Madame Zingara

Don’t miss Madame Zingara’s magical world! The atmosphere is amazing, indulgent and romantic. From start to finish, the meal was outstanding in every way and I was pleasantly surprised by the delicious vegetarian options. No nut roast here, folks! Then, of course, there’s the show which is funny, exhilirating and fascinating. Worth every penny - and more!!

Think Moulin Rouge - but slightly classier…

Upon entering the heart-shaped arches, you can almost smell the magic in the air.

You are greeted by the most fantastical creatures - an impossibly tall goth-geisha, a disturbingly good looking transvestite and even Aladdin.

Unfortunately I was so distracted by all the sights and sounds, I forgot completely about the warning I had been issued earlier that night - 'beware the very 'touchy-feely’ gorilla. He’ll grab your bum when you least expect it’. The Geisha, however, calmly chastised him and lead me to my table where a lovely floral and apple arrangement greeted me…but a lcoser looked revealed a slight naughty looking Barbie, letting her hair down - Madam Zingara style!

As you scoot down into your seat, old childhood memories suddenly greet you. Think of your most fantastical story - this is it.

And before you know it, you forget that its a tent you’re standing in. But at the same time, you were very clearly at a carnival. The staff all genuinely love their job, which, in itself, is refreshing but then, how could they not?

The entertainment was nothing less that superb. Each act was faultless. Makes everything else you have ever seen slightly inelegant.

Inspiring…only, how can the organiser expect you to scoff down that delicious meal and then watch then lithe young things contort their perfectly-toned bodies right in front of you!

One other thing needs to be mentioned. All meats used in the kitchens are Halaal. Which turned a nice evening into a GREAT evening and DEFINTELY worth the £75. Very Capetonian, I thought. The fact that there was no pork or pork products used anywhere in the kitchen was very reassuring for me but it also mean that the meal is suitable for Jewish patrons as well (even though the kitchen is not entirely kosher).

So this time, my tastebuds could experience first hand the succulent, perfectly-done, creamy beef.

Though some might think the chilli chocolate on the steak a little… odd, its almost exquisitely appropriate. Everything about Madam Zingara is controversial, almost contrary. Why shouldnt the food be as well?

Very clearly, the chefs themselves are part of the act.

Seating was a little tight, but that can be overlooked when everything else was so great.

Songs from South Africa made me miss home, but I left the tent, satisfied, dreamy-eyed and Proudly South African.

Went on a wet Saturday night and completely forgot the rain, as, passing through the heart shaped arches on the assembled garden approach, Battersea Power Station loomed up as an impressive backdrop to the beautiful Spiegel tent. Inside then to be warmly greeted with complimentary cocktails, handed out by suitably Bohemian staff, and the first real view of a dramatically and romantically lit, warm, glowing arena, white clothed tables, surrounding a central circular stage/podium. Once seated, the evening is punctuated with a sensibly select choice of four course (actually five and a seemingly never ending supply of complimentary apple schnapps) meals and wine list; all were delicious and enjoyed by all on our table of eight, served with efficiency and cheerful charm by French maids and other wonderfully attired people, who seem to live to please. Genuinely entertaining acts (trapeze, contortionists, soul singing divas, bearded lady and pan comperes etc.) are interspersed with courses and drinking and the whole night meshes together, with no element being intrusive or impeding any other. Bars serve throughout and there’s even a dj to round up the night for those who haven’t imbibed too much of the healthy wine list and freebies. It’s also worth mentioning that the loos are the cleanest and smartest I have ever encountered any where near a tent! more akin to a five star hotel. These guys have really pulled off a little wonder…just go! it’s a great, decadent night out and when you do the sums, actually really good value, for cirque entertainment, excellent food,wine and service, dancing and history, it’s even quite a buzz to be allowed into the grounds of Battersea Power Station.

The Theatre of Dreams is your escape from the mundane, into a world of glitter and stardust that sparkles with the magic of cirque, where breathtaking feats are performed by our intriguing stable of artistes from all corners of the earth.

The food is delicious and built in around the show with four courses and choices that astound. The Madame's signature Chocolate Chilli Fillet still remains the house favorite.

Originally an award-winning restaurant, this bohemian troupe took their skills on the road in 2006, relocating to one of the last remaining Spiegeltents in the world.

"We love our guests to feel that they are part of the show and its magic, and to this end we have created the Bijoux Boutique, a whimsical in-house store which touts everything from eccentric hats to bizarre fancy dress and all manner of quirky items for guests create their own earth’s desire."