London is known for its museums, parks and libraries. However, the city’s nightlife is a class apart. As one of the most multicultural cities in the world, it possesses an eclectic range of clubs covering an array of genres and enviable sets of DJs.
Famous London Nightclubs
Clubbing in London is an unforgettable experience, given how so many clubs offer utterly unique experiences. From rundown warehouses to exclusive Victorian-themed mansions, from house music to smooth jazz, there is something for everyone. Here is a rundown of some of the best clubs in London.
Ministry of Sound
As a revamped bus garage featuring some of the best DJs the UK has to offer, Ministry of Sound embodies a unique warehouse charm. Opened in 1991 as a gritty club, its focus on exceptional house music and its unconventional aesthetic earned it the reputation of one of London’s best dance clubs. Ministry of Sound is an internationally recognised franchise with its radio station, clothing line, DJ equipment and a global record company.
Music is truly the soul of this club. It was the first of its kind to dedicate itself to electronic dance music. It also prides itself on a 22-channel sound system. The establishment sprawls four main rooms, a courtyard, two balconies and a VIP suite. It hosts dance events regularly and the tickets sell out in a jiffy. This certainly bears testimony to the unforgettable experience of clubbing at The Ministry of Sound.
Corsica Studios
Corsica Studios is a hidden gem in southeast London, located underneath two railway arches behind the Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre. It is a not-for-profit art studio by the same name, which redevelops underused or abandoned places around the city and revamps them as creative spaces. With artistic celebration at its core, Corsica Studios has an offbeat, understated charm.
It has been featuring top DJs and producers for nearly two decades. It is mainly known for its techno, house and disco music. With art and social impact at the heart of this club it also hosts several events, including art installations. If you have a penchant for art and prefer more intimate club settings, Corsica Studios is for you.
Egg London
Most regular club-goers have been to Egg London at least once. As one of London’s leading clubs, Egg regularly has an alluring line-up of established international DJs, besides being a launchpad for fresh talent. Egg London’s impeccably classy decor sets the tone for an incredible night-out. It spans three floors with dark rooms, a massive wooden loft space, exposed brick walls and a pretty garden. It also has one of London’s biggest open-air terraces, with an arresting view of the city’s sunrise
It is one of London’s most student-friendly clubs, with dedicated student nights, heavily discounted entry fees and drinks. What sets Egg London apart is its versatility. It was awarded the ‘Coolest Multi-Purpose Venue’ at the Cool Venue Awards in 2015. As a beautiful revamped Victorian building, Egg London has been the go-to venue for many exclusive events like fashion shows and film screenings, besides being a club in its own right. If you are a party animal who can dance the night away into the sunrise, Egg London is for you.
25 Paul Street
Behind plushy red doors, lies a cocktail bar and retro nightclub. The 80s appeal is reminiscent of New York’s historical Studio 54, a glamorous disco which united the gentry and the downtrodden of America in the 1970s. Funky cocktails, neon dazzling ceilings and vibey music turn the night up. As a renovated townhouse, the makers of this club have gone above and beyond to make the space unlike any other.
On Saturdays, four additional floors open up to the public, each with its unique aesthetic. These rooms have an unabashedly eccentric style – from secret bookcase passages to jukebox rooms to a space filled with 3D blinking eyeballs. The vintage and quirky vibe is unparalleled. If you have an appetite for the unordinary, 25 Paul Street is the place for you.
Tape London
Tape London is an exclusive club tucked away in the upscale locale of Mayfair . It oozes glamour with golden doors and creme-de-la-creme club-goers – Kylie Jenner and Cardi B to name a few. Its exclusivity assures a celebrity club experience, with artists like Drake and Wiz Khalifa having graced the stage.
The club also includes a private members-only home, called Little Tape. Erected discreetly beside the members’ lounge, is the Tape Studio which prides itself on being a quality recording studio with award-winning sound engineers and technology of immense calibre. Tape taps into different genres of music, but is mainly known for its hip-hop and RnB tunes. If you want a taste of the elite clubbing experience, Tape is for you.
Moth Club
The Moth Club used to be the hangout spot for former military servicemen. This live music club is known for its retro beats, indie music and classical rock and roll, giving it a grungy vibe. It also hosts other events, from karaoke nights to stand-up events. The name comes from an order of ex-military persons called the ‘Memorable Order of Tin Hats’. These former servicemen still throng the club under the motto of ‘True Comradeship, Mutual Help and Sound Memory’.
The veterans’ club members drink and dance shoulder to shoulder with youngsters, to indie bands. The backroom has glittery gold walls and the second floor has a small cosy events space. If you like alternative music, fascinating history and reasonably priced pints, Moth Club is for you.
The London Reign
The London Reign is opulence and glamour defined. With its brilliant art-deco design, a separate mezzanine with installation rooms, stunning visuals and premium champagne, this nightclub is larger-than-life. It is a show club with vintage Vegas-style performances that pair well with the burlesque show- inspired decor. It has elegant elements such as arched ceilings alongside quirky modern additions like humongous jellyfish tanks.
Things are wild at this club – you will see flame dancers, performers swinging from the ceiling, acrobats and aerial net dancers. The London Reign also has special night shows, featuring artists like Tyga and Jason Derulo. If excess, indulgence and showmanship appeal to you, nothing beats The London Reign.
Heaven
Heaven is known for its live events and atypical shows. It is one of London’s most student-friendly nightclubs. It was created during a time of heightened unemployment and political unrest. Heaven, was quite literally, a haven of escape for outcasts and the disillusioned public at large. Heaven is among the only live music clubs with a 1000 people capacity. It is bright, flamboyant and upbeat. It has a trendy vibe, a contemporary playlist and a youthful crowd. If you like pop music and quirky live shows, Heaven is a great first stop.
Ballie Ballerson
Picture a dance floor with trending pop tunes, a karaoke room, a bar with delicious cocktails and a massive ball pit. If that sounds like a fun time, Ballie Ballerson is the place for you. The club combines the childlike fun of jumping into a pool of a million plastic balls with the elegance of a sophisticated cocktail and the comfort of a good pizza slice.
The concept is certainly innovative and plays to the fancy of most adults – indulging in alcohol and completely letting loose. Ballie Ballerson is an ideal location for a planned night-out, as it offers relatively affordable cocktail packages, which can be pre-booked. It also has a delectable mocktail menu.
Fabric
Fabric was ranked 2 in DJ Magazine’s ‘Top 100 Clubs’ poll in 2017. The club is a former meatpacking warehouse. Walking into Fabric is certainly an awe-inspiring experience, with three massive rooms each with its independent sound system. A stand out feature of the club is its “body sonic dancefloor”, which is a vibrating floor created by parts of the floor being hooked to hundreds of bass transducers. It also attracts a varied crowd, from locals to tourists, from youngsters to seasoned clubbers.
FabricLive on Fridays showcases drum ‘n’ bass artists. Saturdays are usually led by Fabric DJs Craig Richards and Terry Frances who play techno, house, disco and the like. Every Sunday has a weekly party which plays disco beats till 8 am the next day. Given Fabric’s unwavering reputation for sonic excellence, it has to be London’s best club.
With such diversity in dance culture, music and history, you will certainly find your ideal clubbing spot in London. Immerse yourself in the city’s nightlife and discover your weekend haven.
