VA?NIL?LA ?–noun, adjective 1. Any tropical, climbing orchid of the genus Vanilla plaifolia, bearing podlike fruit yielding an extract used in flavoring food, in perfumery, etc. 2. Informal, i.e. Plain Vanilla. Austere, clean, folksy. Uncluttered and uncomplicated.

Vanilla is a members only lounge, bar and restaurant that features sleek design and unpretentious modern French cuisine. The private club is located underneath an office block in a low-key area of London, only five minutes away from Oxford Circus. Access inside is attained through an entry phone and a sunken staircase. Upon entrance you will be surprised to find that the decor is smooth and white (EVERYTHING is white!) including the floors, sofas, tables and chairs which are highlighted by the pink and blue led light and touches of damask on the walls. It’s almost as if you’ve been transported out of London and somehow magically ended up in a South Beach Miami nightclub. The delicious food is presented simply yet artfully while the cocktails are sparkling and gratifying (think Miami again). The menu does change frequently but there are several amazing dishes that should be experienced if they’re available including the scallop with potato with black pudding and the butternut squash soup with brioche. Vanilla also hosts events such as St. George’s Day, Flight Wine Tastings, Champagne night and more. Major events have been held here by MAC, Givenchy, Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse and more. For information about becoming a member go to: http://vanillalondon.co.uk