The best nightclubs in London

Fabric is known far and wide as a legendary place whose very name conjures up images of writhing dancefloors, heavy beats and long nights for generations of clubbers. Serving up unforgettable parties since before the turn of the millennium, this London mainstay spearheaded the underground scene's push into becoming an integral part of the UK's nightlife.

Among the city's many nightclubs, Xoyo, located in Shoreditch, commands respect with a state-of-the-art sound system on its two floors and a knack for booking lineups on the cutting edge of the contemporary electronic music scene. Its residency series is the stuff of legend, with acts such as Ben UFO, Bicep, Skream and more taking over for months at a time. And with cheap entry to its signature Pleasurehood nights, some of the best parties out there are available to all.

It's easy to forget the time and spend the whole day relaxing at Brixton Jamm's bar, street food courtyard or artificial "beach", then hit the teched-out dancefloor and let loose. You'll find everything from house to hip-hop on the playlist, as well as all sorts of activities, live gigs by stars such as Massive Attack and Adele, and a welcoming, positive vibe.

Though E1 might not have the visual flair of its larger club brethren, it more than makes up for it with not just impeccable sound, but also a welcoming feeling of underground togetherness and unity. Having overcome numerous obstacles to get up and stay open, it offers lovingly-curated electronic music parties that go well into the night, while also being the kind of place that Kylie Minogue or Stormzy hire for an event.

Egg London, a historic venue in a Victorian warehouse in Kings Cross, is a staple of the city's nightlife. Spread out across three levels, its five rooms host big-name DJs such as Jeff Mills and Nina Kraviz, as well as up-and-comers on the electronic music scene. On weekends, the cherry on top is the 24-hour licence. It's not often exercised to its full extent, but even so, the nights at Egg are regularly longer than elsewhere in London.

Fold is the right place for you if you're serious about dancing the night away to the freshest techno and electro sounds. The community-driven, queer-friendly performance space brings respected artists such as VTSS, LSDXOXO and Ellen Allien and even weekend-long sets to East London.

One of London's flagship nightclubs, the Ministry of Sound's iconic logo is firmly entrenched in the minds of partygoers all over the world. Of its four rooms, the main draw for most is The Box, a room designed specifically with exceptional sound quality in mind and usually reserved for the biggest dance music DJs in the world. Meanwhile, three smaller rooms help nurture the next generation of music talent.

Studio 338 brings the Ibiza heat to the Greenwich Peninsula and goes full blast with cannons, LED screens, a delectable sound system and the likes of Sven Väth, Paco Osuna, Luciano and Ilario Alicante behind the decks on the biggest terrace arena in Europe. Seeing the sun go down through the glass roof and the Studio 338's Octopus lighting system taking over the show is definitely an unforgettable experience.

Part nightclub, part concert venue, pioneering gay club Heaven has been going strong for more than 40 years. Today, it continues its tradition of fun-filled parties and acclaimed live gigs beneath Charing Cross station. Expect anything from spectacular drag shows and choreographed dancers to wild pop/RnB/house extravaganzas. And don't forget to check the gig listings either, as anyone from Madonna to Tame Impala might be performing there on any given night.

After a one-year refurbishment turned into a major three-year renovation project, Camden's historic Koko reopened in 2022. It relaunched with a new club night called Koko Electronic in addition to the live gigs it became known for, featuring acts such as Skream, Todd Terje and Eats Everything. Sorely missed among London's music fans, Koko has quickly reclaimed its rightful place in London's nightlife.

The Pickle Factory provides an intimate yet intense clubbing experience. The lineups focus on more niche experiences and rising talent and might not feature as many big names as other clubs, but the parties are very much on point. Don't say we didn't warn you when you finally stumble out, blinded by the early morning light.

The iconic Electric Brixton in the heart of, you guessed it, Brixton, caters to both clubbers and concertgoers, like many other venues in the city. All are treated to state-of-the-art equipment and diverse lineups, with everything from reggaeton to metal on the bill. Its strong roots in its vibrant South London neighbourhood and a global reputation mean you can catch "the next big thing" as well as international stars here.

South London's Venue MOT Unit 18, inhabiting a vacant car garage with a nondescript entrance in the middle of an industrial area and boasting one of the best sound systems in the entire city, seems like a relic of the 1980s rave scene. The music policy, however, is rooted firmly in the future and offers a home to some of the most exciting hip-hop, electronic and experimental sounds out there.

As a relatively recent addition to the vibrant Brixton scene, Phonox embraces a straightforward mantra, offering "one dance floor, one great sound system and DJs playing all night or extended sets each week." On Fridays and Saturdays, the venue pulses with electronic melodies into the late hours of the night. Sunday afternoons offer a more laid-back ambiance, providing the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate after a thoroughly lived weekend.

Village Underground started life as a couple of shipping containers and four metro carriages on a viaduct. Today, it's a hub for all sorts of creativity and culture rather than simply a club. Exhibitions, coworking spaces, concerts – nothing is off the menu, but it easily stands alongside London's more dedicated clubbing venues when the club nights roll around, spanning a wide array of genres.

Covering three floors of a seemingly dilapidated warehouse, the iconic Electrowerkz in Islington hosts the famed Slimelight goth parties in addition to a diverse array of club and live music nights. You can expect all sorts of genres and crowds here, from hip hop to death metal, LGBT+ to sober get-togethers without alcohol.

The Glove That Fits is an earlier project from the people behind the better-known Fold. The Hackney bar includes a compact basement club for just 80 people, but boasting a line-up of cutting-edge electronic and experimental music in an intimate, inclusive setting.

Colours Hoxton is an, ahem, colourful bar and club with a packed line-up of fun, exciting events in a welcoming setting. Its club space boasts an excellent sound system and a striking LED installation on the ceiling, with techno, house, disco and more on hand to keep the dance floor going late into the night. The programming emphasises inclusive and LGBTQ-friendly acts such as the popular Pxssy Palace club night.

A legendary London nightclub, The Cross used to bring fashionable crowds and dedicated ravers to King’s Cross. Now it’s been reinvented by the original founder as a six-floor venue that encompasses a basement club, rooftop terrace, restaurant, bar and plush lounge areas, letting you dance, dine and drink your night away.

Boujis, a prestigious nightclub popular in the '00s, which exclusively served the wealthiest crowd, including Princes William and Harry, Kate Middleton, and others, has been reborn as B London. The original establishment was closed due to licensing violations, but it returned to life in 2023, just a few steps away from its original location, with meticulous renovations that replicate its previous incarnation. The clientele, beverages, and even seating arrangements remain the same as before.

Loki, a railway arch club that debuted in Brixton in late 2022, caters to music enthusiasts who appreciate electronic sounds beyond the mainstream. The club accommodates up to 250 people, with exclusive private hire available as well. At Loki, you can expect an immersive experience featuring a diverse selection of music genres, an energetic atmosphere, exceptional audio quality, and weekly vinyl-only parties. 

The Ton of Brix, a joint venture by veteran promoters Percolate and the Brixton Jamm venue, launched in late 2022 and quickly established itself as a cherished addition to London's nightlife scene. Situated in the premises of the legendary Club 414, this intimate venue is one of the few London establishments possessing a 24-hour drinking license. Immerse yourself in the pulsating beats of dance, techno, and electronic music as acclaimed local and international DJs man the decks.

Taking over the former Ikea store in Tottenham, Drumsheds is a huge venue and the newest addition to London's nightlife. Coming from the team behind Printworks, the venue has a capacity of 15,000 and is an events space as well as a club. Names to play here include Basement Jaxx and Afrodeutsche. There are events during the day as well as parties that run until the early hours.

If you want to dance all night but not to mainstream music, The Jago in Dalston is an ideal pick for your next night out. This compact and cosy club and events venue has a lively and friendly atmosphere and attracts a diverse crowd. Expect live acts and DJs covering a diverse collection of global genres, plus jams and open mic nights.

The Scotch of St James has been open since the 1960s and still carries the hedonistic spirit of the era. This discreet club has always had plenty of celebrity clientele, with names like Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, and Cara Delevingne all hanging out here. Set across two floors, this venue has a boho style and an exclusive air to it.