Celeb hangout Krystle voted best club

The champagne corks were popping all around last night when the popular VIP club was named the best nightclub in the country -- for the third time.

The plush Harcourt Street venue beat off stiff competition last night, when it nabbed the coveted title of Best Overall Nightclub in Ireland at the prestigious Hospitality Awards.

The club, which recently celebrated its fourth birthday, is continuing to defy the recession and prove it is a force to be reckoned with in the capital's social scene.

In just over four years, the Harcourt Street haven of the showbiz community and Ireland's wealthy has cornered the market.

This year's accolade marks the third time the club has scooped the gong after winning the title for two consecutive years in 2007 and 2008.

The club has long been considered the destination of choice among the capital's social set and is no stranger to attracting international stars such as the Black Eyed Peas and Prince Albert of Monaco.

And just last weekend, former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell was spotted soaking up the atmosphere in the club's exclusive VIP area.

After attracting a string of big names at last weekend's Halloween bash, including Big Brother star Noirin Kelly, a number of Leinster rugby stars, and models Julie Kavanagh and Hayley Ryan, Krystle has solidified itself as the place to be for Dublin's VIPs.

The judges said Krystle won because it "successfully creates a sense of sophistication and elegance while retaining a relaxed atmosphere, all in luxurious surroundings".

Co-owners Rangan Arulchelvan and Eileen Wright were revelling in their big win last night, and Rangan told the Herald this morning that they were delighted to still be on top.

"We didn't think we'd win it again; there are a lot of new places opening," he said.

He explained that the layout is key to the club's success. "The open air concept, no one else has it in city centre," he said.

Other big winners at last night's bash were The Europe Hotel and Resort, which has been named Best Overall Hotel, the Bank Bar and Restaurant, which was named Best Pub, and Harvey Nichols, which was named Best Cocktail Bar.

cmcbride@herald.ie