We visited in Nov 2006
Following on from our previous comment, yes the parties are still going and yes the web site works, but you may need to use a link from google, search for Radlett Parties.
After having read so many mixed reviews about Radlett it took us a long time to get around to going and did so right at the last minute on this occasion. Like many people we had seen the place on the documentary on TV, but we already knew about it from before then, but lack of transport on previous occasions had made it difficult to attend up until now.
Before we go on there are two things that need to be said, firstly anyone who has read our reviews of clubs on here (and we review everyone we go to) will know that we always make them quite long and detailed so you know exactly what your getting, secondly we heard from a number of different people that attend parties at Radlett that their reviews had been sent into this (and other sites) on a number of occasions but that the reviews had not appeared. Well this has never happened to us, and we certainly do not expect this to be the first time. We hope the sites are operated with impartiality, because we certainly review clubs in the same way, with no bias what so ever.
So with that said, onto the club. Radlett parties are off the ‘Held in large private house’ variety. But this is a house with many additional facilities. So lets cover them first. Arriving early, we got lucky with parking and were virtually opposite the front door. We are aware that people have had problems in the past, but the vast parking area behind the house, despite the rain, seemed to present no problems that we could see. Outside is a large covered heated pool (on this occasion the water was simply divine) which has a retractable glass roof for parties held in the warmer summer months (Similar to the kind you see on the modern tour boats the adorn the river Thames) Clean towels are provided but it’s probably best to bring your own as the supply is not limitless. Despite it being winter, and very cold (Outside) on the night we attended, both the pool and the outdoor (covered) Jacuzzi were well used. There was also a sauna round the side of the house but we didn’t get a look at that on this visit. In the main house the downstairs consisted on a main lounge and dance floor area with several sofa’s and a DJ. Initially the music wasn’t to our taste (But that’s purely a personal thing) however it got much better as the night went on and from midnight until 3.30am the dance floor was packed. There was also a kitchen area with several coolers for you to bring and store your own drink. Label it though because it’s not easy to tell whose is whose as everyone brings a great deal with them. Glasses were provided. Also included on the entrance free (£40 per couple) was a buffet of food. It was superb, I only wish I had been more hungry at the time. Salads, King Prawns, pitta bread, Roast pig, potatoes, fruit, cold meats, rolls and other dishes were all sumptuously laid out and was by far the most impressive we had seen at any club or party ever, hands down. I think the motto should be if you want to eat, well then arrive early because by 11.30pm the kitchen was packed. The rest of downstairs consisted of two toilets and a cloakroom. Upstairs basically is one long corridor with several playrooms. One of these is a voyeurs room, the second a couples only room, the third was a small S and M room with a cross, some whips and also a balcony, the fourth was a private room that could be closed. There were also two more toilets and some rooms not in use. From here the ladder ascends to the loft, a large play area (that was constantly in use) with several dark corners and other interesting things to play with.
So how did Radlett shape up as a night out? Well, pretty dam good actually. Upon our arrival we were greeted by this guy with a clipboard who told us where to park and helped us find our mobile phone (another story) After which we wondered around the house and looked it over. Now to be fair I think the same gentleman intended to give us a tour but was overrun on the door by several people turning up at once so we tagged onto someone else’s tour that was being given by the friendly and helpful ‘Joe’. Every party like this need’s someone like Joe on hand to greet newcomers and make them feel at ease and although we weren’t exactly new to the scene, having enough people manning the door from the word go is essential. We should point out that one of our party hosts (Janet) was soon on the door as we were being shown around so it’s not a criticism. I think it is fair to say that the numbers were very high earlier than normal, peeking at around 160 people for the night. One of things were liked about those attending was there were people of all ages (average age was probably around 35) from the very young to the more mature and several in between. All races too, and several new couples as well as those who new each other. It is always nervous going to a new club for the first time, even I was on this occasion. But we found the place very friendly and were soon talking to people like we had known them for years. Joe made a point of speaking to us again later to see how we were getting on, and this was noticed and appreciated. (As did the hosts Richard and Janet but they were manning the door most of the night) We also met several friends we knew from other clubs, which was always nice and made several new ones. Because we felt comfortable we played a lot more than normal too, which is always a good sign.
If we had any criticisms of Radlett at all, it would be these: There must be more of an effort made to ensure the couples only room stays that way, as there were way too many men wandering in and out without their partners. Some blunt signs attached to the walls would be a good deterrent to start with, as well as a female volunteer to police it occasionally. I know that might sound a bit draconian, but there are plenty of other places for people to go, so the couples only room should remain just that. We did attend the party on a couples only night, and although some people do (as always) separate from their partners and go and play on their own – we didn’t really have any hassle from any men apart from the last point mentioned. Secondly, more ashtrays downstairs are needed, especially in the main lounge area, though this is a minor niggle really.
Overall, the party was excellent, the people were nice, people were having a good time and were good-humoured. The hosts both made time to talk to us (though its best to book with Janet in advance) and obviously enjoy what they do, which is crucial really. We made a point of speaking to as many people both newcomers to club and old friends as possible while were there, and the numbers of people who said their reviews of the club had not been posted (many sent them several times) greatly suprised us. We hope to see this one on the site as soon as possible. We certainly have never not had a review posted yet, and expect this time will be no different.
Excellent party. 5 out of 5.