The restaurant and club story

The club below the Rialto theatre opened in 1924 as the Elysée restaurant. It staged the latest musical jazz performers and singers making history when US dancer Louise Brooks introduced the Charleston to London on the restaurant stage. During the 1930s, the restaurant was patronised by the Prince of Wales, who boosted its popularity. In 1940, it was one of the most popular during the bombing as it was considered safe being 20 feet below ground. Westminster Council approved its licence, knowing that light wouldn’t escape from below. On 8 March 1941, the crowded club was full of diners and dancers despite a heavy German air raid taking place outside. The club was bombed soon after the start of a performance and at least 34 people were killed and around 80 injured. Victims included bandleader Ken ‘Snakehips’ Johnson and fellow band members, staff and diners. Two bombs had dropped down a ventilation shaft into the ballroom and exploded in front of the stage. One survivor was cheered by the crowd outside, when, on being carried out on a stretcher, he shouted to them ‘At least I didn't have to pay for dinner’. The club was able to reopen the following year and after the war it was successful as ever. Today the club and restaurant continue to entertain underground guests underground with cabaret and other performances.