Lio London: Glitz and glamour from Ibiza – a dazzling review

Lío London is a global phenomenon that delivers cabaret for the 21st century, in a fully-immersive experience with a Mediterranean menu.

With incredible performers that give dance, theatre, erotica and acrobatics to theatrical dining, what more could you want from a night out?!

I went to Lío on a Thursday night with three of my friends, and to be honest we weren’t sure what to expect.

It’s Lío’s third venue opening, with the first in Ibiza and second in Mykonos, and it is followed by the recently launched Mallorca and upcoming openings in Dubai, Marbella and Las Vegas.

@immyshare The best night out in London with a concept all the way from Ibiza – Lio London ✨ #londonnightout #bestnightoutlondon #christmaspartyideaslondon #cabaretshow #dinnershow #nightoutwiththegirls #london #nightout #partylondon #bestpartylondon #fyp ♬ Come Check This (Quickie Edit) – FETISH

I’d heard of the other venues, I knew vaguely what I was in for – dinner and entertainment – but I didn’t actually realise it’d be THAT good.

We sat down at our table which was right by the stage, and tried to suss out the atmosphere as other guests came in to sit at their tables for either dining or drinks and the show.

The waiters and waitresses were extremely helpful, and straight away recommended the Sweet Kisses cocktail which mixes tropical fruits and berries, which was just as delicious as I expected.

We had asked them to help us pick a selection of foods for dinner, and they gave us a mainly fish selection for both starters and mains mixed.

As we began on our starters, the show began, and it wasn’t until we got to our mains when it got in full swing, and we were taken to Ibiza in a night like never before.

I’ll start with the food, and then get to the show, as I want to save the best till last – and I definitely think the thing that won us all was the show.

We had a selection of fish dishes mixed for starters and main, including the tuna tartare, wild stonebass ceviche, wild asparagus salad, anchovies, prawns, tomato tartare, tarbot, grilled portobello mushrooms and tenderstem broccoli.

It was the perfect amount for four of us and every single dish had its own distinct and unique taste, with flavours that had clearly been carefully put together.

It felt like holiday food with its Mediterranean theme, and the sharing concept went well with the inclusive nature of the show. The menu is from former Kensington Palace executive Chef Attila Kalanyos.

We paired our food with some delicious red and white house wine.

Now for the show – well, WOW. There isn’t much more to add than that. There was a mix of theatre, singing, cabaret, erotica, things to watch and things to join in with.

At a number of times throughout the show, the audience were up singing and dancing, going round the room and being included in the show.

Every song and every performance brought something new, exciting and special to what was an absolutely incredible evening.

The second season now showing at Lío is the experience Besos, Beats and Beauties which features provocative, sensual choreographies, feel-good musical performances and humorous acts.

After dinner, the venue is transformed into a nightclub until late. Every Friday offers deep house music, with local and international party brands such a Yucatan, Isola Di Mortorio or Bazar by Sasson, whilst Saturday sees Lío Lates takes over the venue, with a combination of wild acts and club atmosphere where DJs play loudly between the performances for a full-on night of hedonism.

Once a month, Lío hosts big DJ names – most recently the incredible Jamie Jones and Nic Fanciulli, with Seth Troxler and Fat Tony recently being announced for the rest of the year.

It was a night out to remember, one of the best I had, and gave me a feel of glitz, glamour, holiday and sensation all in the centre of London.