From the desk of Penelope Alice, Britain’s most fabulous PA: networking evening at Shaka Zulu

You must remember that epic film Out of Africa with Meryl Streep and Robert Redford – amazing scenery and lots of smouldering glances between the two leads. It was more a case of into Africa when I went along to the PA Life Club’s latest event last week at an amazing venue called Shaka Zulu in Camden.

It’s one of those places that really needs to be seen to be believed; set over a staggering 27,000 square feet, this two-floor bar/restaurant/club (you name it, it can cater for it) features spectacular décor that takes inspiration from its South African heritage. The 20-foot-high statutes of muscle-bound indigenous warriors are certainly extremely eye-catching and prompted some of the male guests in attendance to mutter something about having to start going to the gym again.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the food on offer and had visions of crocodile and elephant being served up whole. While they do offer exotic meats here such as zebra, springbok and antelope, I didn’t attempt to sample anything quite so esoteric, although I did have a brush with a zebra in the form of the snazzy patterned walls in the ladies’ toilets.

When the food arrived I pounced on a delicious-looking mini-burger and was surprised to be told that this juicy morsel wasn’t actually beef, but in fact ostrich – I must keep that in mind to impress at a future dinner party chez Penelope Alice. Alongside the ostrich we nibbled on succulent chicken skewers, squid and tuna. And the non-meat eaters in the group didn’t miss out either, as they were provided with halloumi cheese, peri peri fries and vegetable spring rolls. These were washed down with fruity vodka cocktails prepared to perfection by the venue’s expert mixologists.

Shaka Zulu can accommodate all sorts of corporate events, from product launches and private dinners to full-blown parties and you will have space for as many as 470 people if you take over the entire venue, or for up to 350 seated on the lower level. So if you’re looking for a themed venue with a difference that’s bound to make a big impact, then check it out for yourself at shaka-zulu.com.

This blog originally appeared on the PA Life Club site. To read more of Penelope Alice’s blog entries and get access to a range of fantastic benefits, including discounts and special deals at dozens of selected retailers and venues, as well as exclusive monthly competitions, networking events and a discounted rate for PA Life’s new training courses, click here: palife.co.uk/pa-life-club