Quintessentially and Magnificent Magazine have teamed up to bring you reviews of some of the hottest and newest high-end hangouts in some of the world’s most exciting cities. Quintessentially is a private members’ club with a 24-hour global concierge service, and part of the world’s leading luxury lifestyle group. With offices in almost every major destination and thousands of suppliers worldwide, Quintessentially can hand you the virtual keys to any city. Let us be your passport to the very best life has to offer.
LONDON: Wyld – The Nightclub concept at W London – Leicester Square
Named after Sir John Wyld, a Victorian entrepreneur who specialised in outrageous large-scale entertainment projects, Wyld is set to bring the wow factor back to central London’s hotel bar scene. The music and drinks policy are inspired by Rock ‘N’ Roll London; taking the Rock N Roll decadence theme to a stunning conclusion, Amsterdam designers Concrete have created a haven for London’s night owls. With a ruby glow emanating throughout the bar and an oversized mirror ball rotating in the ceiling, guests are sure to experience endless adventure and unforgettable nights. Taking inspiration from the sounds of Soho’s musical heritage, Wyld will feature a diverse and eclectic playlist of music by London’s best DJs and producers. Guests will be enchanted by the mix of Denmark Street’s jazz, blues and punk rhythms; the eighties cool of Wardour Street’s iconic ‘The Wag’ and the famous rock acts of Nirvana and David Bowie who took to the stage at the famous ‘Astoria’. Patrons will have the option of the most varied selection of irresistible cocktails, modern classics and all other spirits and classic aperitifs.
LONDON: Club Bond
The infamous nightclub located in the heart of London’s West End hosts some of the capitals most well-known and entertaining parties catering to an elite clientele of members and guests. Open only on a Friday and Saturday night the Miami style super-chic venue boasts not only an incredibly sleek design, but is also installed with cutting-edge lighting, projections on all walls and bar technology second to none in London. With its pioneering design and spectacular music, Club Bond is the ultimate London nightlife experience, revered for its elegance and ambience by members and patrons. To experience Bond and a night like no other, all Quintessentially members and guests can receive free entry before Midnight.
BEIRUT: GAUCHO Beirut
Bringing the best in Argentine food and with the sophisticated glamour of Buenos Aires, one of London’s finest enterprises, Gaucho, opens its flagship International restaurant in Beirut. Its decadent décor is bound to impress, while the venue’s friendly front-of-house team helps yield the perfect dining ambience. Catering for up to 120 people, Gaucho is located at Phoenix Tower in Minet El Hosn and is just a few minutes from the city’s business and banking district and a short walk from the ever lively “Down Town”. It serves a distinctive menu, featuring the award-winning Argentine Ceviches – ‘the new sushi’, traditional Empanadas and renowned steak cuts from the finest free-range Argentine Aberdeen Angus Beef. Considered the best beef in the world, the steak cuts are cooked in the traditional Argentine way. They are cut to order, flash-grilled and turned only once to seal the juices and enhance the flavor, providing greater caramelization. Gaucho is a restaurant concept that does lunch, afternoon, pre-dinner drinks, dinner and events; a concept that is quite unique to Beirut and further enriches its culinary offerings. With seafront views, the mix of cowhide leather, mirror panels and statement sparkling chandeliers combine to make an impressive dining space matched with a sophisticated ambience. For a more intimate affair, the glamorous Private Dining Room, which seats 12 diners, creates an exclusive private party setting.
BEIRUT: Pure White
It’s been five successful years for White, the club famous for its cool vibes but the party isn’t stopping. After heavy demand, White moves into a new home in summer 2011, becoming Pure White. Pure White will be a cocktail for the senses: aural, visual, culinary. Expect an atmosphere that’s seriously fun but still White at the core including everything we love about this upbeat place: the no-holding back when it comes to entertainment and big-name performers along with the intimate rapport Pure White builds with every guest. At heart, Pure White will be all about fun, escapism and creating that unique feeling for one special night. A night at Pure White, and magic happens…
HONG KONG: JaaBar
JaaBar is one of Hong Kong’s newest haunts for those in the know. Off the well-beaten drinker’s path of Wyndham Street and Lan Kwai Fong, JaaBar deals in a certain kind of unpretentious exclusivity – the kind of place where friends come to hang out but you have to know the right people to get in. Opened by three friends with the initials J, A and A, JaaBar serves great cocktails among plush surroundings. Though the venue is petite, the saying goes that good things come in small packages. Don’t let the exterior fool you – hidden down a small, dark and rather dingy alleyway, JaaBar is definitely a diamond in the rough.
HONG KONG: Lily & BLOOM
Lily & BLOOM draw their inspiration from the physical streetscapes and downtown street life that emerged in great cities near the turn of the 20th century. This is a new duplex space which BUZZ CONCEPTS in Hong Kong partnered with AvroKO, a New York-headquartered design and concept firm. Lily is one of the most popular names in New York City at the end of the 1890’s that offers on a mostly-forgotten but still-sexy classic cocktail menu from mojito-like South-side to obscure Tiki-favorites Donga Punch. BLOOM is an eclectic, comforting American brasserie offering everything from oyster shooters to ceviches and seafood platters with abalone and geoduck.
JOHANNESBURG: BUDDHA TA
Buddha Ta is the top new and happening spot in Johannesburg. It is an upmarket, sophisticated venue that caters for an upper-class clientele offering speciality cocktails and tapas-style food platters. It consists of large four bars, general lounge areas and two large mezzanine levels – with functionality to be used as VIP areas or for corporate functions. Buddha Ta is truly exceptional exemplified in its double-volume ceilings, lush reds, golds and browns and a large Buddha centrepiece overlooking the main lounge. The décor and fittings make it a perfect place to meet, relax, have fun and embrace the spirit of Buddha! Be Awakened!
JOHANNESBURG: CAFÉ CULTURE
Café Culture is a new Bistro Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge, located in Fourways, Johannesburg. Café Culture offers a very relaxed yet contemporary vibe where people can just chill, enjoy a sundowner or have a sumptuous homely meal. Speciality meals are pork and merlot pie, fillet with gorgonzola, caramelised onions on baguette & tempura hake and rosemary potato wedges, amazing Salads and sinful Desserts. In the evening it is best described as a house party away from home, which is characterised by fun and a good party with close friends.
BUENOS AIRES: TÔ
After two successful years in Argentina, the Frapanese cuisine restaurant opens Tô Mio Hotel Recoleta in Buenos Aires. Keeping the excellence that characterizes Tô, presenting a perfect fusion between two of the best cuisines worldwide, with the highlight of Japanese atmosphere and French charm combined. With a renewed and unified menu in both places which expresses the perfect spirit of Tô, Toufic Reda, the creator, will delight exclusive diners with original creations using the best raw materials found in Argentina and beyond, such as Beluga caviar, foie gras or Kobe beef. Its unique selection of sushi includes rolls such as Le Dragon au feu, roll of shrimp tempura, avocado and cream cheese wrapped in salmon with sweet and sour sauce, the most requested of the menu. Recoleta Tô also offers delicate bakery to accompany afternoon tea. At sunset, becomes a unique meeting place to enjoy good music and the best international cocktails by Santiago Urquhart. For lovers of the good life, Tô Recoleta offers an ideal place to make a fine cocktail or a drink with delicious full “tapeo” at their leisure, as it is open throughout the night. Ensuring the success of this second opening, Reda Toufic partnered with another great young professional gastronome of Argentina, Roberto Garcia Moritan, managing partner of Astrid & Gastón Buenos Aires, betting on this new project to continue its important contribution to the cuisine of the world.
BUENOS AIRES: THE FOOD FACTORY
“In the heart of Palermo, The Food Factory by Tomas Kalika, goes for a new concept in what Argentina’s restaurants offer. With a rebellious spirit, invites the most discerning palates to enjoy the exquisite flavors and “aromas” on the menu. The restaurant has modern and eclectic decoration, and a central kitchen surrounded made of glass for everyone to see! The idea, is to show the kitchen “backstage”. Tomas Kalika, was brought up as a chef under the guidance of experts, such as Eyal Shany and Jacques Divellec; and today, is very proud to open up his own kitchen to Buenos Aires market where he states clear his “Leit Motiv”: Changing the rules.The menu is divided in 5 sections: Small &Cold/Hot & Cold; more than 50 option of mini-dishes for your delight!
CAIRO: JAZZ BAR AT THE KEMPINSKI NILE
Want to be taken back in time with a hint of a modern day touch to your day? The Jazz Bar at the Kempinski might do the trick for you. Found on the tenth floor along with other highly-recommended restaurants, this venue is one of the best places to go to if you’re in need of a good dose of some drink and live entertainment. The interior is well thought of, with deep leather seats and dim lighting to get you into that perfect Jazzy mood. This bar prides itself on over 50 cocktails to indulge in. Its sleek sophistication and calm ambiance is a good choice during the weekdays where it’s less crowded than the weekends where you’ll find it jam-packed with socialites and a live DJ.
CAIRO: ALMAZ
If Egypt was personified, reflected within the confines of four walls, it might look a lot like ALMAZ. Dark wooden mashrabeya details, stained glass windows, tiles that are the colour of sand, and the iconic star of Stella on the back of the chairs, it’s a formula that is both nostalgic and current at the same time. Take a seat on the blue velvet couches, trendy cocktail in hand, and take a pick of the wide variety of Middle Eastern cuisine. ALMAZ sets the mood with music that ranges from chill lounge to Arabic hits both old and new, easy listening at its best. With its trendy and young crowd, it is definitely the place to see and enjoy its authentically Egyptian ambience.
CAIRO: THE TERREACE
The new kid on the block is The Terrace. Launched on December 10th 2010 at Designopolis, this venue is the talk of town on everybody’s lips, and social butterflies couldn’t have been happier. This venue oozes elegance and trendiness at the same time, where one can eat an impressive meal and hang out – or simply enjoy a simple coffee and book in the outside lounge in the sunshine. Boasting a café, restaurant and bar all together, it is no secret that people are flocking every weekend to enjoy a proper full breakfast, a hearty lunch or a ritzy dinner with music in the background. If you’re in the mood to get out of the hustle and bustle of Cairo, head to The Terrace and enjoy a scrumptious cocktail with friends around and decent beats in the background. There’s also plenty of fun for kids as well with art projects and activities galore so parents don’t feel the need to be 100% Mom and Dad during their days off! That isn’t all … The Terrance has a huge line up of more surprises, more entertainment yet to come.