Newsflash

London Clubs International is to convert the Rendezvous club in Old Park Lane into a Playboy franchise.

Almost 30 years since Hugh Hefner's Playboy empire dramatically quit London after its premises were raided and its gaming licence revoked, the bunnies are returning to Mayfair.

London Clubs International is to convert the Rendezvous club, in Old Park Lane, into a Playboy franchise, expanding it to include a cocktail bar, a disco and three private casino salons to cater for "whales" – the industry name given to high-rolling international customers.