The Beginner's Guide to Clubbing in London: London Club Do’s and Don’ts for First-Timers

Your first time in London, and you’re trying to get a better idea of how the London club scene works? We’ve got you. This is your basic guide to clubbing in London. Most of the tips here are common sense, but you’d be surprised if you knew how much they actually impact your night. Without further ado, let’s get started with our list of London club do's and don'ts.

Do: Get a Booking in Advance

If you’re trying to get into the high-end exclusive clubs in Mayfair and Soho, you’ll need a booking in advance. Maybe you like your night to have a more flexible feel to it, but the best spots in the city have a limited capacity, and the demand is high. So, if you don’t want to risk it, it’s crucial to book in advance. The last thing you want is to know that 50 Cent just entered the club and you’re stuck in the queue outside without a booking.

As for the booking options, there are two:

The London club guestlist is usually reserved for ladies only.

Gentlemen and mixed groups can get a London nightclub table booking.

Don’t: Arrive Late

When you reach out for a booking, we’ll let you know the best recommended arrival time. All you have to do is arrive on time. If you absolutely can’t or if you’d like to arrive later, you can tell us, and we’ll let you know what can be done. When we give you an arrival time, it’s because we know when it will be too late to get in and when the club will reach full capacity. The more you keep us updated on your arrival time, the more we can do for you if you happen to be a bit late.

Do: Follow the Promoter’s Instructions

After we confirm your booking, we’ll provide you with some instructions. These usually include clubbing basics, like bringing physical IDs, dress code policy, arrival time, and so on. These instructions are based on each nightclub’s entry policy, so it’s important to follow these instructions if you want to have the smoothest possible night out. If you can’t follow these instructions for some reason, let’s say you don’t have a physical ID, let us know in advance so we’re able to help you come up with a solution.

Don’t: Put Minimum Effort

All high-end exclusive clubs in Central London usually have a smart and elegant dress code. Now, to be honest, in most places you can get in if you’re wearing boots with heels, dark denim trousers, and a chic top. As long as the outfit is elegant, you’ll technically be fine. We don’t recommend putting in the minimum effort, though. If you actually want to have the best experience, putting in effort to look good is crucial. First of all, people are more open to people who look good. A good look can get you into VIP sections, on artist tables, private after parties, and so on.

Do: Treat Yourself

You’re at a high-end club in London, don’t forget you’re supposed to be having fun. If you’ve booked a table, get yourself a bottle show. If you’re on the guestlist, grab a drink from the promoter table and mingle. Whatever little thing that’s not working out exactly how you want it to be doesn’t matter. You can’t imagine how many people have ruined unforgettable nights for themselves and missed out on unforgettable opportunities because they weren’t invited to some artist’s table. Sure, it can be disappointing sometimes, but you’re there to have fun. Treat yourself. Make the most of your time. Create your night, don’t just let it dictate your mood. 

Don’t: Arrive Drunk

Last but not least, pre-drinking may be cool in most places, but arriving tipsy or drunk is a no-no when it comes to London nightclub etiquette. That’s not to say you can’t have a drink or two before you show up. As long as you can walk straight and are relatively sober, you’ll be fine. If you show up slurring words and struggling to stand, you probably won’t get in.

Now you’ve got your London nightclub etiquette basics. All you have to do is stick by them and you’ll be golden. If you’re unsure about anything, it’s better to know than get surprised at the door. At the end of the day, we’re here to help you have the best time out, so don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have any. For London guestlist reservations or London club table bookings, let us know.