Volupte Burlesque Club by night – Review

Have you ever been to a burlesque bar? One that`s REAL to the core? Well I can now certainly put my arm in the air and say I have after my recent night out at Volupte in London.

The club is absolutely unique in that it has a cocktail bar upstairs serving what I believe to be some of the finest mixers in town, and the burlesque den downstairs, which feels like an environment that time forgot. The best way to describe it is that it`s a little like a luxury French gothic den. There`s soft velvet everywhere and interesting projections beaming at the walls, the DJ initially keeps you entertained by playing some truly classic tunes (from the 30s!), then the fun really begins.

We were sat right at the front of where the performers performed and shown a menu of tantalizing treats. Not quite what we would call fine dining (but trying to be and coming close), but certainly worthy of a `compliments to the chef`. We were treated to a plate of interesting starters aptly named `The Tease` which included Port-soaked chicken liver & foie gras parfait with Maraschino cherries, char grilled English asparagus with rapeseed oil mayonnaise and barbecue Cornish mackerel and pickled fennel with burnt lemon purée. A delicious opener!

At this point the band kicked into full swing with a beautifully sultry singer named Emma Divine belting out some harmonious classics. The band was excellent, with some very sexy sax solos thrown in for good measure. It was fantastic to eat whilst be entertained, you could have literally been in the 1930`s!

Mains arrived; Char grilled sirloin of British beef with Barolo & balsamic butter, slow-cooked red onion and watercress, marinated rump of Welsh lamb with fregola, peas and mint hollandaise, Pappardelle with tender-stem broccoli, dried chipotle and Pecorino (V) and pan-fried fillet of West Coast Pollock with langoustine bisque, samphire and clams – fantastic and almost full!

At this point we were graced with the beauty of the curvy Cherry Shakewell who performed a burlesque style striptease, which brought the house down. Certainly not sleazy, just very sexy and lots of fun.

What made the night truly interesting was the variety of guests who graced the stage. We had a harmonica player and a singer songwriter who were simply awesome. A great added extra that I’m sure happens spontaneously a fair amount at Volupte.

Pudding was also delicious and served as a selection of small pieces including; English strawberries and vanilla panna cotta with basil and meringue, iced honeycomb parfait with toasted pistachio and coffee cream (our favourite) and bitter chocolate and honey marquise with cherries.

What makes this place a MUST is the utter value for money. Entertainment AND a fantastic 3 course meal for just £55 (excl drinks). In London you have to admit that`s amazing right!

Just a quick word on service – you simply can`t fault it. It`s ultra friendly, charming and attentive. Love this place and we`ll be back for sure.