Shoreditch’s industrial past started with the opening of the Regent’s Canal in 1820. It led to a boom in paint, printing, and textile manufacturing, eventually to a thriving furniture industry which supplied the world. Soon, big warehouses and factories lined the streets, only to end up empty after the Second World War.
Today, Shoreditch sees a new lease of life as a hub for high-tech companies, creating the East of London’s very own Silicon Roundabout. The transformation of large vacant buildings into offices, flats, and shopping centres draws an energetic crowd seeking a vibrant nightlife brimming with bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Here are five of the best clubs in Shoreditch.
The Best Clubs in Shoreditch
1. 93 Feet East – Brick Lane
The Brick Lane venue was part of The Old Truman Brewery, once London’s largest brewery. Since 1999 the reputation of 93 Feet East has grown among local and international bands and promoters.
93 Feet East is effectively three venues in one place, The Bar, The Hall and The Courtyard. Their versatility means they can transform from a cool bar to a nightclub and host live music and DJ sessions. The decor represents the industrial history of the building, functional and basic.
The venue hosts regular events, which they display on their website. Some notable guests have included Radiohead, Little Boots, James Blunt, Dizzee Rascal and The Libertines.
An advertised event in June 2023 is a Food Truck Brunch, a two-course meal and a bottomless Rum Punch for one hour. A party follows with the Busspepper DJ cast on the dancefloor.
Tickets start at £15.00 for the party only and £45.00 for food, bottomless rum punch and the party. A birthday offer entitles the birthday person to a free ticket if accompanied by five or more paying guests.
Another event in June is a Late Night Disco with DJ Emma and Charles Vaughan. Apply online for your free tickets.
93 Feet East operate a strict safety code and age restrictions. Proof of age is required. They also adhere to the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme.
93 Feet East is a great nightclub in Shoreditch with a fun vibe and decent music, and they hold good live gigs. There is some criticism of the drinks being on the pricier side.
Address: 150 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL
Email: [email protected]
2. Basing House – A Proper Nightclub With House, Disco & Techno
Shoreditch has many pubs and clubs. However, despite being depicted as a party hub, it is a challenge to find an old-school nightclub with a DJ, a state-of-the-art sound system, and clubbers dancing to music so loud they can hardly hear themselves think. Let’s introduce Basing House, boasting all of the above on mass.
Basing House describes itself as intimate, with a maximum capacity of 300 guests. The club mainly opens Fridays and Saturdays, with the occasional Thursday. The main room has a dancefloor, a DJ booth, and a large bar. Upstairs leads to an open-air terrace doubling up as a smoking area.
The owners let promoters organise weekend schedules, guaranteeing the most current music, primarily house and garage with some disco.
You book tickets on the website or pay at the door. General admission is £6.00, but some events are more.
Basing House has a great sound system, it is not too crowded, and I highly rate the security team for ensuring everyone’s safety.
Address: 25 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, London E2 8AA
Website: www.basinghouse.co.uk
3. Bubble Club – An All-Inclusive Venue
The Bubble Club provides all-inclusive nightlife for learning-disabled and non-disabled people. It opened in 2005 for people with disabilities who have limited access to fun nightlife and socialising.
The club uses the 93 Feet East venue for their events which take place roughly every month.
Other events include DJ Workshops where you learn DJ techniques. Unfurl is an open mic event in room two of 93 Feet East. It offers a warm and cosy place, with a fluffy carpet for the stage, and partygoers can let their hair down.
Bub Hub Creative Planning Workshops is an inclusive opportunity for all to play a part in producing future events.
Currently advertised on the website is Decks On The Beach on 7th June from 7 pm to 11 pm. Prices are £10.00 per ticket for general admission or £7.00 concession for those with low or no income, and carers are free.
The Bubble Club allows people to meet old and new friends who otherwise face loneliness and depression.
Address: 93 Feet East, 150 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL
Telephone: 07360 535120
4. Colours Hoxton – Live Music
Dance the night away at Colours Hoxton. The venue hosts a diverse selection of live bands, festivals, karaoke, and themed DJ nights.
The live room, The Colour Trap, has space for up to 300 people. It hosts up-and-coming bands from across the globe and provides a place for partygoers to dance. During the week, you could boogie to live artists playing hip-hop, raves, drag, and alternative rap, such as piano, contemporary R&B and soul jazz.
Fridays are full of DJ themes, such as Taylor Swift & Harry Styles and Karaoke music from the 90s and 00s.
Saturdays and Sundays are festival times with an eclectic mix of DJs and live bands.
Colours regularly update their ‘what’s on’ schedule.
Take a break from jigging on the dancefloor and sip cocktails in the main bar for only £5.00 between 5 – 9 pm, Wednesday to Friday. Tuck into pizzas for £5.00 every weeknight and Saturday before 7 pm.
Nightclub prices vary on the event,
- Karaoke nights start from £3.00
- DJ nights start from around £5.84, for the Taylor Swift and Harry Styles night.
- Live music starts at £10.00.
Colours have a private-hire Karaoke room, ideal for special occasions. There are several drinks packages on offer, starting with a 4-pint beer jug for £20.00, ranging up to a Pop-Star Package for £350.00, which includes:
- 30 bottled beers
- Two bottles of Prosecco
- One bottle of spirit
- One bottle of mixer
For a fun and lively top night out, Colours in Hoxton, Shoreditch, is a place to go for great entertainment and a fantastic atmosphere.
Address: 2 – 4 Hoxton Square, London, N1 6NU
Telephone: 020 7613 0709
5. Nikki’s Bar – Time to Party
Nikki’s Bar is part of the Adventure Bar Group, which has six brands, 13 sites, and a principal to-party with no rules. Check out another Adventure Group bar, Tonight Josephine, infamous for its wicked Bottomless Brunches.
Nikki’s also throws away the rule book with its House Party and Beer Pong every Friday. Choose from three packages, starting with,
A Basic Package: £70 for 60 minutes of Gameplay, ideal for four or more guests. It includes 60 minutes of play and two Bottles of Prosecco or 10 Bottles of Beer.
A Hardcore Package is at the top of the price range for,
- £200 for 90 minutes of Gameplay, suggested for 10+ guests.
- It comes with five bottles of prosecco or 25 bottles of beer and 15 skittle shots.
If you want to go all out for 60 minutes of gameplay, the Pong Bottomless might suit you for £35 per person. You receive a welcome cocktail, choose from a Porn Star Martini or Espresso Martini, then enjoy Bottomless Prosecco for one hour.
Address: 39A Hoxton Square, London, N1 6NL
Telephone: 020 8191 8835
6. Ballie Ballerson – Ball Pit Fun
Ballie Ballerson features in our Brunch & Breakfast in Shoreditch as a place to go for a Bottomless Brunch and a blast with balls. However, if you want a quirky night out, Ballies has much to offer.
The club kicks off with BOGOF Tuesdays, with deals on pizzas, prosecco, and cocktails. Closing time is midnight on Tuesdays.
The week closes with FK Monday and a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and old-time favourites. There are BOGOF pizzas to devour until closing time at 12.30 am.
Ballie Ballerson certainly shines as a fun and amazing highlight among East London’s vibrant nightlife scene.
Address: 97 – 113 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3BS
Night Clubs in Shoreditch 101: Vibes, Dress Codes, Costs, Timing, and Safety
What’s the Atmosphere Like?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Shoreditch is a mix of the trendy and the traditional. Whether you’re after a techno rave in a converted warehouse, a laid-back night in a chic cocktail bar, or a raucous party in a basement venue, this eclectic area has got you covered.
Any Dress Codes to Keep in Mind?
Most venues here don’t have a strict dress code, but it’s always a good idea to go for smart-casual. Think chic, but comfortable. And remember, some upscale spots may require you to step up your fashion game.
What Does a Night Out Cost?
The price range varies widely. Some places offer free entry, while others may charge anywhere from £5 to £20, especially on weekends. Drinks prices can also fluctuate. It’s always a good idea to check ahead.
When’s the Best Time to Go?
The nightlife here is vivacious every night of the week, but it hits its peak on weekends. Arrive early to beat the queues and secure a good spot.
Is It Safe?
Yes, generally speaking, the venues in this area are safe. But as in any busy nightlife area, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings, keep an eye on your belongings, and know your limits.