Originally published on Monday, 23rd October 2006

Bada Bling

So we're all about the furthering these days. We go to book clubs, take more than a passing interest in politics and notice of what we eat. Next year I plan to do charity work for the feel good factor, holiday in the UK and donate a wedge to charity.

The only problem is that I rarely find time to visit the beautician these days, abhor anywhere outside Zone 2 and while the idea of donating to charity’s all very lovely, how am I meant to keep myself in good shoes?

We're glad, amidst all this earnestness, to hear that bada bada bling hangouts are on the rise.

There's the opulent Gilt, a dedicated champagne lounge set in Knightsbridge's Jumeirah CarltonTower; Silver, which could be regarded as something of a cautionary tale for anyone looking to avoid the rent-a-crowd circuit, and the one that's truly getting us salivating onto our platinum cigarette holders: Ronnie Scott's Members' bar, which opens today and holds every ounce of decadence that a style haven should.

Hold the tofu, hand me the Hermes...

Ronnie Scott's Members' Bar - opens today. Open to the public - for potential new members - to check it out for the first six weeks. 47 Frith Street, W1 - 020 7439 0747

Gilt Champagne Lounge at Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Cadogan Place, Sloane St, SW1 - 020 7858 7250

Silver, 17 Hanover Square, W1

by VG