Embassy Mayfair: The glamorous nightclub once at the centre of London's socialite scene

There’s just something about Christmastime that makes us feel all nostalgic.

In anticipation of New Year’s Eve (a big night out), we’re looking back at the London clubs at the centre of the city’s socialite scene.

And back in the 70s and 80s, there was nowhere better to be than Embassy.

As one of the capital’s most glamorous and exclusive nightclubs, it was a magnet for celebrities, aristocrats, and the city’s elite.

Located on Old Burlington Street in Mayfair, Embassy was the place to see and be seen.

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Embassy epitomised 80s excess, with lavish interiors, a chic ambiance, and impeccable service. It was a space where the wealthy and famous could let loose while enjoying privacy and exclusivity.

The club attracted a star-studded crowd, including David Bowie, Princess Diana, Diana Ross, Jack Nicholson, Rod Stewart, and Jerry Hall. It was also a favourite haunt for rising stars and influential figures in fashion, music, and film.

Embassy later became a popular hang-out spot with celebrities including David Beckham, Russell Brand, Prince Harry and Kate Moss.

The Embassy hosted live performances and was a pivotal venue for emerging and established artists. It embraced the disco and post-punk eras, blending them into the burgeoning New Romantic scene.

The club was founded by journalist and queer activist Jeremy Norman, who was already well-known in the nightlife scene for his earlier venture, The Embassy Club in Berkeley Square.

The Embassy was a symbol of London’s vibrant nightlife during a period of social and cultural transformation. It helped set the standard for exclusive clubs and inspired subsequent venues in London and beyond.

Though The Embassy eventually closed in 1999, but remains an iconic symbol of London's once decadent nightlife and continues to be celebrated in pop culture and nostalgia for the era.