Chelsea, a neighbourhood of timeless beauty and class, is the go-to getaway for London’s elite. Heritage sites, gastronomic havens, and spoiled shopping destinations litter the locale. But the vibrance doesn’t dim when the sun sets.
The Top Chelsea Nightclubs
With flaunty private clubs, elegant cocktail bars, and cheery discos, Chelsea arguably boasts London’s most happening nightlife. Read on to discover the best clubs in Chelsea .
1. Embargo Republica
A slice of Cuban club culture on King’s Road, Embargo Republica brings the house down with electrifying sets of house and dance music. Visitors walk through a sleek Cuban cigar shop, which leads to the main dancefloor. Exposed brick walls, chaotic graffiti, and charming rundown furniture adorn the establishment. The club starts buzzing with acoustic acts, live bands, and DJ sets from the evening into the early hours of the following day.
Embargo Republica’s terrace, known as “Casamigo,” translates to “house of friends.” It is a meet-cute between the nightlife of Miami and the liquor culture of Mexico. Created in partnership with Casamigos Tequila, a brand founded by George Clooney and Rande Gerber, it is the only Casamigo in London. Adorned with palm trees, beach-themed mosaics, and bamboo furniture, the Casamigo is a chill hangout spot, supplying guests with endless cocktails and slushies, as part of Embargo Republica's quality stamp. Sir Mick Jagger celebrated his 80th birthday at this club in 2023 –a surefire stamp of spectacular nightlife!
2. Club Royale Chelsea
Club Royale is a luxury club for private events. Residing in a restored building, its interiors are outfitted with a sleek bar, plush velvet seats, and an intimate dance floor. Low lights and DJ sets by internationally acclaimed musicians set the vibe of Club Royale as an impenetrable party experience reserved for the ultra-wealthy.
At Club Royale, events are curated as per the whims of the guests. It has a 220-person standing capacity and can seat 60 people. With a minimum spend of £2000–£3000, hosting a club night at Club Royale is certainly a statement.
3. Maggie’s Club
The 1980s were a memorable epoch of unbridled leisure and wild partying. Outlandish fashion, classic rock, and club music achieved new heights in this decade. Maggie’s has recaptured the untamed zest of the 80s with its apt retro ambience. It has rightly been described as “a time capsule of all things ‘80s.” The club is a brightly lit basement with eccentric Rubik’s cube and cassette tape tables, bubble-gum dispensers, animal print seating, and slushie machines. Quirky cocktails are the hallmark of Maggie’s, all odes to significant pop culture moments of the 80s – PacMeister, The A-Team Van, and Rubik’s Cube are some mixology marvels worth trying.
A celebration of the 80s, the club’s music scene is defined by the era’s mash hits – we're talking all the greats, from Bon Jovi to Guns n’ Roses, Madonna, and Michael Jackson. These hits crescendo from the life-size Walkman DJ booth.
4. 606 Club
The 606 is an intimate jazz club inside a “speakeasy-esque” basement. An institution in London’s jazz scene, the club plays groovy soul, Latin, R&B, funk, gospel, and blues seven nights a week. As a fortuitous bonus, they also provide Sunday lunches. The 606 has launched many jazz sensations, such as Jason Rebello, Liane Carroll, Polly Gibbons, and Jamie Cullum. As such, the club bears a stamp of quality music. Beyond its solid reputation, 606 took it upon themselves to feature only British artists in a bid to support local talent.
An intimate and unassuming basement, 606, is usually packed to capacity. Should you manage to get in, you will have access to legendary musicians, comfort food, and premium liquor. The rustic basement is also available for private hire.
5. Tonteria
A nook of Mexican nightlife on Sloane Square, Tonteria is known for its premium tequila and Mexican-style tapas. Tonteria translates into "nuisance," which humorously embodies what one can expect at the club. An immersive theatrical experience, jaw-dropping spectacles, and reverberant beats ensue. The club playfully teases prospective visitors on its booking page by proclaiming that the establishment is “truly where all the devils meet.”.
For pre-gaming fun, guests can spoil themselves with mouth-watering Mexican bites, such as tacos, nachos, and the grilled sirloin with chimichurri. As the clock strikes 11 p.m., the madness begins with the DJ taking over. Shots of authentic tequila are delivered on toy trains, and the party is imbued with carefree enthusiasm.
6. Kosmopol
With Scandinavian roots, Kosmopol has light, minimalist interiors. Sleek lamps, mirror work, and bare cabinetry adorn the establishment. An intimate club with a mere 70-person capacity, Kosmopol is the ideal joint for a relatively low-key night out. Throughout the day, bespoke cocktails, premium wines, charcuterie platters, cheese boards, and Swedish hot dogs abide in Kosmopol. The classy cocktail bar transforms into a nightclub at 10 p.m., with niche classics crescendoing the dancefloor. The DJ sets encompass beats of commercial, dance, disco, electro-house, hip-hop, and R&B. Guests can book Kosmopol for private events during the weekends.
7. Barts
Travel back in time to 1929, a vital year in America’s Prohibition era. An immersive affair, the bar is decked to look like prolific Chicago gang member Uncle Bart’s house (spoiler: Uncle Bart is fictitious). As “London’s worst kept secret,” Barts is like a front for Uncle Bart’s illicit activities, from housing stolen booty to smuggling goods. While guests are abetting in his crimes, they can peruse the “Illicit Cocktail Menu," which showcases the club’s mixology prowess. From strong to fruity, creamy, and dry, there is a magical mix for everyone. As a bonus, the cocktails are dressed to perfection – from swanky straws to peacock feathers, guests will have a little tidbit to take home.
Tucked away at the far end of the speakeasy is the quiet “Secret Garden,” ornamented with noteworthy moments of Uncle Bart’s life and pleasing pistachio-green walls. Sink into comfortable armchairs and relish an illegal cocktail. While leaving the club, promise to keep mum about Uncle Bart!
8. Raffles
Raffles is the “it” place to be seen in. Founded in 1967, the club is a major throwback to the swinging sixties, a youth-led era marking the transition into liberty and modernity. It has held its '60s aesthetic dearly with its ostentatious decor and loud colour palette. Bold green walls and red leather seats truly evoke the untethered joy and freedom of 1960s pop culture.
Getting onto the guest list could be a demanding task. However, once you’re in, you will be dancing the night away to hip-hop, R&B, and house sets by internationally established DJs. If you’re lucky, you may brush shoulders with Casey Batchelor, Lucy Mecklenburgh, or Kiera Knightley. From cultural odysseys to exclusive events and discotheques, Chelsea’s nightlife has plenty to offer. Nothing beats capping the day by letting your hair down in London’s sprightly west end. Don your designer sparkles, and dance the night away in Chelsea’s clubs.
