The Valmont Club, Chelsea, London
The Valmont Club, Latest Edition to Chelsea Nightlife
The Valmont Club, a 300 capacity nightclub with striking interior design, an impressive cocktail list and a desirable location opened on the Fulham Road, Chelsea, in Autumn 2007.
Located on the site formerly known as Café des Artistes, the popular 1960’s and 1970’s live music venue fraternised by The Rolling Stones and Roger Waters, where performers included David Bowie and Queen, The Valmont Club intends to re-introduce the bohemian spirit and artistic appeal of its previous incarnation.
The Concept
The team behind The Valmont Club, recognising the need for a refreshing alternative to the often one-dimensional Chelsea nightlife, have married a strong operational team with original design and creative musical programming.
Eschewing the hackneyed VIP Room mentality, The Valmont Club aims to generate an inclusive atmosphere where revellers can enjoy expertly created cocktails and listen to some of London’s best DJ’s and live performers in a comfortably stylish and colourful environment.
The Design
The Valmont Club boasts a complete makeover courtesy of Makilee Design, the creative agency behind a number of leading bars & restaurants across the UK including The Breakfast Club, Soho and Lost Society, Clapham.
Juxtaposing subdued colours and soft, comfortable furnishings with bright neon statement signage, The Valmont Club is split into 4 main areas. Design details of note include a 60ft sheer black glass-topped bar, banquette seating areas separated by gold beaded curtains and a series of private velvet-curtained booths with individual music volume control.
The entire venue has been adorned with traditional sculptures, paintings and antique furniture items. Neon, black glass and velvet drapes are recurring themes, and there are several art deco statues and figurines from a private collector in New York. There is original antique lighting imported from Holland, and gold etched tables imported from Paris.
The Signature
General Manager of The Valmont Club Thierry Brocher has previously consulted for a number of the most celebrated London cocktail bars including Momo and Che. Brocher has designed a 60 strong cocktail menu that includes seven signature Champagne cocktails and a number of contemporary variations on the classics, using seasonal fruits and fresh ingredients throughout the year.
With the exception of the Mojito, each cocktail can be served in a vintage Chambord bottle and customers can choose their glassware from a range including shooters, tall, Martini and Dom Perignon Sniffers (for 2 people). Brocher places a strong emphasis on training his barstaff to provide consistently produced cocktails, and implements an in-house training programme for all his team.
The History
The Café des Artistes was one of the most celebrated haunts of London’s creative scene during the 1960’s and 1970’s. Initially a jazz venue (featuring artists including Chet Baker), Café des Artistes soon began showcasing more alternative music including Queen, Status Quo and Davie Jones & The King Bees – one of David Bowies first bands. Regular guests included Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) and members of the Rolling Stones.
The Valmont Club
266-266a Fulham Road
SW10 9EL
Tel + 44 (0)20 7352 6200
