I was compelled to write this review after having went there last saturday to check out Claptone. Quality act.
I went after the Hernan Cattaneo garden party at the Ivy, that was good, vibes were good... chilled out at the garden on a beautifully still, clear spring night, with beautiful patrons everywhere. They were playing funk in the garden at around 9-10pm, and I settled in for what was building up to be a great night.
However, I left the CL with a bad taste and a vow to never go there again as much as I can help it.
so:
The good part about Chinese Laundry is the stellar lineup that they manage to bring to the club. I saw Jeff Mills there in 'the cave' which was fantastic. Great sound.
However what makes me give it less than 'ok' rating is the rancid crowd it attracts.
Being located in the CBD does that I suppose. The dickhead idiot factor has noticably gone up a lot over the years and that is a real shame. For example, young, drunk teens, rowdy and pushy backpackers. Throngs of very young boys giving off a slightly aggressive vibe.
And inside, once the floor gets crowded, drunk patrons just walking back and forward aimlessly, shoving people around. not even trying to move through the crowd smoothly, just barging through. I saw one dickface actually barge past me, then circle back and barge back from whence he came.
Of course on a night out there is that dickhead factor to contend with, but it has gone up to a level where it is hard to just ignore, and that factor alone was enough to ruin a good day/ night.
Also, it was my feeling that they over pack the venue. Whether this is deliberate or not... i dont know.
I won't go there anymore, or, if they bring an interesting act to play there, its got to be well well well worth the hassle of dealing with the crowd. Either that or I'll lament that a good act is playing at Chinese laundry. ie 'oh wow xyz is coming to sydney.... oh wait.... $&%!! its at Chinese Laundry..... decisions decisions.
Or maybe I'm getting old and the new crowds are just plain dicks. read more