Let’s Dance! 10 Clubs That Can’t Wait To Be Back In Business
Will there be masks? Will there be grinding on the dance floor? Will there still be shots of tequila on the bar? Who knows (least of all the government) what the future holds when it comes to clubbing, but whatever the weather, London’s nightclubs are primed and ready to open their doors.
According to a survey published in February by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Night Time Economy, UK nightclubs have, on average, made 51% of their staff redundant during the pandemic, with 85% of employees considering leaving the industry. So they’re ready to recoup the costs and get everyone back behind the bar, on stage in drag or swinging from a trapeze. While some have announced huge celebrations, others are keeping their cards close to their chest. Here are some of our favourites.
1. Printworks three-day weekender
Famous for its laser beams, maze of concrete and vibey DJ sets, Printworks is waiting a while to open its doors. The nightclub announced its weekend plans early this month with a series of shows set to open in September.
Running from 17-19 September, is a new event concept they’ve called Redacted. Printworks has said it is “going back to basics” as it “puts the focus firmly on the music for a pure celebration of club culture.” Social media and camera phones are going to be actively discouraged and the line-up won’t be announced beforehand, taking us back to the good old days of living in the moment.
They have, however, offered a tiny glimpse into what each of the three shows will entail. On the Friday there is the ‘Late Night Movement’, Saturday is ‘To The Floor’ with dance and house music heavyweights, and Sunday welcomes ‘Low End Theories’ of drum’n’bass. Don’t hold back, tickets are already selling out.
Where: Surrey Quays Road, Canada Water SE16 7PJ
Website: www.printworkslondon.co.uk
2. Support The Cause
The Cause, a Tottenham-based warehouse nightclub is launching “Let’s Go Dancin'”, an open air disco all-dayer from Stevie Wonderland & The Cause.
Taking over the full site on Sunday 18th July, DJs and beats will be dropping it like it’s hot. For the first time in over a year, people will be chucking social distancing out the window to have a proper throw down. There will be multiple outdoor music areas with sounds spanning proto-house, disco, italo and balearic.
Where: The Cause, Ashley House, Tottenham Hale, N17 9LZ
Website: Tickets can be found here.
3. Midnight in Café de Paris
Provocative dancers, cabaret performances, glittering chandeliers, if you’re looking for a decadently hedonistic evening, Café de Paris has your name on it. While specific events have not been announced yet, we can’t wait for the doors to open so we can book our own private table. The VIP experience here is second to none.
Start with dinner and a show, and end the night face down in bed with all your make-up on. That’s what a night out is really all about isn’t it? Or why not start the evening with a cocktail masterclass to really kick things off in style. Keep an eye on their website for more details.
Where: 3-4 Coventry Street, West End, W1D 6BL
Website: www.cafedeparis.com
4. Save the date for Lick
The nightclub Lick has pencilled in the 25th July for a night to remember. While they’re not releasing tickets just yet until the government has officially given the green light, they promise that everything is set up and ready to go. Uniquely, Lick is a womxn and non-binary people-only space – it’s not a club for cisgender gay men. You can find it in the Fire & Lightbox Complex under the Vauxhall Arches, and it’s raring to go.
In the meantime, the venue is raising money for all its DJs to keep them going. A simple £1 is all they ask, much less than the normal cup of coffee before work or the commute you would normally be taking.
You can find them on Instagram.
5. ‘Lockdown Is Over’ party at Cargo
Shoreditch’s favourite club, Cargo has stormed ahead and released tickets for a night out on 21st June. Three huge dance floors, an amazing beer garden, the best DJs and your favourite party anthems – all in one night!
They have menus of drinks packages available, neatly curated bottles of bubbly, beers and Jager shots… the thought is making us just a little bit queasy. All their resident DJs will be back to celebrate the end of lockdown in style.
Where: 83 Rivington Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 3AY
Website: www.designmynight.com
6. Prince of Wales Brixton
Thanks to its rooftop space, the Prince of Wales in Brixton is opening in April with many many events. There will be dancing and the usual insanely long queues that cover half of Brixton. Socially distancing will most likely go out the window as people pump and grind to their favourite songs.
The inside club will be launching on 17 July apparently, to the fanfare of Carnival godfather, Norman Jay MBE and his Good Times Sound System. Expect funk, soul and seriously good vibes.
Where: 467- 469 Brixton Road, SW9 8HH
Website: www.pow-london.com
7. Embargo Republica
Along the King’s Road, Embargo nightclub can’t wait to be opening the doors to their notorious Wednesday night on 23 June. DJ Dom Booth will be, well, in the DJ booth, accompanied by Alex Carruthers on the sax to keep you dancing all night long.
Then on Thursday they have a Havana Rocks night, with house and disco beats. For the Opening Party, DJ Joshua Roberts will be stripping it back and delivering the heat on the decks and drums. Chelsea’s largest roof terrace is sure to be hip, hop, happening.
Where: 533b King’s Rd, Chelsea, London SW10 0TZ
Website: www.pow-london.com
8. Mahiki
Every star you can think of has been here. Riri, Beyonce, Prince Harry, Prince William, Jay Z… Mahiki Mondays have been going for more than 10 years providing a jaw-dropping start to the week. Tiki Tuesdays offer a nightclub paradise, with dinner and cocktails. Then right through to the weekend there are special offers. Including Mahiki weekends, from 6pm until 3am, where the fun and cocktails just never stop in this Hawaiian paradise.
Where: Mahiki, 1 Dover St, Mayfair, London W1S 4LD
Website: www.mahiki.co.uk
9. Tonteria
Tonteria, the exclusive tapas lounge and nightclub in Belgravia, is ready for the fun to begin. Dubbing itself the Mexican madhouse, expect house music mixed with vibrant cocktails and delicious tapas.
While they’re keeping schtum about what launch event they will be doing, we know they’ll have all guns blazing. Even their online events have us interested, so stay tuned and keep your eyes on the website.
Where: 7-12 Sloane Square, Belgravia, SW1W 8EG
Website: www.tonteria.co.uk
10. Bunga Bunga
Bunga Bunga is back with its infamous Bunga brunch. This time, bottomless takes on a whole new meaning with Bunga’s Buff Brunch. This brand new weekly brunch is showcasing the hunkiest men in minimal clothing with circus and cabaret stunts. ‘Bunga’s Buff Boys’ are here to turn the heat up on your Saturday while you enjoy 90 minutes of free-flowing pink prosecco and one hour of bottomless pizza.
There’s also the karaoke version over in Battersea. Everyone will be downing bubbles for a night they won’t be able to remember.
Where: Battersea and Convent Garden
Website: www.bungabunga.com
