| C I R C U S |

Circus, Holborn, London

SONY DSC — *By the bar at the back interior of Circus, London.*

“So, for the first time, I went here”

Paula and I escaped to a wild place where elephants, donkeys and long-legged dogs once lived amongst each other in the very heart of Covent Garden. Back in the 1930’s the site of CIRCUS was previously the Coulson’s Garage & Stables; housing animals of the West End shows who then starred alongside ‘whirling dancers’ and ‘swarthy figures’. We were amazed by the inviting interiors, and even though we went during the evening their lights were still shining bright, creating an ambient environment for the show that was yet to be performed!

We found it hard to believe that the restaurant/performance space/entertainment bar (what does this place NOT have?!!) first opened its doors to the public in 2009. But it is not hard to believe that since then it has enjoyed a long-standing reputation as one of London’s top destination venues for live cabaret entertainment, upscale dining and high-quality service.

We were amazed by the very somewhat risqué shows and the seemingly unobservant performers who thought it was okay to strip infant of us while we had mouthfuls of food. Anyways – that’s what you call showbiz, and that’s what made the restaurant so different to anything that I had ever been to.

Happy Birthday BabyP

By The Elephant Bar

Paulaaa ❤

Babeee ❤

Love you Paula ❤

#ThoseElephantsareScary

Circus offers the liveliness and theatrics of a circus performance combined with acrobatic performers who entertain dinner guests upon a large central quartz-clad “Stage Table.” Surreal in its concept, the venue stays hidden behind an unmarked black steel door beckoning – Similar to the Box. So when approaching the venue I thought it was another case of google maps having a heart attack. But nope – it was just Circus – allowing us to take a peek inside a secret underground world of eccentric entertainment. Once inside the open-plan interior design provides a Circus-inspired fantasy world where one can spot the bespoke hand-carved elephant sculpture by the bar or the tiny tightrope walkers on the ceiling. Backstage, stairs leading to the basement were even designed to be able to accommodate elephants and are maintained today (and this is obviously due to the fact of the slight chance that you may want to bring your elephant to dinner – apparently. ahah)

Circus - Craig the Incredible Hula Boy 2

Kitty Bang Bang – the “whisky-soaked, fire-breathin’, chopper ridin’ Princess of British Burlesque” is responsible for organising all the entertainment at CIRCUS since its inception. Kitty has graced international stages from Bollywood to performing alongside Dita Von Teese. Her unique blend of vaudeville, fire manipulation and highly choreographed cabaret make for a spectacular stage show.

A multi-talented burlesque performer herself with twenty-two years of experience, Kitty ensures only the best grace the stage table, booking home-grown and international stars of the cabaret world.

“One of London’s top destination venues for live cabaret entertainment, upscale dining and high-quality service.”

Guests can enjoy performances nightly from Tuesday thru Saturday with world renowned international acts including Craig the Incredible Hula Boy with his king of the rings Elvis impersonations (as featured on CBBC’s ‘The Slammer’), aerialists Katherine Arnold (London 2012 Opening Ceremony, La Sioree & The X Factor), Hugo Desmarais (Cirque Du Soleil, France’s Got Talent), and phenomenal acrobatic duo Edward Upcott (Game of Thrones stuntman) and Doug Fordyce (winning Britain’s Got Talent 2010 alongside Edward and featured on BBC’s ‘Tumble’).

The best part was that in-between all the malarkey of the amazing performances we were also able to enjoy the best part – the food. This is what we are all here for. Continuing with my festive food series.

Me and Paula enjoyed the lovely chocolate desert, with freshly fried lobster tempura and the fresh and yummy cheesecake in which you can dig through the menus to see what you’re really getting yourself into:

#IsThisFoodReallyAllForUs?

After dinner the venue transforms into a cocktail bar, where guests can enjoy a range of expertly mixed decadent cocktails with a live DJ and dancing late into the night. Paula enjoyed the strawberry mojito and I had the virgin Mojito. Alcohol always tastes better alcohol-free!

They have a wide variety of “one-of-a-kind” fantasy cocktails at the low-lit bar and lounge including signature cocktails such as the ‘Beast of Byakko’ a fresh juice blend of guava, papaya, peach & mango, Havana Anejo Especial, Jamaican rum and activated Charcoal powder which helps with digestion or the circus inspired ‘The Carousel’ made with toffee apple and cherry sorbet, Martel VSOP, Bold Cherry, homemade dark Morrelo cherry sorbet, lemon juice, grapefruit juice, peach liqueur and alcoholic cotton-candy!

P and E ❤

Circus recognises that all delicacies on offer must be on par with the quality of the entertainment. Nothing can be left to chance – Executive chef Andrew Lassetter, emphasises the importance of presentation and palate offering up a pan-Asian inspired menu that looks as sumptuous as it taste whilst constantly offering new and exciting dishes. All the food had been hand crafted – as if designed by the ingredients themselves. Almost so good that if not for hunger you would be tempted to just leave it on the plate untouched.

The eccentric party atmosphere at CIRCUS, sophisticated food and exclusive entrance has attracted an entourage of A-list celebrities including Kate Moss, Paloma Faith, Cara Delevingne, Katy Perry and Elle McPherson to name a few.

There’s always a great time to go – and nothing can stop you. Don’t be fooled by the size, as the venue can accommodate 300 people standing and 140-150 people seated. Whether you’re in search of a new date night idea, need a place to host an exclusive corporate event, or have a celebratory evening planned with friends the triple threat that is CIRCUS will take you from drinks, to dining, to dancing on the table all with a sprinkling of glittering cabaret.

I also had the amazing experience of going back again a couple of weeks later for JPR’s 2nd Birthday Anniversary (wow, how time flies) which was hot off the press and even made the daily mail!

BabyG and BabyY <3 — *BabyG and BabyY ❤*

400 guests arrived last night at CIRCUS in Covent Garden – London’s premier cocktail bar and cabaret restaurant. Light blue candy floss was eaten by Francesca Newman-Young and Tini Stinnes whilst lavender Absolut Vodka cocktails were served with Laduree macaroons on silver trays.

Joshua Kane, Hannah Kane, Prince Cassius, Anais Gallagher, and Mason Smiley were dancing away to old school hip-hop tunes, munching on popcorn and sipping their Jagermeister miniature bottles.

And after an array of animalistic performances, the JPR guests joined Guy Pelly, Marc Burton and Daniel Lismore for an outrageous after-party at Tonteria with Suicide Squad inspired performances.

Monkeying around till 3am, the lucky guests left happy and hazy with their Nars, Tigi Bed Head and Argentum Apothecary gift bags.