The Thorny Rose

Outside

From the brick building's outward appearance, hardly a soul would guess what lies within, save for the red and purple lighted sign that shines above and directly centre of the front doors. Worn bricks form the two-story building's facade, bright posies and roses sprawl lazily from window boxes on the upper floors, and ivy winds its way up part of the side. The awning, like the building to which it's attached, is faded but sturdy, its plum coloured fabric skirts fluttering in the slightest breeze as though to invite within. The sign itself is richly painted, reds and blues and purples and marquee lights that dazzle after darkness makes its way into the London streets. The owner of the establishment did this on purpose- that is, he didn't want the gaudier glitz that sparkled along the red light district's streets, rather a single sign boasting the establishment's name did the trick just fine. A small sign to one side of the door beseeches that identification be shown upon entrance, though that's mostly to deter curious teenagers. During business hours (bar opens at three for typical patrons, show starts at nine for the not-so-typical ones) an impeccably dressed (but strong, and imposing) man stands beside the door to deter any who might be unwanted.

Those who find themselves lucky enough to be in the employ of the Rose usually enter through a side door, found down the better-lit alley to the building's left and towards the back. This door leads into a green room of sorts on the first floor, with doors into separate hallways leading to the kitchen and dressing rooms.


Inside

The main doors open to a lounge of sorts, dimly lit with plush cream-coloured couches, fresh potted plants that are well kept by the owner himself, and a polished wooden door towards the left that beckons guests in to the main areas.

As one enters the club proper, the first thing noticed is the full, well-stocked bar off to the right, and a few dining tables for those who prefer the meal to the show. Towards the back right corner lies a curtained-off VIP room (doors slide closed if more privacy is needed) which contains a small stage and a long, comfortable couch with a low table in front.

To the left of the bar/dining area are a few steps that lead down into the main entertainment area, which contains the main stage and several more tables. Situated away from the stage are accommodations for larger groups while still enjoying an easy view of the stage.


Decor

The Thorny Rose is decorated with careful taste, mixing modern flash with a classy sensibility and attention to detail. The wooden doors, tables and bar are stained auburn and polished to a shine, while purples and blues light the walkways and edge of the stage. The smaller satellite stages have silver poles that are removable if needed, as well as “cage” bars that can be set up around them. Most nights, however, the satellites remain devoid of such hardware.



Surrounding Area

The club is situated on the western end of Old Compton Street in Soho, London, an area long associated with entertainment of a less traditional sort. Soho lies in the heart of London's West End, a short walk or tube ride away from places like the Strand, Charing Cross Road, and Central London. Close to the club are many other tourist and entertainment destinations, including theatres, music halls, restaurants and shops. London's Chinatown is situated a few blocks to the south, around Gerrard Street, and scattered throughout Soho are housing and apartment buildings.


By day the building appears innocuously normal, and indeed only the bar and restaurant are open between the hours of three and eight. After eight, the sliding doors concealing the entertainment area are opened and the show begins shortly thereafter. The bar gives last call at two in the morning, and the club is closed by two-thirty on the mark.


Additional information about Soho:
Wikipedia
Map of Soho; The Thorny Rose is located on Old Compton Street close to Dean Street.


Any questions can be PMed to Arthur.

A floorplan of the first floor:

Spoiler:

A floorplan of the second floor:

Spoiler:

*A note on the TBD areas: For the time being these are storage areas or empty rooms that Arthur has had yet to set aside either time or funds to renovate. They may become additional apartments that he may rent to employees, or something else.