EMER SAYSImagine walking into a James Bond-style bar with balloons all around.
“Two large-set bouncers stand guard at the double-door entry, looking suspiciously at anyone trying to gain entry.
“At Beluga Leatherhead’s soft opening last evening there wasn’t a queue, nor was anyone on a list. But, I felt like I had been scrutinized before being ushered into an entryway.
My thoughts? Perhaps it was the controversy that erupted last week over a dress code that required women to wear “sexy black, strappy heels” or “bodycon-style gowns”.
After an awkward moment when I wasn’t sure if I was there to make friends, or wait for them to arrive, I was finally told that I could have a place at the bar.
Chloe had been dressed in black jeans, a jumper and was permitted to enter the room moments later.
“I think they thought she was my friend, but she was also single.”
According to Chloe, she told me that she had felt the need for being scrutinized on her looks by security guards.
Emer claimed that despite there not being a queue in the restaurant and the fact that half of the place was full, she felt like she was being scrutinized before being ushered into an entryway.
Emer stated that the bar had been decorated in James Bond-style balloons, but was covered up during soft opening.
Emer (left), dressed up, and Chloe (right), were allowed to enter despite rules that stated entry was for ‘guest lists only’.
Emer said that security had to get a supervisor before letting her in – but she was fine to sit at a bar inside and wait for her friend Chloe
Even though security had initially blocked the entrance, Emer was allowed in. Emer was permitted in, even with security initially blocking the door.
Although a bouncer claimed that this was a classy establishment, and it wasn’t allowed to have trainers or jackets in the premises, Chloe wore a jumper over her boots.
Emer and Chloe (pictured) also explained how by the door a convoy of men in black suits and intercom systems stood keeping watch over the clientele
Emer (left), said she felt almost dressed down when compared with other guests who have buffed their hair, despite following the dress code
Emer said that Emer thought that Emer was going to get ‘kicked out” for 30 minutes, and that the majority of men in the room were wearing suits.
Emer claimed that the “bass was thumping” and the lights had been dimmed. There were many people sipping cocktails, while dressing to the nines.
Emer (right), and Chloe, (left) were permitted to enter the bar. They expressed nerves about Emer being kicked out and Emer not dressing up well enough
“I was dressed in tight black and those heels that the security guard later suggested were perfect, and I was eager to see if my luck would allow me inside.
“But I got to the door and instead of stepping out, security guards held on tight and blocked the entry.
Emer and Chloe, her friend, posed inside for photographs. According to them, many people stopped by the bar for a photo before departing.
The men said hello and inquired about me. After a brief chat, they asked me if I had a booking. I replied no and one of the men went inside to look for a supervisor.
“In a small space inside the front door, I was instructed to wait while the security officer “went to find someone for me.” This second man agreed to let me into a second set double doors that lead to the restaurant and bar.
But then, it might just have been last week’s news articles that condemned the venue for its “sexist” attitudes. This has led women to place more emphasis on how their looks are appropriate.
“During the night, many passersby dressed casually were allowed in the restaurant to snap pictures at the bar.
‘A now-friendly security guard later told me he was not told to look too closely at how customers were dressing, but that it was a classy establishment and effort should be made – no hoodies or trainers.
“Another person in the bar informed me that it was “blown outof proportion” and that advertising agencies had made a mistake.
The official guests were served at tables in the middle of the bar. Each table had a Beluga print on it.
The arrivals were glamorously dressed with shiny gowns and glittery hair.
Despite following the dress code, I almost felt undressed.
“Men wore suits for most of their lives.”
“I did not notice any who chose to wear jeans and a jumper for this occasion, but I was able to see a couple.
“By the entrance, a group of black-suited men and intercom system operators stood guard over the clients.
“For the first thirty minutes, I was certain that I would be asked for my resignation at any time.
“But, the restaurant was only half full.
These bouncers were there to observe the clients’ activities and ask people who have reservations before they came in if they have any.
Emer continued: “On the way back to station I observed other establishments nearby the venue also seem to have been in on it. With a sign that reads “no dressing code, just vibes”, a pub near me proudly posted the message.
“Later, when I was outside, I talked to the man who was smoking in the area. He told me that the owners were not happy with the turnout.
He said that guests were put off by the sexism row, but they realized it was an error and hoped to make good their mistake.
“On my way back from the station I saw other establishments nearby the venue, all seeming to have joined the fun, with one pub boasting a sign that read, “No dress code, just vibes.”
“Inside the Penny Black was just around the corner, the locals were full of snide remarks about the new place.
“But, with Google’s Beluga results showing intense criticism even over the whale, it is only time to see if women will forgive this venue for such a serious PR disaster.”