The third and final event for us lucky Aussie Angels (can I just keep calling myself that forever?) went off with a bang last Thursday night.
We were invited up to London to sample the capital’s nightlife. Mahiki played host for the evening and the venue didn’t disappoint. A tiki-esque hideout in the heart of Mayfair, Mahiki ticks all the right boxes.
My friend Vicky and I jumped on the train congratulating each other on how lightly we’d managed to pack for a night away… infact we were congratulating each other so vigorously talking so much that we very nearly got left on the platform.
Arriving in London with little time to spare, we headed straight for the Hilton at Kensington Olympia where Aussie had generously put us up for the night. I managed to check us in without getting escorted off the premises for being a pair of scruffy oiks and we settled into our room to get ready for the festivities ahead!
Despite best intentions, we still managed to be late. Vicky has always been the laid back one in our friendship. Me? Well I was running round in full-on mentalist mode, arms in the air like a certain white rabbit out of Alice in Wonderland with echoes of “late, late! we’re going to be late!” reverberating around the room.
“Relax”. says Vicky, “You are so uncool”. Like I need telling.
I felt a 100x better when we got on the tube at Olympia and met up with Hayles and Zoe who were also staying at the hotel and heading to the Aussie event. If you can’t avoid being late… find as many people as possible who are also late and hide behind them. It’s a philosophy I’m proud to call my own.
We were greeted at the club by a photographer (who I somehow managed to resist asking nerdy camera questions, I was *sorely* tempted to ask for some flash bouncing tips) and the lovely Emma from 1000heads.
We were lead downstairs into the cavernous depths of Mahiki and emerged blinking into a Polynesian paradise! I was given a little black box which when opened revealed some lovely makeup goodies, the inimitable Aussie 3 Minute Miracle and a handbag hanger (I’m a little uncultured and had to be told what the hell it was before I embarrassed everybody by trying to pick my nose with it or something.)
Then it was Mojito time!! Followed by Pina Colada time!! Washed down with a couple of Mahiki Mai Tais and topped off with a Tiki Dick’s Super Space Martini. By this time I’d forgotten how to pronounce my own name let alone the names of the cocktails. Needless to say, they were very yummy and each one more enticing than the last.
Highlights of the evening? Semi-naked waiter – oh so tacky, and I’m absolutely not going to admit to perving. (why have you put him down as a highlight then huh?) Close-up magician – superbly charming and very talented, too much fun! And treasure chests filled with an intoxicating mix of champagne, rum and a brandy and peach liqueur.
It was brilliant to be able to catch up with old friends and meet some friendly new faces too!
Alas, all good things must come to an end and as the night drew to a close the exertions of the day were catching up with me. I bid my friends (new and old) adieu and headed back to the hotel.
Waking up the next morning I wasn’t sure which hurt more, my head or my neck (crick)… here have a photo. If nothing else, it’s an advertisement for teetotalness.
The rest of the next day was spent shopping and mooching around town. But I’ll tell you more about that in another post!
Credit for some of the photos goes to Sam and Zoe – I can’t seem to get mine off Vicky’s mobile – argh!
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