Colour Your Nights!

 
So colourful, so striking: the club scene has an aversion to categorical standards. Listening to music played live or by a DJ, dancing, lounging, eating, drinking, having fun, seeing and being seen - all weighted differently but with the same aim: to create the ideal place to be. Trends? Today, hip nightlife destinations often include fine-dining facilities. And regardless of whether the styling is puristic, opulent or deliberately shabby, they all rely on lighting to create the desired atmosphere. Drenched in psychedelic colours thanks to ultra-modern technology, state-of-the-art clubs are in effect developing into in toxicating works of multi-media art.
 

 

 

Cocoon Frankfurt

 
The CocoonClubin the Frankfurt district of Fechenheim is not only a much acclaimed techno dance floor. It is also where star DJ Sven Väth and his partner Matthias Martinsohn, Managing Director of the club, launched a new trend five years ago. The futuristically styled location (total floor space: 2,600 sq m) brings together music, dancing, lounging and dining of the highest standards. Besides the elaborate sound system, which alone cost around €700,000, the most spectacular feature is a 360° membrane wall around the 600 sq m main dance floor, which is used for surround projections. Integrated into the wall are 13 glazed lounge boxes - the cocoons. Bars (where snacks are available late at night), lounges and the two restaurants, Micro and Silk, are arranged around this ‘inner circle'. Decorated throughout in various shades of pink, the Silk bed-restaurant is distinguished by ethereal sounds and Asian-inspired meals. For his creative cuisine, chef Mario Lohninger has been awarded a Michelin star. And, although the dance floor is mainly populated by 20 to 40 year olds, Micro and Silk are also firm favourites among guests who have long since grown out of the techno scene. With room for up to 1,500 people, the CocoonClub is one of the most popular clubs in the world, attracting guests even from abroad.
 
www.cocoonclub.net, http://www.mariolohninger.de/
 

 

 

Club Momo

 
This stylish designer club (building cost: €1.5 m) at the luxury Park Hotel Amsterdam is all about the flavours and colours of the Far East but with a modern Western twist. Momo comprises a restaurant and a lounge bar separated by a large island bar. The interior, designed by Israeli architects Baranowitz & Kronenberg, is light and airy and characterised by plenty of soft round shapes and flowery touches. Momo means ‘blossom' in Japanese. To further accentuate the club's cosmopolitan character, the company has opted to employ an international team. The chef is from London. The cuisine (lunch and dinner) is predominantly oriental with influences from Japan, Thailand, China and India. In keeping with Asian tradition, Momo recommends that guests share dishes, with the menu offering a choice of various finger food, dim sum and sushi dishes. Funky music adds its energy to the total Momo experience - mixed by live DJs on Friday and Saturday nights and sometimes on Sunday afternoons.
 
www.momo-amsterdam.com
 

 

 

W Barcelona

 
For many years, all the glamorous places to be and to be seen were in the city centre or on the upper side of Barcelona. Since last October, the Catalan capital has a new exclusive venue: the Eclipse Bar of Hotel W Barcelona opened by Starwood Hotels in the marine neighbourhood of Barceloneta. Designed by Barcelona's world famous architect Ricardo Bofill, the Eclipse Bar is located on the 26th floor. The know-how comes from London's Eclipse bar company, which has signed an agreement with Starwood for this purpose. Arriving at the 400 sq m venture on the hotel's top floor is a fantastic experience in itself thanks to the view. However, the design and the lighting also give the Eclipse a very fine finishing touch. There is a small but good list of rums, whiskeys and vodkas plus an original variety of cocktails. If you feel like eating something a menu with cold and warm snacks is available. All complemented by DJ's spinning soulful sounds, delicious beats and live performances. Prices are within the normal range for Barcelona's in-scene. Don't be surprised if you have to queue to go up to the Eclipse Bar. Opening hours are from 7 pm until 2 am (3 am Friday and Saturday).
 
http://www.w-barcelona.com/
 

 
| 19 February 2010 | Marianne Wachholz |