Merry Prince Hal isn’t one of Shakespeare’s most enduring characters for nothing. From Henry the 8th to Edward the 8th, from Eleanor of Aquitaine to the late Princess Margaret, Britain’s first family has always enjoyed excess. This current generation of cousins is particularly wild and sweaty, with a scandalous set of posh friends and a great love for exclusive clubs with techno music, pricey bottles, late hours and an often — it must be said — rather cheesy vibe.
Public: Situated in an old antiques warehouse in Chelsea, this latest venture by Prince William’s best friend, alleged druggie wunderkind Guy Pelly, has already been threatened with closure on account of its wild reputation. The club features a merry-go-round and a VIP section called the “sweetshop” decorated with tins of boiled sweets and a photo booth. Both Princess Beatrice and Pippa “It Girl” Middleton have been spotted here, but to the untrained ear it sounds rather like a Chuck E. Cheese’s for the Sloan Ranger set.
Public, 533 Kings Road, London SW10
The Box: Randy Prince Harry has oft enjoyed the sensual delights found in this seedy, red wallpapered burlesque house, which has quickly become the hot spot for many young royals, including Princess Eugenie. Featuring freakish variety acts, strippers and live sex shows, the club also serves sexually themed cocktails. After 3:30 am, VIP’s are ushered upstairs to watch, and some say participate, in even rowdier entertainments. A table will cost you a cool 1,000 pounds on a weeknight and over 3,000 pounds on the weekend. The Queen would not be pleased.
The Box, 1 Walker’s Court, at Brewer Street, London W1F 0ED
Whiskey Mist: Yet another Guy Pelly joint, this declining private club in Mayfair has long been a favorite of all the royal young’ns , including Prince Harry, Prince William and Kate Middleton. A 350 pound annual fee gains you membership as well as an exclusive key to the club, designed by rock spawn Jade Jagger. If you care to stand in line with the limited number of non-members who are allowed in, you will find a crowded dance floor where 20-somethings get down to pounding music. If you push your way in, though, you may be able to find yourself a prince!
Whiskey Mist, 35 Hertford Street, London W1J 7SD
Boujis: Prince Harry’s absolutely fave spot to fall out of at 3am, this private members club in Kensington is one of the most popular and feted in London. One must have two recommendations from existing members to become a member, although like most private member clubs it is possible to gain entry if you are a non-special. It is another club with a packed dance floor, a house DJ playing techno and ridiculously priced drinks. P.S.: the definition of Boujis is, to some, one who is not cute, but thinks that they are. Don’t worry Prince Harry; we think you are veerrry cute, even if you do have questionable taste in Halloween outfits and from the looks of it, nightclubs.
Boujis, 43 Thurloe Street, London SW7 2LQ
Chinawhite: This dimly lit Asian themed restaurant and bar is a perennial favorite with both WAG’s and royals. Moved from central London to Fitzrovia in 2009, the club is known for its elegant and rather creative décor, its large dance floor for the “normals” and its VIP dance floor for the “specials.” Tabloid stars and royals dress to impress here and the many fake lips and enhanced breasts might make you think you are in Miami or Los Angeles instead of London.
Chinawhite, Winsley Street, London W1W 8HF
