Due to the late start of festivities for last Friday night's much-anticipated opening of Pure/Plush Lounge, New Kingston's newest nightclub, some patrons opted to leave without seeing what the venue had to offer.

There were also complaints of a lack of space at the three-level entertainment complex. The ground level, called Pure, is an all-white room depicting a posh business lounge. The area is outfitted with soft white seating and drapes. There is also a skybox area that can comfortably accommodate its occupants. Then there is Plush, a full-fledged nightclub on the top floor.

But while waiting for the grand opening, guests relaxed on the comfy seats sipping on the finest high quality spirits, courtesy of Diageo. The night's event was also to launch Diageo's reserve brands - Johnnie Walker Blue, Ciroc Vodka, Don Julio Tequila, Zacapa Rum and Tanqueray No.10 An idea that came about when business and owner of Pure/Plush, Kimani Robinson introduced the concept to Red Stripe's director of sales, Tim Szonyi, a year ago.

Premium portfolio

Szonyi, in a brief statement at the opening, said he and Robinson had a chat a year ago and the latter's vision was to bring a New York/Miami-style club to Jamaica. He also said they talked about having a premium portfolio of beers, spirits and their luxury-end products as well. That concept became a reality last Friday night.

Robinson also said his goal is to offer a more sophisticated entertainment and to keep service at top quality, providing everyone with the best of everything. After all the formalities, patrons listened to the beat of techno and disco music as they nibbled on finger food and drank spirits from the bar.

Brain Van Flandern (centre) and Timothy Szonyi are being entertained by Mexican Ambassador Leonora Rueda.

Left: Denise Dixon from Pepsi Jamaica came out to get first glimpse of the new club. Right: Alexa Levy shows her charming side.

Elaine Maharaja (left) and Patrice McHugh having a whale of a time at the Pure/Plush opening.