Patrons of Oxford’s Wahoo club had their nostrils assaulted by a decidedly unpleasant aroma on the night of Friday 22nd February.
Students attending the popular Friday night venue were surprised to find the upper floor of the club pervaded with a smell that has been likened to a pungent form of foam, mouldy fish and even death.
First year biologist and eye-witness (or should I say nose-witness) Emilie Brignall tried to describe the smell for Cherwell, saying, “It was definitely a smoke machine, or a foam machine, or perhaps death. It was not pleasant.”
Chris Jenkins, a first-year Keble student, went on to describe it further, stating, “Seriously, the smell in the men’s toilets was preferable to the smell upstairs. It was an insidiously foul odour, but fortunately it was somewhat drowned out by the smell of liberally applied aftershave.”
Pete Mortimore, General Manager of Wahoo, was on duty on the evening in question. When contacted by Cherwell, he said, “I can assure you that this is the first of this ‘odd smell’ that I have been made aware of. A thorough investigation will take place.
“I would like to state that we are extremely pro-active in ensuring that all of our customers have a good experience at the venue and ask that if anyone has a complaint and or comment that they would like to pass on then they should do so on the evening so that we can rectify in a timely fashion.”
The smell did cause some confusion amongst students, with physicist Sam Badman thinking the club was serving food. He explained, “No one had told me so but I assumed it was just fish and chips Friday. If that really was the case then I’m still waiting on the chips and the fish definitely smelt mouldy.”
Oxford resident and PPEist Emma Alexander claimed that Wahoo will remain a favoured night spot. She said, “I’m sure this was an isolated incident. Wahoo is generally much appreciated by Oxford students and I for one sincerely hope that it has returned to its usual fragrant self by this Friday!”
Hertford student India Miller had a slightly more critical view, however. She said, “I for one was very disappointed that the subtle notes of vodka and BO that are normally the perfect accompaniment to a night out were swamped by the overwhelming smell of fish. In fact, if they want to retain my patronage, Wahoo really need to get their act together: it’s a sink or swim situation.”
