Winter Ice Lounge at Plateau

The "pop-up" concept of a stunning but temporary event started in the art world and has found its way to Canary Wharf. From now until the end of February, a Winter Ice Lounge will be created amongst the glittering towers of Canada Square by ultra-glam restaurant and bar Plateau. The glass-fronted outside terrace has been transformed with an ice wall, icicles and stalactites for that Russian winter feel. There are low white chairs with comfy blankets to snuggle up in, candles, tea lights and lanterns for a romantic Dr Zhivago moment, and a wide range of cocktails and ice shots served in shot glasses made of ice, the traditional way to celebrate Russian New Year. Smirnoff Black vodka is sponsoring the lounge and have come up with some high-octane drinks like Hot Shot with grenadine and Tabasco, Bling Bling with raspberry puree and lime juice, and Smirnoff Black Fabulous with cranberry juice, strawberry and Champagne. Martinis include Goldfinger with Galliano and pineapple juice, and something for the ladies perhaps, Chill Out with Smirnoff Black, Malibu, Baileys and orange juice. Keep your head with delicious Plateau bar food and be careful boys, 2008 is a Leap Year. The Winter Ice Lounge is open 5pm - 10pm Monday to Saturday. Runs to Friday 29 February. Plateau Restaurant and Bar, 4th floor Canada Place, Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14, 020 7715 7100, www.plateaurestaurant.co.uk

 
 
 
 

Poolside Posing

Since opening in April last year, the Haymarket hotel has rapidly become a cult destination for hip travellers, the cool theatre crowd and high-profile parties. Three Regency houses designed by John Nash have been transformed into an elegant but funky 50-room hotel, an oasis of design and taste in the no-man's land between Soho and Trafalgar Square. One of the Haymarket's most distinctive attractions is the Pool Bar based around a glamorous 18 metre swimming pool with a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system, gold and bronze leather sofas, a long pewter bar with white leather stools, and the ceiling studded with stars. It's often in demand for private events but every Friday evening, the area becomes a chilled lounge bar, an elegant, laid-back spot to celebrate the end of the week. January sees the arrival of the Globe Girls, the highly entertaining cabaret act who will host Friday evenings, chat to guests, and perform throughout the night with song, dance and comedy routines. Yes the Globe Girls are chaps but this isn't some cheap drag act. They are all talented West End performers who use their own names (Neil, Mark, Craig etc) but boy do they look great and can they wear clothes. Yes siree. It's not a supper club, i.e. you don't have to dinner there, but there are bar snacks to go with the vast quantities of alcohol that make these winter evenings bearable. The Globe Girls are appearing at the Pool Bar every Friday night from 18 January. For the first night only there will be a guest list so email poolbar@haymarkethotel.com or call 020 7581 4045. From Friday 25 January there is no guest list, no entrance fee, no door whores - easy peasy. The Pool Bar is open 6pm - midnight with shows and DJ throughout the evening. Haymarket Hotel, 1 Suffolk Place, (corner of Haymarket), London SW1, 020 7470 4000; www.haymarkethotel.com

Caption:
Globe Girls strut their stuff at the Pool Bar

 
 
 
 

Deep Pockets

Christmas excess and all the fun of the bonus round, aren't you ashamed of yourself? Soothe the guilt painlessly with a dazzling charity dinner and fine wine auction organised by Action Against Hunger, on Saturday 8 March at classy City restaurant, 1 Lombard Street. In the kitchen is a quartet of high-profile chefs with a clutch of seven Michelin stars to their credit: Raymond Blanc of Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, Shane Osborn of Pied à Terre, John Campbell from The Vineyard at Stockcross, and of course 1 Lombard Street's own superstar, Herbert Berger. There are carefully chosen wines to match the culinary fireworks and after dinner, when you're all feeling relaxed (and competitive), there is a wine auction led by David Elswood, International Head of Wine at Christies, with some of the world's most rare and collectable vintages up for sale. Action Against Hunger works to combat hunger, poverty and malnutrition around the world. It's a sobering thought that just £1 can provide a full meal for five children in Zambia. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, suppliers, committee members and the chefs taking part, every single penny raised on the night goes to the charity. This very special evening comprises a Champagne Taittinger reception followed by a splendid four-course dinner and then the fine wine auction. Tickets are £160 per person and are available from Heidi Drummond at Action against Hunger on 020 8293 6133 or email h.drummond@aahuk.org or visit www.aahuk.org