After leaving the AllWornOut girls on the Friday evening in London, I went clubbing. On my own. Completely safe – and I did in fact meet a companion. A Chechnyan, who was very kind and very honorable. We chatted about politics, the Ukraine, Chechnya etc. as you do on a Friday evening. I made it home about 3am-ish.
The morning after the night before I was feeling a little rough around the edges. I knew I had to liven myself up before heading to meet the other blogging ladies at lunchtime. At first I thought about cider and ice cubes at Langan’s, but they were closed. As I wandered up towards Bond Street I suddenly realized that I could try and head back to Aubaine in Selfridges for a mimosa or likewise.
As I entered the handbag department I noticed several people sitting on a balcony eating – a good sign at 10am. As I rounded the corner I discovered HIX. A fabulous little champagne bar that happened to do a champagne breakfast – result! It felt incredibly decadent sitting on my own eating scrambled eggs, smoked salmon and toast, and sipping a bellini (or 3). Not the cheapest breakfast ever, but how often do I get to do it? I even saw Charles Saatchi and Trinny Woodall wandering the store below me – I wasn’t quick enough with my camera unfortunately!
Staying in Mayfair was a new experience for me. Not one of my usual haunts at all. While I was there I knew I had to have some fun. After leaving the girls on Saturday night, and being told to head straight back to the hotel, I wandered past the private members club Annabel’s.
“Sorry Miss, private members only” said the doorman, as I explained I was on my own and just wanted somewhere for a night cap.
“Just say my name downstairs” a girl called out as she was stepping into her taxi.
A bit of liquid courage and before I knew it I was waltzing into Annabel’s like I was a regular. As I told the front of house the girl’s name he didn’t bat an eyelid and just motioned me in.
“F*ck, f*ck I’m in” I said to myself suddenly panicking as to what to do next. I wandered nonchalantly to a table by the dance floor. What a sight to behold. Not just women in designer gear, but proper, haute couture designer gear. The dance floor was full of 100lb girls, with spray tans and waist length hair, dresses barely covering their butts. The guys were all in suits dancing awkwardly in some bizarre mating ritual. Large men were sitting at dining tables with magnums of champagne, eating steak and laughing loudly. I felt like I was in some kind of Martin Amis novel. How I was getting away with it I have no idea – I ordered a vodka and tonic. If I got found out what more can they do but throw me out?
I left without paying for my drink – I assume the lovely kind girl who gave me her name paid for it on her account. Sorry – I owe you one, but no one gave me a check and by that time I knew I had to get out before I saw another girl shuffling in her 10 inch Laboutins.
A great story to have, and great confirmation that I am no West End Girl.
It also appears I broke the dress code wearing ALL leather, and the Club Rules trying to take a photo.
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Love this story – and yes, cider and ice at Langans is not a patch on shampoo cocktails at Anabels! J x
I’m still intrigued by Langan’s – Chris Evans used to go there everyday after his breakfast show – his autobiography is a good read…
And WHAT is Trinny Woodall thinking??!!
You know I have NO idea – I think she just wants someone to have a fag with. x
You go girl! I have to admire your courage at sneaking into Annabel’s …sounds like a blast and a story you can dine out on for years to come.
Ha yes but the Husband is already bored hearing about it lol xx
That is the funniest blog post I’ve read in a long time. My friend and I go to London for a week once a year. No husbands, jobs, housework or kids in sight. So you have to go for it when the chance arises and you sure did honey. X
You really do need to just go for it – what’s the worse that can happen! I felt completely in my element and got such a rush of independence – it was thrilling. x
Sounds like you had an amazing time, I love the fact that you do what you want to do when you want to do it , you wanted to go dancing, so you went dancing, fab!! You shouldn’t limit what you do just because there is no one to do it with, just go for it, a great lesson for us all!
Diane
Ha yes – once I decide to do something there is not much that will stop me – stubborn I am. xx
Sue was worried that you’ve been kidnapped! I admire your Dutch courage. Maybe I should trail behind you next time you’re in town.
Oh come along we could get away with so much trouble:) x
Great account of what sounds like a perfect evening crashing Annabel’s…..along with Marlene could I tag along next time too?! x
Oh yes – the more the merrier – but we need our micro Herve Leger dresses on next time!:)
You are my sort of a lass!
Well I take that as an absolute compliment! You got to do these things when you have the chance!
Fab, fab, fab!! xxx
It was – it really was – but I woke up in the morning wondering how I got away with it!
Next time, I’m just going to trail you. I will be that little stealth ninja hiding in doorways watching your every move and making sure you get back to your hotel!
Next time you’re going to come with me and dance! xx
That’s a breakfast club I could well get used to. 🙂
Ha me too – especially the Selfridges breakfast!
OMG hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am laughing so much! You do know that most of those 100lb girls are hookers?!
Absolutely fantastic stories, you’re a hard core party girl!
Thank goodness we only meet once a year:) xx
Oh Joanna – you go girl! How on earth do you do these things?!?! What a week-end you had, I love that you just go in to these sort of places on your own. You are so brave! x
My Husband told me not to waste any precious time in London so I didn’t! I assure you a bit of liquid courage and age and you’d be surprised what you end up doing!
Love this story Joanna! I would never have the nerve, but I could totally imagine u doing this u mad woman!! Xx
You get more nerve as you get older – I assure you – you worry about a lot less:) xx
What an adventure you’ve been on! Ax