Jolie Papillon giving punters a little razzle dazzle on one of the previous nights at Hester's.
I'll be honest, there aren't very many occasions where I'd let another woman kiss my boyfriend, but it seems like I made an exception at Hester's Hideout, one of the hottest new cabaret openings in London.
Don't worry, i'll explain...
Ushered in by one of (what I feel to be) the friendliest bouncers in Britain, we trailed the steps to the basement, squeezing through a pair of red velvet curtains. We needn't have had any worry that Hester's wouldn't be sultry and speakeasy, this is an absolute den of both decadence and debauchery, you need only have found yourself in one of their slinky, chain-covered booths to feel so.
The cocktails at Hester's are curated with class, and definitely lend themselves to a refined palate. Out of a whole host of drinks on the night, two stood out. On the 'long and refreshing' page of the menu, the Gallows Point Punch at £10 with Pirate's Grog, house falernum and Patron XO was the perfect blend of fruity and tart, while hardened whisky lovers would be all over the £12 Milk of the Poppy with Woodford Reserve Rye and homemade walnut milk thanks to its strong and discerning flavour.
I loved the cocktails, and the menu was creative, but it's the entertainment that makes Hester's such a diamond in the Farringdon not-so-rough. While our compere was magician Neil Kelso, who impressed at every turn (i've still got my winning card to prove it), the award-winning, military-inspired burlesque from Miss Betsy Rose was steamy and risque, just as it should be. I save a whole sentence for Ritzy Cracker, the one and only. From contortion and comedy to a dose of Marilyn Monroe (with all of the hilarious hiccups), I liked her so much, I let her kiss my boyfriend goodnight.
What with finding ourselves both right in front, and on the same level as the performers, Hester's Hideout have thrown cabaret back to where it needs to be: in your goddamn face.
If you can find it, Hester's Hideout is a secret basement spot in Farringdon. From table bookings through to burlesque nights, find out more and book your experience here.
