Chappish Events

It's no good owning a superlative wardrobe, immaculate facial hair and eccentric smoking habits, then stepping into a discotheque where the walls perspire as much as the clientele, all of whom are wearing sleeveless shirts and pantaloons de Nimes. If one is to be among sartorial equals, or at least where one's spectacular tie knot will be appreciated, one will need expert guidance. The Chap is here to help. The following events are guaranteed for civility, panache and sartorial excellence, and we have no hesitation in recommending them.

December 2007

Every Tuesday 10pm-3am: Rakehell's Revels, Cafe Royal, 68 Royal Street, London W1.
A night of old-fashioned glamour in what was once the home of fin-de-siecle decadence. Your louche host Mr. David Piper ensures that no-one remotely badly dressed gains ingress, allowing one to enjoy five hours of uninterrupted sophistication among the beautiful and the dammed. The music ranges from piping hot 1930s jazz to 1950s calypso with a few juicy drops of the devil's music thrown in. In the argot of the era, this "joint" is truly "hopping". Rakehell's is sadly due to close its doors for the last time in 2007 so catch it while you can. rakehells.com

December 2nd 10am-4.30pm, Adams Antiques Fair, Royal Horticultural Hall, Lawrence Hall, Greycoat St, Off Vincent Sq, London SW1P 2PE.
If you are stuck for ideas for Christmas presents then go to an antiques fair and buy yourself something nice instead. Curios, gewgaws and nick-nacks range from antique lavatory seats to snuff boxes to wig boxes. With over 200 exhibitors and prices ranging from less than a pound to several hundred, one is bound to find something to suit all tastes. There is also a free Christmas raffle with prizes of Fortnum & Mason hampers and bottles of champagne being given away on the hour, every hour throughout the day! www.adamsantiquesfairs.com

December 8th 7pm: Paul Foot, 99 Club, Wheatsheaf Inn, 25 Rathbone Place, London W1T 1DG. Tickets £10.
This impish little Max Wall-Neil Hannon hybrid swirls his eloquent way around subjects ranging from home-made cakes to homosexual babies. Although sporting the hairstyle of a lunatic, Mr. Foot is nevertheless no stranger to the cravat and occasionally the pith helmet. He is also appearing at the same venue on 15th December. For further details visit www.paulfoot.tv

December 9th 11am-5.30pm. Frock Me! Chelsea Town Hall, King's Road, Chelsea, London SW3.
An antique clothing fair with a difference: it is followed in the evening by a 1930s-style ball, with live music from red hot Brighton based swing band The Magic Number. The fair features 50 specialists selling an unrivalled collection of vintage clothing and accessories including hats, shoes, gloves and jewellery alongside modern designer wear. The evening's entertainment commences at 8pm, costing £8.00 to enter, with a discount for those who have visited the antique fair. www.frockmevintagefashion.com

7th, 8th, 9th December The Smoking Cabinet: A Festival of Early Burlesque and Cabaret Cinema (1895 -1933), Curzon Soho, London W1.
Rarely screened shorts and full length films celebrating popular entertainment from the Belle Epoque to the Weimar Republic, with the aim of building an audience for cabaret inspired early cinema. Filmmakers include Fernard Leger, Man Ray, Percy Smith, Adrian Brunel, Jean Renoir and Georges Melies, as well as featuring turn of the century music hall stars, circus performers, early erotica and performing animals. The screenings include talks and live music. For bookings call Curzon Cinemas on 0871 7033 988 or visit thesmokingcabinet.com

30th January 2008 8.15pm: The Alpine Club, the Magdala, 2A South Hill Park, London NW3 2SB. Superlative comedy club which eschews the usual diet of foul-mouthed fatties in T-shirts in favour of a more sophisticated repertoire from comedians wearing jackets and proper shoes. MC Ross Ashcroft actually wears a tie as well, and there is a restaurant downstairs where one may dine heartily before one guffaws. Shows take place every fortnight, with the next on 13th February and then 27th February. www.thealpineclub.org

Any events to be considered for listing in this section should be sent to post@thechap.net