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London Clubs: Surya Nightclub

Monday - Nov 10, 2008 01:17

The club where dancing leaves no carbon footprint

These days, many of us are turning to ecologically sound living; we recycle, ride public transport, and take advantage of high-efficiency lighting to contribute to global efforts to save the planet, and perhaps feel a little better about our indulgent lifestyles. But not all green gimmicks are mundane matters of paper versus plastic. What if you could spend your Friday night partying in style while caring for the environment? With the opening of a special new club in London, these seemingly odd bedfellows are making quite a splash. Surya, just off the King's Cross St. Pancras tube station at 156 Pentonville Road, is the brainchild of the aptly-named "Dr. Earth," an entrepreneur with an environmentally-friendly vision.

The club is an unexpected yet seamless pastiche of style and ecological sensibility, featuring several clever elements that delight and intrigue guests as they give back to Mother Earth. A fascinating concept to be sure is the custom designed, high-tech dance floor, which bottles the energy produced by patrons' movements and helps power the club itself while directing excess back to the national power grid (we'll let you come up with your own electric pickup lines). Conscientiously chosen construction materials and furnishings, most crafted from recycled or low-impact materials, imparts an interesting, funky feel to an atmosphere that nevertheless remains swank and sultry. The club ensures minimal water use with cutting-edge taps and toilets, participates in a stringent recycling program, and serves its drinks in biodegradable vessels; all part of protecting the planet at Surya.

The mission, simple as it may be, is a budding concept among producers and club owners, who are just beginning to tap into the public's desire for greener venues and less wasteful ways to spend the weekend. Surya's innovative ideas, such as offering free entrance to those arriving by bicycle, public transport, or their own two feet, are more than welcome in a world where every little bit helps. Most importantly, Surya's dedication to the environment doesn't detract from its allure; hot music courtesy of DJ Red Riding Hood, well-appointed private rooms, delicious and inventive drinks (organic, of course!), and beautiful ambient lighting create great moods for dancing, mingling, and making the most of a night on the town. Enjoy all the hip-hop and breakbeats you can handle, cozy up with a cocktail and a comrade, and experience nightlife with environmental class at Surya London. It's sure to give you something to grin about the morning after.