Secret Safari Club

Saturday night, somewhere in deepest darkest Shoreditch, a party was rocking the foundations of a beautiful Victorian building. It was one of those ‘so cool it’s hot’ pop up parties that are doing the rounds at the moment. But this one promised so much more than others I’ve been to.

The party was put together by RF London, an events company specialising in putting on parties that go beyond the expected. I came across their website in my constant search for fun in this city, and thought the night titled ‘Secret Safari Club’ sounded interesting and new. I was intrigued by the promise of a five course meal and the potential to hang out with people who were in the ‘ever growing section of society who are getting a little old to hang out in those gritty east end raves, yet still too young to hang up their party hat in favour of long walks in the country’. It sounded right up my street.

The theme of the evening was Safari fancy dress, and it just so happened I had an oversized tiger’s outfit complete with furry feet hanging in my closet so threw it on. What luck! Although it didn’t exactly fit in with the decadent night that was about to ensue, I was made to feel welcome with every step of my super padded feet and each shake of my fleecy bum.

When my friends and I arrived we were greeted with an array of canapés served by creatures of the night – attractive men and women tastefully decorated with body paint. We were then seated for a five course taster meal cooked by Fergus Shields, ex-head chef of the Hospital Club. But shock horror – my friends and I were split up from each other and sent to differing ends of the room. A few champagne cocktails later and we had settled into the night – it had taken on a wedding reception atmosphere, only every table was the young, fun table.

While we grazed on our meal of beetroot and horseradish soup gazpacho style, terrine of game pate with onion marmalade, a beautifully pink duck and pomegranate salad, ‘secret’ brownies and a devilish cheese platter, we were entertained by snake charmers and belly dancers. A band then serenaded us with indie tunes to ease us over to the dance floor.

Finally, a DJ took to the floor enticing those still seated away from their tables with a whole new group of friends in tow. People headed to the bar to down various shots or to throw some serious shapes on the dance floor. Gritty tunes blasted from the speakers and most of the 150 guests stayed on the dance floor until the early hours, chatting to new friends or taking numbers of people they’d like to be more than just friends…

The evening seems to build into a crescendo of unadulterated pleasure and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. No pretentiousness. Just good old fashioned fun. And at just £32 for a ticket I thought it quite a bargain. A great crowd and I myself cannot wait until the next one!

Secret Vampire Club will be in late October – keep your eye on the RF London website for further details.