When you’re chasing something real in London’s nightlife-something that doesn’t feel like a themed bar with overpriced cocktails and a DJ playing Top 40 remixes-you head to XOYO nightclub. Tucked away on Old Street, just a five-minute walk from the buzzing chaos of Shoreditch and the polished glass towers of the City, XOYO isn’t just another club. It’s where London’s underground finds its voice.
Where London’s Music Scene Lives Beyond the Postcards
Most tourists think of London nightlife as Abbey Road, O2 Arena, or a pub crawl through Camden. But the city’s heartbeat? That’s in the basement venues, the converted warehouses, the places where the sound doesn’t come from a playlist but from a band sweating through their third song of the night. XOYO opened in 2007 as a small live music space and never stopped growing into what it is today: a sanctuary for indie rock, post-punk, electronic experimentation, and emerging hip-hop artists you won’t hear on BBC Radio 1. You won’t find glitter or bottle service here. No velvet ropes separating the ‘cool kids’ from the rest. Instead, you get concrete floors, exposed brick, and a sound system so crisp you can hear the snare crack in the back row. Bands like Wet Leg, Yard Act, and Fontaines D.C. played early sets here before they blew up. Local acts from Peckham, Brixton, and Hackney still treat XOYO like their home stage.What Makes XOYO Different From Other London Clubs
Compare XOYO to places like Fabric or Printworks, and you’ll notice something: XOYO doesn’t try to be a mega-club. It doesn’t need 2,000 people to feel alive. A crowd of 300 on a Tuesday night? That’s normal. That’s the point. It’s intimate. You can talk to the person next to you without shouting. You can actually see the musicians. You can walk up to the bar and order a pint of Camden Hells without waiting ten minutes. The drinks? Fair prices. A pint of London Pride or a can of BrewDog Punk IPA costs under £6. No £12 gin and tonics here. The crowd? Mix of students from UCL, artists from the East End, old-school punks who remember the 90s, and expats who’ve lived here long enough to know where the real music is. You’ll see people in vintage band tees, Doc Martens, and wool coats pulled tight against the London chill. The lighting? Low. The air? Smells like old vinyl, sweat, and the faintest hint of cigarette smoke from the alley outside (yes, people still sneak out for a drag). The vibe? Unpolished. Unfiltered. Authentic.When to Go and How to Get There
XOYO doesn’t open until 8 PM, and the real energy doesn’t kick in until 10:30. Weeknights are quieter but better for catching new acts. Fridays and Saturdays draw bigger crowds-sometimes you’ll need to queue outside, especially if a headline act like Savages or IDLES is playing. The line moves fast. No VIP list nonsense. Just show up, pay £10-£15 at the door, and go in. Getting there? Take the Overground to Old Street station. It’s a straight shot from Moorgate or Liverpool Street. If you’re coming from South London, the 55 bus drops you right outside. Don’t rely on Uber-traffic around Shoreditch gets brutal after 10 PM. Walk. Take the tube. You’ll thank yourself later.
What to Expect Inside
There are two rooms. The main room is where the bands play. It’s long, narrow, and packed. The back wall is covered in graffiti from past gigs-names like The Last Dinner Party, Wet Leg, and Squid scribbled in marker. The second room, called The Basement, is where DJs spin techno, dub, or rare disco cuts from vinyl. It’s smaller, darker, and often overlooked. But if you’re into deep cuts and underground selectors, this is where you’ll find them. The staff? They’re not there to sell you a bottle. They’re there because they love music. Ask the barkeep what’s on tonight, and they’ll give you a real recommendation-not just what’s trending on Spotify. They’ll tell you about the local band playing at 11 PM that no one’s heard of yet. And nine times out of ten, you’ll leave saying, “I can’t believe I just saw that.”Why XOYO Matters to London’s Soul
London has lost a lot of its raw music spaces. The Windmill in Brixton survived thanks to community support. The Fridge in Balsall Heath shut down. But XOYO? It’s still here. Not because it’s flashy. Not because it’s owned by a corporation. But because it’s run by people who believe music should be heard, not packaged. It’s the kind of place where a 19-year-old from Croydon can open for a band from Glasgow, and the crowd will cheer just as loud as if it were a headliner. It’s where a producer from Peckham might meet a drummer from Lewisham after a show and start a new project. It’s where the music isn’t made for algorithms-it’s made for people. You won’t find XOYO on Instagram ads. You won’t see influencers posing in front of the entrance. But if you’ve ever stood in a crowd, feeling the bass shake your ribs, and thought, “This is why I live in London”-that’s XOYO.
What’s Playing Next? How to Stay in the Loop
XOYO doesn’t post events far in advance. Their website updates sporadically. The best way to know what’s happening? Follow them on Instagram: @xoyolondon. They post last-minute lineups, surprise guest appearances, and even open mic nights. Sign up for their email list too-they send out a weekly digest with no fluff, just dates, times, and band names. If you’re new to London, check out the gigs listed on Londonist or Time Out London. Both regularly feature XOYO shows. Don’t wait for a big name to play. Some of the best nights are the ones you didn’t plan for.Final Thought: This Is London, Not a Theme Park
London’s nightlife isn’t just about clubs with neon signs and bottle service. It’s about the places that keep the city alive between the tourist traps and the corporate chains. XOYO isn’t trying to be the biggest. It’s trying to be the best-for the music, for the people, for the nights that stick with you. If you’ve ever felt like London was losing its edge, go to XOYO. Walk in without expectations. Let the music surprise you. You might just remember why you fell in love with this city in the first place.Is XOYO nightclub open every night?
No, XOYO isn’t open every night. It typically operates Wednesday through Sunday, with most shows starting at 8 PM or later. Weekdays often feature local bands or DJ sets, while weekends attract bigger names. Always check their Instagram or website before heading out-last-minute changes are common.
Do I need to book tickets in advance for XOYO?
For most shows, you can just walk in and pay at the door-usually between £10 and £15. But if a big-name act is playing, tickets might sell out ahead of time. If you see a show listed on Eventbrite or Ticketmaster, buy online. Otherwise, showing up early on the night is usually enough.
Is XOYO suitable for someone who doesn’t like loud music?
Not really. XOYO is built for live music and high-energy DJ sets. The sound levels are intentionally powerful-especially in the main room. If you’re sensitive to noise, stick to the quieter Basement room on nights when it’s hosting ambient or downtempo sets. Earplugs are recommended and sometimes available at the bar.
Can I bring a group to XOYO?
Yes, but don’t expect a private table or reserved space. XOYO doesn’t do group bookings or bottle service. It’s a standing venue, so you’ll all be in the crowd together. If you’re coming with more than four people, arrive early to stay close. The space fills up fast, especially on weekends.
Is there a dress code at XOYO?
No dress code. You’ll see everything from ripped jeans and hoodies to vintage coats and designer sneakers. The only rule? Leave the suits and clubwear at home. This isn’t a fancy lounge-it’s a music space. Dress for comfort, not for looks.
Are there food options at XOYO?
There’s no kitchen, but there’s usually a food van outside during events-think kebabs, vegan tacos, or loaded fries. Many people grab something from the nearby shops on Old Street before heading in. The closest 24-hour spot is the Turkish takeaway on the corner of Shoreditch High Street.
Is XOYO safe for solo visitors?
Yes. XOYO has a strong reputation for being one of the safest venues in London. Security is visible but not aggressive. Staff are trained to intervene if needed, and the crowd tends to be respectful. Many locals, including women and LGBTQ+ attendees, come alone. It’s a community space first, a club second.
