Synonymous with British class and the upper echelons of the club scene since 1969, Tramp is a legendary members club and celebrity haunt. Is it still as good as its heyday though?

The Venue
Tramp is located on Jermyn Street in Mayfair. It’s easily reached from Piccadilly Circus tube station, although in this neighbourhood you’re more likely to arrive by taxi or, if you’re really flash, escorted by your driver. Once inside, the club is one big open space with a separate restaurant area, with heavy dark wood panelling and not very comfortable hard leather seating. A long bar dominates the room, although you’re mostly served at your table.

The Atmosphere
Since the 1960s, Tramp has been a well known haunt for celebrities including The Rolling Stones, Joan Collins, Kate Moss and Sarah Ferguson. Tramp legends include OJ Simpson celebrating his acquittal over Champagne, Keith Moon stripping off for a naked dance, and the owner Johnny Gold even wrote a book on the club Tramp’s Gold in partnership with Michael Caine. These days the celebrities who can get in still visit, but they’re joined by a different crowd – some of the people here fall into the Eurotrash category, and there are lots of wealthy Arab and other foreign businessmen too. This is different to the days when only British Lords and Ladies were welcome, but at least it feels less staid than it used to and the party spirit is more abundant now.

The club can border on tacky when Champagne is ordered, arriving at the table with the Star Wars theme playing and sparklers fizzing. Overall, you’ll have a great night if you keep your tongue in cheek at the displays of ostentation at the tables around you, and the staff will do their best to ensure your every whim is catered for with top-ups of your glass and table service for all. The door staff are less friendly, but that’s the same everywhere, isn’t it?

The Music
The new party crowd at Tramp demand a bit more RnB than might have been club policy a few years ago, but it’s teamed with cool house tunes and commercial dance and you’ll find the nights are very much defined by which DJ is playing. With a rosta of DJs including the terrific Mark Ryman (Studio Valbonne and M1NT regular), the punters here are familiar with the set before it’s played and each DJ brings their own flavour to their night.

The Drink
People here only ever seem to drink Cristal, and if you need to ask how much that costs, you probably can’t afford it. Bottles of Champagne at £250 seem to be the norm rather than a luxury, but at least the staff will pour it for you when they see your glass emptying. At these prices, you need to watch out for every added luxury! The cocktail menu is poor with few choices, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised if you test the expert bar staff who can create almost anything if you know what you want.

The Last Word
Tramp is an icon of London’s clubland and, after almost 40 years, is deservedly so. The crowd has changed recently but the new members have bought in a more cosmopolitan feel and the party vibe is still here after all these years. If you can get in, do. It’s an experience not to be missed.

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