I lost count at how many times I said “wow look at that!” last night. Dubbed the biggest gay friendly night after a decade and a half in Ibiza, Café Ole is not just a feast for the ears but for the eyes and mind as well. Flamboyant, fascinating and fabulous, it mixes the essence of performance, a dash of burlesque, a hint of erotica and a double dose of sparkling house music.
The theme of the opening party was Orient Strip however the first room I walked in was how I'd imagine the boudoir of Dita Von Teese (who will return to Café Ole later this season). There were two large pedestals either end of the dance floor, beaded curtains and low lights. As the DJ pumped out disco house, the party goers played performers on the podiums; wiggling and shimmying to the beat. If the night was a buffet of surprises this was definitely only just the starter dish and the room became increasingly empty as the main festivities began in the second room (we will get to that in a minute).
The clubbers were a mixed bag of nationalities although it was easy to spot a gaggle of English lads; their Hawaiian shirts, sun burn and flip flops combo were a bit of a giveaway. There was no fist pumping present here, in its place were extravagant, flailing arm movements and hips sways. When my friend and I were asked by foreigners about where we were from (Leeds, England) we were hailed with exclaims in broken English of “Ahhh! Leeds United! Leeds United!” which was brilliant because I'm pretty sure the Mighty Whites were relegated about eleven years ago.
The second room was a lot larger than the first but equally as lavish. It was glamorously decorated with oriental lanterns, ornate parasols and delicate drapes of red and orange. The whole room was directed to face the stage at the rear of the venue and the DJ in its centre delivered tough electro from the decks. The dancefloor became a sea of phone screens as everyone scrambled to record the first set of provocative dancers that strutted on stage. Performing Coldplay's hit Princess of China (of course) as a nod to the Oriental theme, the entertainer was complimented by five dancers in nude bodices and a very elaborate production. Very cabaret. Very 40s. It transformed the atmosphere of the room; we were spectators watching a show. But it was more intimate than that, and sometimes it felt like we were also part of the show as the music pounded on, encouraging us to dance too. This was just the start of things to come. The night was a flurry of beautiful burlesque dancers, daring drag queens, topless men in leather trousers and a geisha elegantly draped on a revolving horse. Add in to the mixing pot feather boas, nipple tassels and hard hitting beats….like I said before, many “look at that” moments.
If you are looking for a refreshing alternative from the same old Ibiza nights, place your order for Café Ole. Think acrobats, artists and top DJs throughout the season with Dita Von Teese on the menu twice on July 21st and August 18th.
Café Ole serves a high class club experience in the first room but dishes up the buzz and experience of a full-blown show spectacular in room two. Its gay friendly, highly entertaining and I'd recommend it to everyone as a mixed dish of a club night that leaves you with no room for dessert.
WORDS | Francesca Evans PHOTOGRAPHY | Cafe Olé
