Maggie’s: the club where you can party like it’s 1983

An Eighties-themed club inspired by Margaret Thatcher has opened in London.

At Maggie's in Chelsea, the former prime minister glares at patrons from black-and-white photos on the stairs, her face is the main subject of a mural on the wall, and her most famous speeches are broadcast in the lavatories.

Charlie Gilkes and Duncan Stirling chose Thatcher as one of the most enduring figures of the decade.
Maggie memorabilia competes for space with other Eighties artefacts at the 150-capacity underground bar in Fulham Road.

Mr Gilkes, 26, a friend of royalty who was recently linked to Pippa Middleton, the sister of Prince William's girlfriend Kate, said: "Maggie's is quite an unlikely name for a bar. But for us there was no better Eighties icon. She is a divisive figure for many, but she transcends politics. This won't be a Tory haunt though. We've got plenty of pictures of Neil Kinnock on the wall too.

"We've had quite a bit of interest from the Conservative party, asking to hold functions here. But we've refused as we don't want it to be that kind of place."

Memorabilia includes giant Rubik's Cube tables, a Beano collage on the wall, and a cocktail menu which can be read through View-Masters. Display cases are full of everything from A-Team figures to A-ha platinum discs.

Mr Gilkes added: "Duncan and I love the general style and music of the time, but have always found Eighties nights to be cheesy and naff.

"We wanted to create somewhere which totally encapsulates the period from its history to its music, drinks and style, where people can relive this amazing decade, or indeed live it for the first time."

Stars from the era will play regular DJ sets. Bartenders dressed like Tom Cruise in Eighties cult movie Cocktail serve up drinks including pina coladas and Babycham.

Mr Stirling, 29, said: "There is no doubt the Eighties was ahead of its time and elements are creeping back into our popular culture today. You only need to turn on the radio to hear new bands playing synthesizer music, or walk down the street and see the ladies all wearing big shoulder pads from Topshop."

It is the second theme bar opened by the pair, after their successful "speakeasy" Chelsea venue Barts.