A couple of months ago I attended Trashy at the 02 Academy for what was touted as a burlesque revue. It was rubbish.

The entire show consisted of a couple of girls dressed almost precisely like any female attendee of Fuzzy Ducks doing a little dance and playfully hitting each other.

Utterly unsatisfying.

With this impression lurking at the back of my mind, I found my way to the new Cafe CoCo for their own burlesque revue, vaguely suspecting to be bitterly disappointed.

Fortunately my reservations were entirely unjustified, as I actually enjoy one of the best nights I’ve had in ages.

Purple velvet curtains dress the front of Cafe CoCo, operating both as a veil to preserve decency as well as lending a delightful air of mystery without which any good Burlesque show would fall flat.

I arrive at the intermission between acts, and my first impressions leave me sorely disappointed – because I missed the first half of the show ...

The decor of the venue works perfectly with the theme of the night, as art of the continent adorns the walls in much the same design as its Cowley Road counterpart, all helping to make you feel as though you’re on holiday, which in turn helps you to relax enormously.

A couple of beers later, and following a startling display of fiery magic from the wizard of a barman, the show strikes up once more.

House band the Long Insiders kick things off for the second half, their brand of lazy rock working perfectly to perpetuate that titillating feel of ease and relaxation.

A few songs in and the band hand the reins over to the true stars of the night, the girls.

The acts are fantastic, and sufficiently raunchy as to blow any former impressions left by the dire display at the Academy.

As funny as they are saucy, and they are most certainly both.

What I really like about this night is that Co Co continues to act as a restaurant throughout.

This in turn transforms the Burlesque night from simply a great place to go to have a fun night out into an absolutely perfect date destination.

Taking a girl for a nice meal with good wine is all well and good, but throw in this show as well and you are transformed into the coolest guy ever.

Assuming that is your date can handle a show involving nipple tassels (and if she can’t you probably don’t want to be dating her anyway).

In short, this is a brilliant night, perfectly capturing the delights and mystery of a true burlesque revue, and providing brilliant entertainment for both people going to drink at the bar or to sample the exquisite delights of CoCo’s menu.

The next one is on July 4, and if you’re able to bring a date, do.