The name ‘Kanaloa’ might suggest a German supermarket’s cheapo homage to Kalhua, but down Holborn Viaduct way, it’s the name of a new club/ bar from Girls Aloud’s Sarah Harding and the well-connected blades behind Mahiki, Polynesian theme bar of choice for posh nobs and pap-happy slebs. Although the interior - all bamboo, cane and on-the-wonga Tonga kitsch - is a fair reproduction of the W1 original, the mix of City boys and suburban Cheryl, Kimberley and Nadine ciphers - note, no Nicola tributes - lacks the high octane glam of the Mayfair tiki set's set. Let's call it ‘Tiki Maxx’. Bonkers cocktails such as Champagne Jellyfish - bubbles, lime and rum with mint mock caviar presented on a Chinese serving spoon - and all manner of ‘fireworks and hullabaloo’ delivered flaming to table in camp customised bowls, are typical of a theatrical list that scores on price, imagination and content: hopefully, the enthusiastic Ms Harding didn’t sample the whole shebang at one sitting. Service is South Sea island friendly and dim sum and a range of beach blanket bites, such as soft shell crab, adequate. As night kicks in, lights dim and a mix of glam rock, hip hop and soul keeps the party-’til-3-am posse active. Whether the Girls Aloud wannabes end their evening with a traditional Hawaiian lei, I’m not around to tell.
18 Lime Office Court, Shoe Lane, EC4 tel 7842 0620 http://www.kanaloaclub.com/
