The end of October saw the launch party for Birmingham’s newest venue. The Lobby on Hill Street showed there’s no party like a lobby party, with everything from magicians, dress up photobooths, showgirls, mixologists, glitter and star make up artists and a flash mob style performance from Young Pilgrims. Add a funk and retro soul set by Craig Charles and you have a night that was frankly unmissable.

From the minute you arrived you could tell that this was going to be some party. In fact, PARTY was spelled out in giant neon letters are you walked the red carpet to be greeted by Champagne and showgirls beautifully festooned in purple feathers. Guests, or Lobberati as they have been christened, were given a map that resembled a Cluedo board, and were invited to visit all the activities and stations on the map in order to collect stamps which would be exchanged for a goodie bag at the end of the evening.

The first stop was Make Up central, who were adding extra sparkle and shimmer to faces, with stars and beads. I had my eyes transformed glam rock style, and my lips were given a sheen of red glitter. Next up was a dress up photobooth where there were a host of props including bowler hats, boas and cute signs.

Other stops along the way included Mr Swervy who was shining shoes, a gin bar where you could chose between Gordan’s and Bombay Sapphire (no contest really), a real Ale bar where I couldn’t resist choosing Doggie Style, and a fabulous street style magician who astounded me with a pretty spectacular card trick. Of course, during this time, the drinks were flowing, with white cosmo’s, rum shots and Champagne all on the menu.

The highlight of the night was a soul and funk DJ set from Craig Charles, which was just brilliant. James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and the Bee Gees all sounded so good and ensured the night had a rollicking ending.

The Lobby On Hill Street

Hill Street