Mahiki owner opens ‘mythical’ nightspot in the West End

London-born Andrew Dax who is well-established in the Ibiza scene, Italian party co-ordinator Corrado Mozzillo, and Argentinian curator Augusto Rossillo were brought together by House to create the new venue, which opens in Orchard Street later this month.

Chakana, which means ‘tree of life’, will have an ‘ancient Incan temple’ theme with rare artifacts and ‘treasures’ on display throughout the 300-capacity venue and entertainment inspired by Tarantino’s cult classic ‘From Dusk till Dawn’.

‘Theatrical drinks’ will be on offer, with the menu devised by Isaac Morrison offering super foods of the Andes. Chia seeds, maca root, Inca berries and coca leaves are mixed with piscos, rare tequilas and dark rums and sample cocktails include the Peruvian flake which muddles Coca leaves infused Pisco, lime and demera sugar and is served in a jaguar head.

For bigger celebrations, guests can order a ‘machu picchu statue’ and groups can share tree of life shots, with glasses carefully balanced on branches.

More openings​

The venue’s interior will feature snakeskin banquettes next to deep couches and old stools salvaged from abandoned drums, along with heavy wooden tables, chests and packing trunks. Carvings in stone and wood, featuring animals from ancient rainforests, can be made out by the light of flickering candles that drip wax from giant candelabras onto the stone floors.

Chakana is the second late-night offering from House to open this month. BigHospitality recently revealed the entrepreneur would be opening Steam & Rye, a Prohibition era-themed bar and restaurant in the heart of the City, in partnership with model Kelly Brook.

The 550-capacity Steam & Rye venue will open on the former Bank of New York building on Leadenhall Street on 21 November, comprising a classic diner, basement cocktail bar and live music and dancing hall styled on scenes from American novel The Great Gatsby.

Chakana will open at 23 Orchard St, London, in late November. ​