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London, It's Been a While

If you remember this blog from its London clubbing days, hello again. I'm James WJ Wilson . I published London-focused sites with contributions from professional writers. After time in Budapest and a long break, I'm back in the city and revisiting that work. Much of this archive is about nightlife. I'd like to build on that with occasional current discoveries: a performance, an opening or an interesting place to spend an evening. This is my independent London publication. The older articles keep their dates and credits; old guest lists and offers are not current booking information. My newer business, FORBIDDEN.LONDON , works in hospitality marketing, so I'll sometimes share the perspective of the people creating those experiences. Thanks for joining me again. Let's explore.
Recent posts

Our new London clubs website

We are back with a brand new website totally dedicated to the best London clubs . The new site features a really cool search facility to help you find the perfect nightclub for your night out in central London no matter what you have in mind. The new Forbidden London site features the most exclusive London members' clubs in addition to the type of late night venues you can visit from Monday to Thursday for a breezy evening. We have added clubs in Mayfair, Soho, Chelsea, and Kensington, which are our core areas. However if you are interested in a visit to a different area of London and a different type of London club or bar there are plenty of options.

London Nightlife Gurus Forbidden London Clubs Presents Vivienne Westwood Play

Forbidden London Clubs , in partnership with The Motion Group theatre company, are staging an all new theatrical production of Vivienne Westwood’s much publicised manifesto for cultural change, Active Resistance to Propaganda, at one of London’s most versatile venues to hire , Bloomsbury Ballroom, this December. Andrew Steggall, a close friend of Vivienne Westwood , was approached to be part of the project by young political activist and entrepreneur James WJ Wilson - of Forbidden London - who saw the Director as a natural choice to help bring the production to the stage for the first time. Andrew met Vivienne in 2003 as he explains: “She saw a production of ‘The Soldier’s Tale’ that I directed at the Old Vic. She’s a great believer in the power of theatre and I, a great believer in the power of Vivienne Westwood, was keen to get to know her.” He continued: “She was already working on the Manifesto then I think and so I have been aware of its development over some time. Over the ...

Starsuckers Celebrity Gossip Hoax Film Dupes London Papers

Three British papers discussed buying confidential medical information about actor Hugh Grant, director Guy Ritchie and other celebrities in a hoax set up by a documentary film maker. As part of the documentary "Starsuckers", which premieres at the London Film Festival later this month, the filmmakers also planted several fake reports with British tabloids to expose inaccurate celebrity gossip being reported. "We wanted to do a test to see how they would react," director Chris Atkins told Reuters. "It is just showing the public what goes on behind the stories that they pay for every day." The Starsuckers team posed as members of the public to offer the papers fabricated stories about well known-figures to test whether the journalists would check the facts. "We kept trying to do things that they wouldn't print and it happened a couple of times but they pretty much printed most of what we said," Atkins said, adding that their stories had...

X Factor Star Leona Lewis Attacked at Piccadilly Book Signing

X-Factor celebrity Leona Lewis was rushed to hospital on Wednesday afternoon after being slapped in the face at her own book signing in Central London . The crazed ‘fan’ who attacked the singer waited patiently in the queue at Waterstones Piccadilly before launching himself at 24 year old Leona - but only after she had signed his book. Security staff quickly restrained the thug while police arrived before the star was taken to a Harley Street Medical Clinic. A spokeswoman said “Leona’s understandably badly shaken and apologises to the fans she was unable to meet and complete signings for.”

London Bar Inspired By '50s Celeb Grace Kelly Opens

Grace, a new West End club/bar/restaurant , is set top open this Thursday 15th October on the site of the Sugar Reef bar and restaurant on London's famous Great Windmill Street. Named after the legendary glamorous film star Grace Kelly - a celebrity of 1950s stage and screen - it is said to take after her elegance and beauty. It looks likely to be a popular spot for pre-theatre dining , office lunches and after-work drinks, as well as offering a dazzing dance floor and bar for London's party people.

Phantom of the Opera Sequel Opens In London West End

Andrew Lloyd Webber launched the long-awaited sequel to his global hit Phantom of the Opera last night, which sees the action transfer from Paris to a New York fairground. 'Love Never Dies' was unveiled at Her Majesty's Theatre in London , where 'Phantom' opened 23 years ago this week, launching a theatrical phenomenon which has been seen by some 100 million people worldwide. The new production, which will open next year, picks up the story a decade on as the Phantom has moved from his lair in the Paris Opera House to haunt New York's Coney Island. Iranian-born Ramin Karimloo will star as the Phantom, having already played the role in the "Phantom of the Opera" on the London stage.