After almost a decade away, Paper nightclub returns to London.

A celebrity haunt taken before its time, Paper nightclub still exists in the hearts of many Londoners as the original, modern day celebrity hangout. The chosen party playground of such A-listers as P Diddy and Sienna Miller, Paper closed its doors in 2009 as its previous home was converted into a hotel. After finding a new home in Soho’s Wardour street, Paper recently opened to much acclaim in a section of the £1 milllion pound refurbishment of Peter Stringfellow’s Angels club.

A small doorway just off London’s regent street is smothered by eager partygoers as Paper opens its doors for the first time on the weekend of 27th January. Guests are greeted by 2 well presented and accommodating door hosts, with further hostesses lining the inside of the corridor on either side awaiting further table reservations. Upon entering the solid black exterior doorway, partygoers descend down a long flight of stairs and are met by a large wall featuring celebrities on different front covers of a fictional newspaper, aptly titled ‘Paper.” Double doors flap open ahead as bursts of mixed colour lights and sound flick through and a narrow corridor goes off to the right to the cloak room.

Theres a number of high bar tables to the right and a long, well presented bar immediately in front along a back wall. The club opens up to the left, with tables immediately on on left side in an enclaves along the wall before a staircase to nowhere rises above them with a fixed pole. As the bar finishes, further tables run along the wall and a decent sized. square dance floor is created by the space in between, overlooked by a central, elevated DJ booth. Behind the DJ, an open VIP area is visible from the dance floor with a number of tables secluded away from the DJ booth. There’s a good number of tables, which have adequate room and are well positioned.

A group of seductively-clad dancers perform regular shows throughout the night, in provocative outfits designed by famous London brand Bluebella. There’s attention to detail throughout, with decadent features on the low tables and changes in levels throughout the venue to allow guests different perspectives. Bottle shows light the room against a dark backdrop, which seems to get darker as the night progresses and table clients out-do each other on who can order the most bottles. Staff are well-presented, and there is a diverse clientele, with opening weekend guests including A$AP Rocky and little mix.

The bottle-to-table menu is as expected, with a large enough bar to cater for those without a table reservation and a eclectic range of spirits and champagne. Bathrooms, however, are small and crammed. Re-entry is difficult due to narrow paving and steep stairwell. Whilst guests are diverse, the venue is smaller than expected although does evoke an intimate atmosphere. The music policy is progressive and engaging, with hip-hop vocals overlaying upbeat house rhythms, merging into hip-hop and trap beats as the night progresses. The staff are helpful, not pushy, and service is relatively quick, whilst accommodating. Paper looks set to re-enter London’s nightlife economy as a staple celebrity hangout, albeit a reinvented one, with further celebrity appearances since opening and much mainstream exposure. With older generations remembering the original, younger clients enjoy a new venue offering something different. The club is currently open Tuesday, Friday & Saturday nights.