Did you know that Cafe de Paris was once a dazzling West End hotspot? Right here on Coventry Street between Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus stood a legendary nightclub. Cafe de Paris opened its doors in 1924. It quickly became one of London’s leading theatre clubs. Stars like Dorothy Dandridge and Marlene Dietrich graced its stage. Louise Brooks even introduced the Charleston to London there in 1924. The Prince of Wales himself was a regular guest. He often dined with European high society. Cole Porter and Aga Khan III were also regulars. The Cafe de Paris thrived. It was a place of glamour and excitement.
Then came the war. In 1941 during the Blitz a German bomb devastated the club. It fell down a ventilation shaft. The explosion killed at least 34 people. Around 80 more were injured. The tragedy took the life of bandleader Ken “Snakehips” Johnson. His saxophonist Dave “Baba” Williams also perished. Chaos and confusion followed the bombing. Ambulances were delayed. Sadly some people even looted jewellery from the dead and injured.
The club remained closed until 1948. It then reopened and regained its popularity. Cafe de Paris hosted many more famous faces. Judy Garland Josephine Baker Frank Sinatra Ava Gardner Humphrey Bogart Lauren Bacall all performed there. Even Noel Coward and Marlene Dietrich took the stage in the 1950s. The club remained a vibrant part of London’s nightlife for decades. It appeared in films like Absolute Beginners and The Krays. It was also featured in Girls Aloud’s music video for “I Think We’re Alone Now”.
But time marches on. The Cafe de Paris’s run finally ended in December 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic’s economic impact led to its closure. It was a sad day for London but not the end of its story. The venue reopened in February 2023. It is now called Lio London. It continues to offer a captivating show and dining experience. The legacy of Cafe de Paris lives on. It reminds us of a bygone era of glamour and tragedy. It’s a unique part of London’s history.