The Proud empire extends across London – from Chelsea to Camden to Tower Hill – and is already making inroads as far afield as Brighton. It was no surprise, then, to hear that the seemingly unstoppable multi-headed entertainment hydra has set its sights on expanding once again. Those wondering how to spend a debauched weekend need look no further; Proud2 has opened its doors, and everyone’s invited.
Following a £1million refurbishment and much fanfare, Proud2 has been launched in the space formally occupied by Matter, in the shadow of the O2 arena. Set over three levels, the heaving superclub offers its patrons nights of unashamed excess, of the sort previously only available at venerable London mainstays Fabric or Ministry of Sound.
A club night lives and dies on the strength of its acts, and, at its launch party, Proud2’s acts were very strong indeed. A jam-packed dance-floor rocked in unison to the Mystery Jets, Friendly Fires and ludicrous stylings of the Cuban Brothers, whilst circus contortionists writhed through the crowd and dangled from the ceiling.
With a host of jam-packed line-ups coming up in the near future, and its very own shuttle bus taking partygoers home until 6am, Proud2 could well prove a fixture this summer when it comes to weekends you’ll never forget (but can barely remember).
