Few words can describe the first impression you get when you walk into Buddha Bar. Enter this grandiose Parisian club and you’ll feel like you’re in the presence of Buddha himself (it might be something to do with his huge wooden form slap bang in the middle of the club). With a golden glow, an overload of decorative details and a monumental chandelier, Buddha bar feels more like a place of worship than a club.

This third floor venue opened its doors back in 2004; surviving wars, riots and almost two years of forced closure. If you make it past the hordes of valet drivers and survive the watchful eyes of the bouncers, inside you’ll be greeted by a crowd of hostesses next to the Buddha Boutique – a merchandise one stop shop.

The restaurant attracts an older crowd, but the opera house stairs lead you to the lounge, where the party gets going. The night begins with mellow music which picks up pace after midnight, with a mix of commercial pop hits. Key things to remember; make sure to have your ID handy and if you’re under 23 years old, or a group of rowdy men, don’t bother trying – these bouncers are brutal.