In the Albert Hall it’s famous troupe, Cirque du Soleil performing their Varekai show which tells the spellbinding tale of a young man who falls from the sky into a magical forest of fantastical creatures and embarks on the adventure of a lifetime. The show is packed full of jaw-dropping acrobatic choreography – not bad for an act that began with a band of 20 street performers back in 1984.

But over in Endell Street, it’s a different story. Let us present Circus, an extravaganza of a new concept restaurant designed by the iconic Tom Dixon, with acts as colourful as its cocktails and cuisine.

Dixon, for many years creative director at Habitat and talent behind Shoreditch House and Paramount interiors is a man on a mission to innovate and revive the British furniture industry single-handed. Taking its cue from the Surrealist art movement, Circus’ interior combines design classics from Dixon’s studio with other iconic 20th Century names from the Artek ‘Golen Bell’ lightshade to Dixon ‘tall chairs’, a Verner Panton ‘Shell’ chandelier and even a bespoke dancer’s pole.

Head chef is Nik Biok who has created a menu of Pan-American dishes, many of which have been designed for sharing and includes Snapper Ceviche, Red & Golden Beet Salad with Goats Cheese & Hazelnuts and Smoked Stuffed Chicken Wings to start and mains of Seafood Jambalaya with Annatto, Oregano, Sun-Blushed Tomato & Chorizo and Slow Roasted Beef Short Ribs, Guava and BBQ Glaze. Desserts feature Peanut Butter and Chocolate Brownies and Warmed Apple Gingerbread.

Henry Besant and the Worldwide Cocktail Club – behind Bungalow 8 - have devised the cocktail list – with many options coming in massive punchbowls designed for sharing just like those on the food menu and heading up the bar is the legendary Dick Bradsell.

As for the entertainment – well that’s for you to find out but suffice to say it’s a delightful concoction of the beautiful and the bizarre in which both drinkers and diners will play their own key role.

And if you need any further reason to pay a visit to Covent Garden’s big top, Circus’ Committee includes a stellar line up from Matthew Williamson to Seb Chew and David de Rothschild.

We hope you enjoy the show. And as for who pinched the last chocolate brownie – the lion-tamer did it!

Cirque Du Soleil at The Royal Albert Hall until 14 February
www.cirquedusoleil.com

Circus, 27-29 Endell St, London WC2H 9BA, 0207420 9300
www.circus-london.co.uk