Chinawhite (nightclub)
Chinawhite was a nightclub in central London. The original club was located between Piccadilly Circus and Soho,[1] but the club closed in December 2008 due to the building being sold. It re-opened at a new location in London on 20 October 2009 at 4 Winsley Street, in Fitzrovia. In 2012 there was a partial re-brand and name change to "Libertine by Chinawhite".[2][3] It is part of the wider Chinawhite group which owns and operates a selection of nightclubs, including in Manchester,[4] Birmingham, and Newcastle.
Original Soho club[edit]
The original Chinawhite venue near Piccadilly Circus became a well known celebrity club; being attended by Premier League footballers, Page 3 girls, and young people in the entertainment industry.[5][6] The Virgin Pocket Guide to London noted that it was "notoriously tough to get into" unless you were a member or celebrity,[7] and another publication stated that "you may have to sell your organs to get into this celebrity pick-up joint with lightly trashy overtones".[8] Kate Moss, Jemma Kidd, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mick Hucknall and Jude Law were names well connected with the club.[9][10]
The original club in Soho had a number of "suites" with soft, bed-like lounging areas. including a "VIP suite" which gained notoriety in the British press over the years.[11] The Unofficial Guide to London described the club as "highly artistic and colourful", and noted the "oriental styles and Chinese daybeds mixed with theatrical flair [and] unique lighting and cushions everywhere".[12]
Fitzrovia club[edit]
In 2009, Chinawhite undertook an extensive 16-week refurbishment project which was completed by Phelan Construction Ltd the same year.[13] The new club in Fitzrovia a main room, a VIP room, an Asian inspired "Mao Room" and an upstairs bar called the Code. [14] It continues to be a celebrity hotspot[15][16] and one of the eminent brands in London nightlife.[17]
Belfast club[edit]
In September 2014, it was reported in Business and Leadership and the Belfast Telegraph that Chinawhite was to open a club in Belfast, and would employ 60 people at the new venue.[18][19] The club is to locate in the city's Linen Quarter. This ceased trade in late 2018.[20]
Chinawhite Manchester[edit]
In November 2018 Chinawhite Manchester opened, located on 244 Deansgate.[21] The design is styled to take inspiration from the original Chinawhite and features an opulent interior with Asian influences.[22]
Ownership[edit]
The nightclub is run by the Chinawhite Group. Firstfind Limited oversees the central office functions and grants licenses for locations to operate under the "Chinawhite" brand. The largest single shareholder[23] is Elstrad Ltd, held in trust for Constantine Kulukundis. The Kulukundis family holds a reputable name within the international shipping industry. Following closely is Pareto Investments, owned by Fred Moss. The third major shareholder is So Ha Garment Co Ltd, with an unknown benefactor.[citation needed]
References[edit]
- ^ Gervat, Claire; Gavin, Francesca (2006). Alan S. Davis (ed.). Night+Day London (travel guide). the Cool Cities series from pulseguides. USA: ASDavis Media Group. p. 238. ISBN 978-0-9766013-7-1.
- ^ "Libertine By Chinawhite". LibertindLDN.
- ^ bighospitality.co.uk. "Chinawhite nightclub set to re-open as Libertine". bighospitality.co.uk. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
- ^ Heward, Emily (18 October 2018). "London celebrity nightclub Chinawhite to open in Manchester". men. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
- ^ Reade, Brian (14 January 2011). 44 Years With The Same Bird: A Liverpudlian Love Affair. Pan Macmillan. p. 238. ISBN 978-0-330-54042-1.
- ^ Williams, Andy (1 August 2011). Robin Van Persie: The Biography. John Blake Publishing, Limited. p. 106. ISBN 978-1-84358-836-8.
- ^ London: 1000 of the best places to eat, drink and shop (travel guide). Globe Pequot Press, The Virgin Publishing, Trafalgar Square. 1 April 2001. ISBN 978-0-7627-0962-5.
- ^ Gervat, Claire; Gavin, Francesca (2006). Night + Day London. ASDavis Media Group. p. 75. ISBN 978-0-9766013-7-1.
- ^ Clare, Richard de (1 September 2002). Night Out in London. Niche Publications. p. 108. ISBN 978-0-9532299-0-1.
- ^ "Chinawhite". LondonTown.com. Retrieved 4 July 2009.
- ^ "Chelsea stars celebrate victory with Jenna Jameson". The Spoiler. Retrieved 4 July 2009.
- ^ Logan, Lesley (10 January 2008). The Unofficial Guide to London. John Wiley & Sons. p. 373. ISBN 978-0-470-13829-8.
- ^ "Chinawhite". Phelans.co.uk. Archived from the original on 13 February 2010. Retrieved 2 February 2010.
- ^ "LibertineLDN". libertine. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
- ^ Randell, Louise (6 February 2019). "Liam Payne 'bedded Love Island's Amber Davies' after Cheryl split". mirror. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
- ^ "Danny Dyer jokes daughter Dani was conceived in two minutes". Metro. 12 October 2018. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
- ^ "The World's Finest Clubs | Libertine | London | United Kingdom". www.finestclubs.com. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
- ^ "Famous nightclub Chinawhite to open in Belfast". Business & Leadership. 18 September 2014. Archived from the original on 22 September 2014. Retrieved 18 September 2014.
- ^ "Nightclub brings 60 new jobs". Belfast Telegraph. 18 September 2014.
- ^ Scott, Sarah (28 November 2018). "This is what Belfast nightclub Chinawhite is being turned into". belfastlive. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
- ^ Heward, Emily (18 October 2018). "London celebrity nightclub Chinawhite to open in Manchester". men. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
- ^ marieharwood (12 November 2018). "The Glamorous Nightclub Chinawhite Has Arrived". About Manchester. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
- ^ "FIRSTFIND LIMITED persons with significant control - Find and update company information - GOV.UK". find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk. Retrieved 18 October 2023.