When the sun sets in the city, that is when the fun actually begins for many clubbers and lovers of nightlife all over the world. The same goes for many Londoners and travelers visiting London.
Just like the city itself and the people in it, London’s nightclubs scene is very diverse, ranging from wild raves where dancers can dance for hours to intimate venues complete with an underground sound system
And of course, superclubs are renowned for their high-tech, state-of-the-art sound systems and famous DJs. Whatever the case, nightclubs are a crucial part of London’s cultural and social scene
6 Best Nightclubs in London
1. Fabric
2. Ministry of Sound
3. XOYO
4. KOKO
5. Phonox
6. Drumshed
Best Nightclub In London
In this article, I will share some of the more popular nightclubs in London that are a must-attend when visiting.
1. Fabric
Fabric is not just your average nightclub; rather, it is more of a rite of passage for many young London adults on their way into adulthood. Renowned as one of the best clubs in London since it opened its doors in 1999, the Farringdon institution has set the bar for serious clubbing.
The three rooms that make up the clubhouse each have their distinct vibe and genre of music, separate from the other. Room 1 often delivers hard-hitting techno and house music, while Room 2 might be shaking to drum and bass. As for Room 3, the music leans towards a more experimental kind of music.
Fridays at the clubhouse are known as FABRICLIVE and are more famous for their bass and drum music. Saturdays, on the other hand, are pretty well known for their servings of disco and techno. Drinks are a bit expensive, but that’s London, right?
The sound systems at Fabric are loud and legendary, mainly state-of-the-art tech that can transport dancers to a different dimension. The club is also particularly known for having a top-tier lineup of in-house DJs and famous invited Disc Jockeys.
The Club is designed in an industrial ambience to the core, think brick walls, concrete, and minimal lighting that amplifies the experience. Security can be a bit strict, but that makes it relatively safer for clubbers.
Location: 77A Charterhouse Street, London, United Kingdom
Hours Open: 12:00 am – 6:00 am (Saturday and Sunday)
11:00 pm – 12:00 am (Friday)
12:00 am – 04:00 am (Monday)
Price Range: £10 – £22
2. Ministry of Sound
The first original superclub in London. Active since 1991, the Ministry has been placed side-by-side with epic nights, massive crowds, and house music history. It is more than a venue, but instead a dedication to dance and music.
Situated inside a reconstructed and decorated warehouse, the clubhouse is divided into four rooms that make up its entirety. The largest, called “The Box,” is a sound engineering masterpiece, including sound sound-absorbing room layout built for clarity and impact. The box is known all over and is the envy of DJs and club connoisseurs, as a music rig marvel.
The 103, which offers new audiences an introduction to newer artists while they queue for a drink at the long industrial bar, and the Baby Box, which is almost a club in its own right but a more intimate rave kind of party. And the last room, called the Loft located above for a more headier crowd in search of trance and deep house music.
Many clubbers also like the fact that MOS has a pretty large courtyard where dancers can catch their breath. The dress code can be a bit strict, with no joggers or shorts allowed, but many guests don’t mind.
Say what you will about ministry, but the owners know how to orchestrate a night full of music and dance. The refurbished box depot has plenty of rooms to dance in and is keeping the history of dance music alive.
Location: 103 Gaunt Street, London, United Kingdom
Hours Open: 10:30 pm – 6:00 am (Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday)
Price Range: £15 – £30
3. XOYO
Hidden within the heart of Shoreditch, XOYO balances cool street vibes with great music. While it is not as massive as the superclubs, it is more intimate, smartly designed, and fiercely loved by its crowd.
The clubhouse features two floors, the main club room on the basement, complete with a deep, enveloping sound system. While the top floor is definitely smaller, the crowd often packs a punch, and the party is epic.
Its best feature has got to be the residency program as its signature move. The club invites a single artist to take over Friday nights for months, hand-picking guests and shaping the sound.
XOYO is more affordable than the big names but just as beloved. The venue is pretty small, so coming early is a good recommendation.
Location: 32 – 37 Cowper Street, Shoreditch, London, United Kingdom
Hours Open: 10:00 pm – 3:00 am (Monday – Thursday)
9:30 pm – 4:00 am (Friday and Saturday)
Price Range: £5 – £20
4. Best Nightclubs in London: KOKO
Housed in the grand old Camden theatre, Koko is a Camden theatre turned entertainment hub that has been transformed into one of London’s breathtaking music spaces.
Imagine stepping into an impressive opera house that also happens to throw great raves, then you’ve got Koko, complete with a dramatic stage and golden balconies above
KOKO has kept the original ornate ceilings, vintage balconies, and velvet drapery that make the space iconic. Instead, the concert house has added a few sleek, modern touches to the building to keep it up to date.
The clubhouse also has a roof terrace, multiple bars, a plush cocktail lounge, and a recording studio. It even has a hidden speakeasy tucked into the building somewhere.
While not technically a full-time clubhouse, Koko hosts its club nights on Fridays and Saturdays. During the times it is not a clubhouse, it doubles as a concert venue, live music space, and even a cafe.
With the music ranging from Afropop to electronic or techno, there is a space for every kind of music lover. The vibe might shift from intimate live gigs to club raves, but the sounds and lights are always on point.
Location: 1A, Camden High Street, London, United Kingdom
Hours Open: 6:00 pm – 5:00 am (Friday- Saturday)
Price Range: £20 – £45
5. Phonox
Phonox is the spot for music lovers and dancers. This club gem is renowned for its no-frills, immersive clubbing experience with no VIP section or even influencer buzz. Just good people, excellent DJs, killer sound equipment, and good music.
The club house is small enough to feel connected with other dancers, but big enough to let loose fully. The space is decorated minimally; dark wood, great lighting and sound walls, and nothing else.
To ensure that people are fully immersed in the vibe as well, the club enforces a no-photo policy. It is also pretty famous for its one DJ all night policy, so dancers don’t lose the flow. The DJ lineup might range from local artists to international names, but the same rules apply: tune in and just dance.
Location: 418 Brixton Road, London, United Kingdom
Hours Open: 10:00 pm – 4:00 am (Friday and Saturday)
Price Range: £5 – £23
6. Best Nightclubs in London: Drumshed
It would be easy to mistake Drumshed for a festival space or concert hall due to its large space. Housed in a former IKEA store, the clubhouse can hold about 15,000 people at a time, making it more of a rave site than a club.
It contains multiple rooms, usually with different music, including the towering main X room and smaller Z and Y rooms with a tighter space of 1000 people, complete with DJ cages. The music is loud, and the sound is clear and immersive. Each room also has its own bar, making it easy to get drinks in whatever room you find yourself.
Getting in can be a bit of a hassle because of the crowd, but there is never a risk of suffocation as the space is very vast. The best feature, though, has got to be the food stands in The Yard, where clubbers can get food at any time.
Location: 6, Glover Drive, London, United Kingdom
Hours Open: 12:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Price Range: £30 – £70
London’s nocturnal scene is rich and diverse, from the loud, clear soundscapes of superclubs like Fabric to intimate XOYO for music lovers. Every venue brings its own flavor to the city’s after-dark identity, even with the decline of nightclubs over the years.
For both locals and visitors looking for a fun night out, these clubs are an expression of London’s social scene. Loud, Creative, and Timeless.
