Following successes in Ibiza, Mykonos, and Las Vegas, iconic entertainment hospitality brand Pacha Group has announced the opening of LÃo London. Launching in February 2023, the one-of-a-kind show and dining experience will open in the former Café de Paris, with Ibiza’s legendary nightlife brand breathing life back into one of London’s oldest nightclubs and event venues.
LÃo – a concept that has been entertaining revellers for over a decade at its flagship LÃo Ibiza – is a unique, modern interpretation of an immersive cabaret show that brings together a troupe of world-class singers, dancers, acrobats and international artists for an evening of eclectic performances. Curated by Pacha’s longstanding Creative Director Joan Gràcia, guests can expect a wild and surprising display where dinner, entertainment, and club come together to create an unmissable show.
Award-winning Spanish architectural design studio Lázaro Rosa-Violán is overseeing the transformation, taking great care to preserve the heritage elements of the Grade II listed building, which is renowned as one of London’s most prestigious events venues and nightclubs. With space to seat 200 for dinner, the glamorous yet playful design features mirrored ceilings and a moveable DJ booth that is central to the space, with the original 1924 elegant double-sided staircase cascading down either side. Guests can either be seated in the heart of the action on the original ballroom floor, or on the wraparound mezzanine with a bird’s eye view of the performance.
British multi-media artist Jan Erika has been commissioned to bring the curved walkway behind the stage to life with 18 handpainted doors that will be completed on opening night as an act of live art. Her large-scale figurative designs, inspired by the silhouette and lines of the human body will be elegant yet daring – much like the show itself.
After the show, guests are encouraged to stay and party the night away as the room transforms into a late-night club, welcoming up to 715 revellers. Making way for a dancefloor, the stage will disappear into the ground and the central DJ booth will come alive, with resident DJs and international DJs performing, in addition to well-known LÃo club nights from Wednesday to Saturday, bringing the inimitable Pacha spirit to London’s nightlife scene. The space will also be available for exclusive events from Sunday to Tuesday.
Chef Adam Rawson, previously of The Standard in New York and whose CV features stints with Gordon Ramsay and Claude Bosi, will be overseeing the food concept. The decadent menus will be complemented by wines selected by Head Sommelier Romaine Aurdrerie who has previously worked with the likes of Andre Balazs as both Head Sommelier for the opening of Chiltern Firehouse, and later Global Wine Director for Balazs’ properties.
Sanjay Nandi, CEO of Pacha Group said: “Since opening its fabled doors in the 1920s, Café de Paris has long been a symbol for indulgence, style and glamour, and we are thrilled to be taking it into the next phase of its life. True to its roots, it will remain somewhere that people can come and experience the absolute best entertainment hospitality. It’s creative, wild and seriously good fun – we know London is going to love LÃo!”
The opening of LÃo London is part of the group’s careful expansion of its hospitality offering, which sees the landmark brand bring its ideals of openness, freedom, and creativity to more people in more places.
