva from YoYo was in a party-hard spirit for the entire trip – and the view over London was something to remember.

See the photos here..

Get yourself on the list for Jameson’s secret speakeasy

If you didn’t manage to get an invite to our party at the Jameson Apartment this week, you’ve got another chance to check out the place. The cinematic speakeasy is open for another ten days, with Jameson cocktails created by mixologist Ed McAvoy and Clayton Hartley playing host each evening. The bar opens at 5.30pm daily, and there will be various events happening, from a DJ playing cult film music on 21 Oct to a music quiz on 23 Oct, 1920s music on 24 Oct and a discussion (and tasting) of cocktails in the movies on 25 Oct. To be in with a chance of coming with a guest, just email jameson@synergy-sponsorship.com and let them know which event you’re interested in. Good luck!

The Jameson Apartment is open until 27 Oct, 39 Greek Street, W1D 5DL

PICK – Top chefs compete to create London’s best chilli, with a bar run by Milk & Honey and Danger of Death. Chilli Stand Off. Oct 22. The Tramshed, 14 Garden Walk, EC2A 3EQ

CHECK OUT – Luardos’ newest employee Mary the Burrito Truck. Oct 21 and 28. Eat.St Market, Kings Boulevard, N1 9AP

TASTE – ceviche and other traditional Peruvian fare at the Flavours of Peru. Cookbook Café, InterContinental Hotel, 1 Hamilton Place, Park Lane, W1J 7QY

SAMPLE – the Wright Brothers’ sea to plate philosophy at their new raw seafood bar. Wright Brothers Soho Oyster House, 13 Kingly St and G7/G8 Kingly Court, W1B 5PW