The Candlelight Club is one of the better Jazz Age-themed events in London at the moment.
I think its two biggest strengths are the music and the high 1920s costume count. Practically everyone makes an effort with their outfit, some spectacularly so. The music is really good too: authentic, but also perfect for strutting some Charleston moves to. Together, the two combine to create a very escapist atmosphere. Other pluses are the reasonable ticket price (£15) and of course the cosy, candlelit feel.
It's not without its weaknesses though. Food options are minimal: no 1920s fare here - try decidedly 21st century doughnuts, hamburgers and hot dogs served on the chilly patio outside instead.
There's also very little structure to the evening. All the Candlelight Club really is is a candlelit room with a load of chairs and tables, waiters selling booze, a couple of hours of live music from a swing band and occasionally, encouragement from the host to 'buy some alcohol'. Contrast this with the Jive Party at the Rivoli Ballroom, where, for the same price (less, even) you get a dance lesson, the chance to meet large numbers of the people there, the same kind and amount of live music (and then 2 hours of recorded music afterwards) and endless dancing to get stuck into or simply admire (on the other hand, the 1920s costume count at the Rivoli is much lower than at the Candlelight Club)
Still, I had fun. There's something very infectious about 1920s Charleston and the crowd there that prevents you from having a bad time. So I'll probably be returning.. once I have a few more Charleston moves under my belt. read more