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The head-honcho of The Whitehouse speaks!
Reported by e99
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Submitted 06-07-06 12:09
No it’s not George “I aim to be a competitive nation” Bush, but Yann — manager of one of London’s most acclaimed party venues, The Whitehouse in Clapham. Famed for its legendary Sunday afternoon events, such as Sundazed, Push, and the recently launched Audio (back again this Sunday July 9th), the venue combines the best elements of a cool bar/restaurant space with intimate dancefloors and a plush roof terrace.
The dj line-ups are not to be smirked at either, with the likes of Tom Neville, King Roc and Tim Sheridan all coming up in the next few weeks. Yann took some time out from his managerial duties to talk to us about what makes for a successful bar/club, impromptu celebrity appearances, and cheap Sunday arvo booze . . .
Yann
When did you first start working at The Whitehouse? How long has the place been about for?
I started work for the White House having left Pacha London in May 2002. The venue itself had been open for just over a year.
What’s the general ethos behind the place, in terms of style and music?
The ethos has evolved over time. It started out as more of a West End style bar and restaurant (with a members’ bar) but it is now a real hybrid club/bar. We still try and deliver a clean stylish environment with emphasis on quality, and that quality is across the board from the food, the service, to the cocktails and then to the music and djs. Our music policy is house and breaks but we have started putting on live bands too.
When did the Roof Terrace come into play and what do you feel sets it aside from other outdoor club-type spaces?
The roof terrace opened in 2004. We had struggled through the summer months and it has made a big impact business wise. The space itself is quite private and is an informal space. There are lots of different levels and the idea is that you grab a cushion and plot down. The reason for the levels is that we had to build over the air conditioning ducts so it kind of made the terrace what it is.
Which event have you enjoyed the most since managing the venue?
That’s a really tricky one there have been many, many memorable and eventful nights down here. I couldn’t pin it down to one (I have to be diplomatic with amount of promoters I work with!) . . .
What advice would you give to someone who wanted to run a dj bar/club venue? It seems a lot of people jump into it without much of an idea of what they are doing . . .
It seems to be everyone’s dream business, and because people go out and eat, drink and dance they seem to think that they can just do it to their taste. This business is like any other: you need to learn as you go. I started 12 years ago and worked as a chef, waiter, bartender and through several different types of operations. My biggest influence was probably the three years I spent running the Cross. But in terms of general advice I would say the site is key. Location, Location, Location . . .
How and why did Clapham become such a vibrant area for nightlife?
Clapham has a great demographic of young professionals and the West End became so expensive and commercial that people wanted something closer to home. For me the Common is the king of Clapham and people love to be near green spaces. We now have a lot of nice bars, restaurants and venues so why bother traipsing into the West End?
Is your ultimate dream to own a venue yourself? If so, where in the world would it be and how would you kit it out?
My favourite place is Thailand. I have been to Ko Pang Nan every year for the last 6 years in January to chill out for three weeks. I love the people and the vibe there. I would love a small club overlooking the sea. Quite remote and with minimal décor, just let the natural backdrop do the talking.
Audio London has been the most recent addition to the Sunday afternoon schedule at The Whitehouse, continuing the tradition that has been going for some while. Was afternoon clubbing already firmly established when The Whitehouse started doing these parties?
Afternoon Sunday clubbing has fairly recently made more of an impact in London. I think that is essentially more of a European idea that has been adopted here. In Clapham there was a bar called Oblivion that was pretty famous for it until it shut recently and Sundazed and Push have had a lot of success with Sunday events here. I have no doubt Audio London will continue that success.
Terrace action at the Audio launch party
Do you do any kinds of drinks promotions at Audio? After all, dancing to the likes of King Roc and Jnr J sure makes for thirsty work! Especially in this heat!
We do have drinks promotions. We understand that Sunday is a bit more price sensitive. A lot of customers have been out either on a Friday or a Saturday when they come here on Sundays so we discount down the drinks with 2 for 1 shots, cheaper beer and cheaper spirits.
How do you think the dayclubbing scene managed to change to become something more than just for drugged-up people cracking on from the night before?
In my opinion the dayclubbing scene exists because the like minded (drugged-up or otherwise) want to be together. The mass market superclubs lost that unity and like-mindedness (is that a word?) and daytime clubbing feels slightly subversive and more fun. Everywhere is sooo packed on a Saturday night, that it is understandable that people will be drawn to a better all around experience with room to dance on a Sunday afternoon.
Audio launch party
You’ve talked about the myriad of promoters you work with. What virtues do you think a promoter needs to be successful?
I often say that a promoter and his crowd are very similar. So by that token promoters need to be very affable, likeable and good communicators. With the competition being so intense they need to be hard working with a lot of drive, determination, enthusiasm and most of all humility.
In your experience, what do people seem to like most about The Whitehouse?
The main things that people comment on are the people, or crowd. The male to female ratio is very good and people make an effort when they come here. People also love the outside roof terrace and the private rooms and needless to say the music.
Audio launch party
If money was no object, what improvements would you make to the place?
The very latest bodysonic sound system and probably two more floors for a penthouse flat for myself!
What are some of your favourite stories from your time running The Whitehouse?
Most of my favourites I couldn’t possibly comment about on a website . But we did have Will I.Am from Black Eyed Peas rapping freestyle with a house DJ once . . . that was pretty cool.
Photos courtesy of Yann. Not to be reproduced without permission.
Audio London
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On:
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Sunday 9th July 2006
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At:
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The White House [map]
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From:
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1pm - 1am
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Cost:
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£5 Concession before 4pm £6 after £8 after 9pm
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More:
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Well what can we say... a massive thank you to all those that came down for the launch party on June 25th. It was a brilliant party. King Roc & Jnr J absolutely rocked the main room and the place was going off big time! Brilliant atmosphere, wicked crowd.
Due to the massive response we have had back from the Launch and SO IMPRESSED were we as King Roc & Jnr J took charge of proceedings we quickly realised why these two guys will be on the front cover of many a DJ mag in the very near future. Irresistible heart pounding grooves that were continually slapped down, one after the other in an assault on the one true mechanism that makes a body want to move … dance motherf*cker.
As a consequence we have decided to bring on board as regulars two of London’s biggest names and the two that made such a great success of the opening. King Roc and Jnr J will continue for us this Sunday and throughout the summer as regular guests.
The excellent Strictly Left crew take control of the terrace from 1pm with DJ's
Aaron Newton aka Trigga (Strictly Left, Body Talk) Simon Kurrage (Strictly Left, Mulletover) Mr Shiver (Strictly Left) jafar (Kwaito Records). These guys are cutting into the scene at the moment with guest appearances at all of London’s major party's. We also have the inimitable Dave Minns (read the crowd) and Gillian Black kicking things off in the main room from 3pm.
The World Cup Final will be shown on the big screens throughout the venue and there will be a themed barbecue on the sunny roof terrace too.
There will also be as an added bonus and in celebration on the end of The World Cup, a free Champagne cocktail for the first 100 people through the door!
Audio London
July 09th
The White House
65 Clapham Park Rd
1pm – 1am
£5 before 4pm. £6after. £8 after 8pm
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Flyer:
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Region:
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London
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Music:
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House. Tribal House. Breaks.
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DJ's:
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King Roc
Junior J
Strictly Left
Dave Mins
Gillian Black
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Other Features By e99:
Fergilcious: PunchFunk & Excentrik take over The Key
Baklash take over the IceBox at HeatUK Aftermath '07
Goodgreef take on Frantic at NYE-NEC
Trevor Rockcliffe — Proactive — HeatUK & The Gallery NYE — 'nuff said?
HeatUK Evolution: Natural Selection — a look at dance music’s gone-but-not-forgottens
The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
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Comments:
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From: BrinnO on 6th Jul 2006 15:17.00
Nice interview!
Get in there Gina!
From: Richard Launch on 6th Jul 2006 16:59.27
Yann is a champion to work with...!
From: Karl Alexander on 7th Jul 2006 11:35.31
good interview !
From: maliksta on 8th Jul 2006 23:31.34
nice article Yann. Never met him before, but have been to the whitehouse plenty of times to say your management skillz are pukka.
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