The looming majesty of Candyman's exterior
A dazzling oasis of white light in the middle of St Petersburg's drab Ladozhskaya outskirts, the new club Candyman must be one of the biggest clubs in Russia's northern capital.
Candyman opened its doors last month with a concert by Europe's 2 Unlimited.
The inside is as impressive as the exterior -- gleaming bars, glass platforms and a huge dance-floor stuffed with slightly overdressed new Russians gyrating to slick, professional but rather tedious techno.
When asked about the problems of siting a new club so far outside the city center, a club spokesperson was defensive.
"Some of the best clubs in Europe, for example in Spain, are out of town," she said. "Besides, we have the longest opening hours of any night-club in St Petersburg. We stay open until six or eight in the morning.
"We're also conveniently near Ladozhskaya Metro station."
A European club is probably the best way of describing Candyman's atmosphere and with a 20,000 to 30,000 rouble ($4 to $6) entry fee on non-concert nights, Candyman makes for an enticing entertainment treat.
Good fun and a good place to observe the unique phenomenon that is Russian dancing.