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.
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]
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]
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]
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]
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 ]
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