Introduction
London is world-renowned for its vibrant nightlife scene, with some of the best nightclubs in the world. The UK capital offers a wide variety of venues, from large multi-room clubs playing electronic dance music, to more intimate spaces focused on live music.
Central areas like Soho and Shoreditch are nightlife hotspots, with clusters of nightclubs, bars and music venues open late into the night. London attracts top DJs and live acts from around the globe, and many clubs host guest DJs and events. Weekends see huge crowds descend on London’s clubs, with long queues forming outside the most popular venues.
This list showcases London’s premier nightclubs, ranking the top 10 spots to dance the night away. From famous superclubs like Ministry of Sound to more underground venues, these are the hottest nightclubs for music, drinks and mingling in London’s electric nighttime scene. Each offers something unique, whether an acclaimed sound system, cutting-edge design, or A-list celebrity sightings. Most enforce a strict dress code.
The following sections provide an overview of each of the top 10 best nightclubs in London, from bigger clubs with multiple rooms and floors, to smaller niche venues beloved by clubbers. Read on to discover the vibrant nightlife in one of the world’s greatest cities.
#10 XOYO
XOYO is a mid-sized nightclub located in the heart of Shoreditch, London’s buzzing arts and entertainment district. With a capacity of around 1,500 people, XOYO strikes the perfect balance – big enough to pull in internationally renowned DJs and live acts, small enough to still feel intimate.
The club’s design features an industrial warehouse aesthetic, with exposed brick, metal beams, and durable concrete floors. Color-changing lighting and lasers transform the raw event space into an immersive party atmosphere. XOYO’s tiered dance floors and surrounding mezzanine levels allow clubgoers to take in the entire scene.
The focus at XOYO is on showcasing cutting-edge electronic music from both established and emerging artists. The curators are known for booking lineups across house, techno, drum & bass, garage and more. With a custom-tuned Funktion One sound system pumping out crisp highs and deep basslines, the music and light show truly come alive.
XOYO frequently hosts album launches and extended DJ residencies, allowing artists to develop a deeper connection with fans. For those looking to dance into the early morning, XOYO’s license runs until 6am Thursday through Saturday. The club’s diverse bookings and intimate vibe make it one of London’s most beloved nightlife institutions.
#9 Ministry of Sound
Ministry of Sound is one of London’s most iconic nightclubs, known worldwide for pioneering house music and electronic dance music. Located in Elephant and Castle, Ministry of Sound has been one of the top nightlife destinations in London since opening in 1991.
Ministry of Sound has a rich history in dance music and club culture. It started as the vision of Justin Berkmann who wanted to create a New York-style club in London focused on American house music and disco. The club was named after early 1960s record label called Ministry of Sound which was known for jazz, blues, and R&B. When Ministry of Sound first opened, it helped popularize house music in the UK which was just emerging at the time.
Over the years, Ministry of Sound has hosted top resident and guest DJs who have helped curate its musical direction. Longtime resident DJs like Mark Knight, Danny Howard and Sonny Fodera have created an energetic, world-class environment on the famous Ministry main floor. The Box at Ministry of Sound also brings in top house DJs from around the world.
The layout of Ministry of Sound includes multiple rooms and bars for different music experiences. The Main Room is the core dancefloor with an expansive soundsystem optimized for house and techno. There is also The Box focusing on more underground house and techno with a raw, warehouse vibe. Other rooms like The Grill and The Courtyard offer open-air terraces to take a break from the dancefloors. Guests can easily move between these spaces all night at Ministry of Sound.
Over 30 years since first opening, Ministry of Sound remains one of the most iconic clubs in the world – especially for house heads. It continues to host top resident DJs and live acts, firmly cementing its reputation as an essential London nightlife venue.
8. Egg London
Egg London is located under the arches of York Way in Kings Cross. With a capacity of 1,500, it’s one of the larger club venues in London. Egg is known for hosting top international DJs and live acts across multiple rooms. The Main Room features a Funktion-One sound system that delivers an incredible audio experience.
Some of the most notable events held at Egg London include shows by Fatboy Slim, Deadmau5, Eric Prydz, and more. The club frequently hosts album launches and label showcases as well. Beyond the Main Room, Egg has two additional spaces – the Terrace and the Void Rooms. The Terrace offers an outdoor escape with a courtyard vibe. The Void Rooms provide a more intimate setting for live music and underground DJs.
The overall vibe at Egg is energetic yet sophisticated. While it attracts some of the biggest names in dance music, the club maintains a friendly atmosphere. The multi-room setup gives partygoers options for different experiences all under one roof. From thumping techno to chill-out tunes, Egg London’s diverse music policy and standout sound system make it one of the top nightlife spots in the city.
7. Fabric
Fabric is one of London’s most iconic nightclubs, known for its incredible soundsystem and underground house and techno music. Since opening in 1999, Fabric has established itself as one of the world’s best clubs for dance music fans.
The club has 3 separate rooms, each with its own unique vibe and focus. The main Room 1 features an amazing Funktion-One soundsystem and concentrates on house, techno, drum & bass and live acts. Top international DJs regularly play Room 1, such as Ricardo Villalobos, Nina Kraviz and Four Tet. Room 2 has a harder, more industrial sound with techno and bass music. Finally, Room 3 provides an intimate space for cutting-edge DJs and live electronic acts.
Fabric is renowned for its incredible acoustics and attention to detail. The rooms utilize materials like wood and concrete to create a clean, crisp sound. Every aspect is designed for the best clubbing experience, especially the phenomenal bass response.
In addition to the resident Fabric DJs, the club attracts big name guest DJs from around the world. DJs like Carl Cox, Sasha and Joy Orbison frequently appear on the lineups. Fabric is also known for hosting album launches and label showcases for innovative underground labels.
With its focus on quality electronic music and top-notch soundsystems, Fabric established itself as one of the best nightclubs not just in London, but globally. It continues to be a mecca for underground dance music fans even 20+ years after first opening.
6. Printworks London
Printworks London first opened in 2000 in the former printing factory in Surrey Quays. The massive venue spans across multiple floors and rooms totaling over 90,000 square feet.
Printworks has become renowned for its incredible soundsystem and lighting productions that create an unforgettable clubbing experience. Each room has its own specialized soundsystem carefully tuned to deliver pristine audio.
The lighting is also a key highlight, with state-of-the-art moving heads, lasers, LED screens, and other effects that synchronize with the music. Printworks brings in top tier lighting designers to program custom light shows for their events.
Some of the most legendary DJs and electronic music events have been hosted at Printworks over the years. From Carl Cox to Jamie Jones to Elrow, Printworks consistently books outstanding lineups. The variety of DJs and event brands provides something for all electronic music tastes, from house and techno to drum & bass.
While the underground warehouse vibe remains, Printworks has evolved into one of London’s premier event spaces. Music fans from around the world now flock to Printworks for an incredible clubbing experience unmatched anywhere else in London. The sheer scale, soundsystem quality, and production is what puts Printworks at #6 among the top nightclubs in London.
5. Studio 338
Studio 338 is located in Greenwich Peninsula and is known for its massive outdoor area and top-notch soundsystem. The club has an underground warehouse vibe with its exposed brickwork and graffiti art.
The outdoor area at Studio 338 spans over 15,000 square feet with multiple bars, food trucks, ping pong tables and places to relax. It’s almost like a mini-festival ground! The outdoor space truly makes this venue stand out from other London nightclubs.
The music policy at Studio 338 focuses on quality house, techno, disco and funk. World-class DJs are brought in every weekend to keep the dance floors pumping. The Funktion-One sound system delivers crisp, clear audio that enhances the clubbing experience.
Inside, the industrial decor of Studio 338 creates an authentic underground atmosphere. There’s graffiti art, bare concrete floors and steel beams crisscrossing the ceilings. The Main Room has a 70kW sound system for bone-shaking bass, while the Basement goes deeper into techno and house music.
With its massive outdoor area, underground decor and stellar music policy, Studio 338 provides a top-notch clubbing experience unlike any other venue in London. It’s no wonder it secured the #5 spot on our list of the best nightclubs in the city.
#4 Electric Brixton
Electric Brixton is one of London’s top nightlife spots located in the Brixton area. This venue first opened its doors in 2011 and has since become a leading destination for live music and club nights.
The building itself has a rich history, originally operating in the early 1900s as a tram power station before later being used as studios and exhibition spaces. After undergoing major renovations, it emerged in its current form with a concert hall and late night club.
One of Electric Brixton’s biggest assets is its versatility. It hosts a wide range of events from live concerts, DJ club nights, album launches and more. The venue features a standing capacity of 1,700 which provides an intimate yet energetic atmosphere.
Some of the world’s top artists have graced the stage at Electric Brixton over the years including The Chemical Brothers, Janelle Monáe, Disclosure and many others. It’s also home to Brixton’s legendary Slipped Disco and Percolate parties which always draw large, enthusiastic crowds.
Beyond the music, the venue itself has an industrial warehouse aesthetic with a balcony wrapping around the dance floor and stage. State-of-the-art sound systems and lighting create an immersive nightlife experience. There are also several bars to keep the drinks flowing all night long.
For those seeking a top-tier night out in London with live acts and DJs, Electric Brixton has firmly secured its spot as a premier destination. Its concert hall capabilities combined with an intimate club environment explain why it has become a local favorite for music lovers.
#3 Cafe de Paris
Cafe de Paris is an iconic London nightclub known for its lavish Art Deco interior and burlesque cabaret shows. Located in the heart of the West End, Cafe de Paris first opened its doors in 1924 and quickly became a playground for high society, counting the Prince of Wales and Marlene Dietrich among its regular patrons.
Stepping inside Cafe de Paris today is like taking a step back in time. The interior is dripping in Gilded Age glamor with its marble columns, mirrored walls, crystal chandeliers and sweeping staircase. No expense has been spared in recreating the majestic ballrooms of 1920s Europe. But while the decor is retro, the energy on the dancefloor is anything but – the resident DJs spin chart hits and club remixes to keep the crowd dancing into the early hours.
In keeping with its extravagant origins, Cafe de Paris enforces a smart casual dress code. Men are required to wear shirts, trousers and shoes while women must be stylishly dressed. This gives the club an upscale atmosphere, so leave the streetwear at home and dress to impress.
The highlight of the night at Cafe de Paris is the burlesque cabaret show. Seductive dancers in feather boas, sparkling corsets and sky-high heels perform dazzling routines on stage, combining striptease with vaudeville comedy. Between the risqué dance numbers, patrons can continue to party on the dancefloor or sip champagne at their tables. With its blend of glamor, glitz and naughty cabaret, Cafe de Paris offers a thrillingly decadent night out in London.
#2 Toy Room
Toy Room is located in the heart of London’s nightlife district, Soho. This glamorous nightclub oozes luxury and exclusivity, making it a hotspot for A-list celebrities and elite clientele.
The two-story venue features dramatic ceilings, chandeliers, and plush leather banquettes. Toy Room is known for delivering a five-star experience, complete with table service and mixologists serving up craft cocktails. Bottle service is also available for those looking to splurge on a VIP experience.
Toy Room attracts world-famous DJs and high-profile celebrity guests on a regular basis. Celebrities like Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Cara Delevingne have all partied at Toy Room. The nightclub even has its own private members club, frequented by British royalty and cultural icons.
Resident DJs provide the lively atmosphere, spinning popular hip hop, house, techno, and funk. The DJ booth overlooks the sunken dance floor, energizing the crowd. On weekends, Toy Room hosts guest DJs like Tinie Tempah and Wiz Khalifa.
With luxurious décor, bottle service, celebrity sightings, and pulsing music, Toy Room offers a thrilling taste of London’s exclusive nightlife scene. The upscale ambiance combined with the A-list crowd makes Toy Room one of the hottest spots in the city.
#1. Cirque Le Soir
Cirque Le Soir tops our list as the best nightclub in London for its wildly creative and fun atmosphere. This exclusive venue blends circus performances with elaborate decor to create an unforgettable clubbing experience like no other.
The striking interior design immediately transports you into a fantasy realm with creative art installations, extravagant chandeliers, vivid lighting, and colorful decadent furnishings that give Cirque Le Soir a theatrical and whimsical vibe. Every night, world-class circus performers like acrobats, contortionists, and fire artists put on jaw-dropping shows that will leave you amazed. You might even spot aerialists flying high above the dance floor! This interactive entertainment is seamlessly woven into the clubbing experience and makes Cirque Le Soir an absolute spectacle.
The venue attracts a high-energy crowd of local partygoers and A-list celebrities alike. On any given night, you may rub elbows with models, artists, athletes and other elite clientele. Yet the friendly staff and lively atmosphere makes Cirque welcoming to all. With resident DJs spinning everything from EDM to hip hop while circus acts dazzle under the lights, Cirque Le Soir offers an incredible escape from everyday life right in the heart of London.
Between the circus acts, music, decor and exclusive atmosphere, Cirque Le Soir delivers an electrifying experience every time. That’s why it claims the top spot among the best nightclubs in London. A visit to this theatrical hotspot promises an unforgettable night of nonstop excitement.
