In London, where the pulse of the city doesn’t slow down after sunset, finding a spot that truly lets you lose yourself in the music is rare. But XOYO, tucked under the arches of Old Street in East London, isn’t just another club-it’s where the city’s most electric nights come alive. If you’ve ever wandered through Shoreditch after midnight, dodging kebab vans and street artists, and wondered where the real energy is, you’ve already walked past it. XOYO doesn’t shout. It doesn’t need to. It just plays the right tracks at the right time, and London shows up.
What Makes XOYO Different in a City Full of Clubs?
London has over 300 licensed venues that open after dark. But most of them chase trends-themed nights, celebrity DJs, overpriced cocktails with glitter. XOYO does something quieter, and far more powerful: it lets the music lead. The sound system here isn’t just loud-it’s engineered. It’s the same setup used by BBC Radio 1 for live sessions, and it’s why artists like Arlo Parks, FKA twigs, and Fred Again... have played surprise sets here before hitting bigger stages. You won’t find a VIP section with velvet ropes and bottle service. Instead, you’ll find a crowd of students from UCL, graphic designers from Dalston, and old-school ravers from Brixton all dancing shoulder-to-shoulder, no pretense, no pose.
The lighting? Low, moody, synced to the beat. The walls? Covered in graffiti from local artists who’ve been given free rein every few months. The bar? Serves proper Pilsner Urquell, not the same three vodka brands you see in every West End club. And yes, they still do £5 gin and tonics on Tuesdays-something you won’t find anywhere else in the city after 10 PM.
When to Go and What to Expect
Don’t show up on a Friday expecting a rave. XOYO isn’t that kind of place. Fridays are for indie bands and underground DJs spinning vinyl-only sets-think post-punk revivalists and lo-fi techno from Berlin. Saturdays are when the bass drops harder, and the crowd thins out just enough to move freely. But the real secret? Wednesday nights. That’s when the club opens its doors to experimental electronic acts, live looping artists, and sometimes even free jazz improvisations. It’s the night locals whisper about. You’ll see people who’ve been coming since 2012, still showing up in the same worn-out Converse, sipping cheap cider like it’s champagne.
Arrive after 11 PM. The line outside is usually short, unless there’s a big name on the bill-then it might stretch halfway to the Old Street roundabout. But even then, the bouncers don’t play gatekeeper. They don’t care if you’re wearing a suit or ripped jeans. They care if you’re there to dance, not to be seen. If you’re coming from Camden or Peckham, take the Night Tube on the Northern Line. It runs Friday and Saturday nights, and you’ll be off at Old Street Station in under 20 minutes from King’s Cross.
The Vibe: No Dress Code, Just Energy
Forget what you’ve heard about London clubs demanding designer labels. XOYO’s dress code is simple: wear what makes you feel like you can move. Last month, I saw a man in a £600 tailored coat dancing next to a woman in a £5 charity shop hoodie and neon leg warmers. Both were screaming along to a remix of a 1998 UK garage track. That’s the magic here. There’s no hierarchy. No influencers taking selfies by the entrance. No one checking your ID twice because you look ‘too young’. The only thing they ask? No spray foam. No glitter. No bottles. Just good music and good vibes.
And if you’re new to the scene, don’t worry about knowing the artists. The DJs don’t play what’s trending on Spotify-they play what’s been bubbling under for months. You might hear a track from a Sheffield producer you’ve never heard of, or a remix of a forgotten 2003 UK garage anthem. That’s the point. XOYO isn’t about recognition. It’s about discovery.
How to Make the Most of Your Night
Here’s how to turn a night at XOYO into something unforgettable:
- Check the lineup ahead of time-they post it every Tuesday on Instagram and their website. No ticket needed for most nights, but if it’s a big name, they go fast. Set a reminder.
- Grab a bite before you go-the best kebab in East London is at Shoreditch Kebab House, just 200 meters down the road. Don’t skip it. You’ll thank yourself at 2 AM.
- Bring cash-the bar doesn’t take cards after midnight. £10 gets you two drinks and a few extra minutes on the dancefloor.
- Don’t check your phone-the music is loud, the lights are low, and the crowd is real. Put it away. You’ll remember the night more if you’re not scrolling through it.
- Stay till the end-the last hour is always the best. That’s when the DJ drops the track no one saw coming, and the whole room just stops, breathes, then explodes.
Why XOYO Feels Like Home to Londoners
London changes fast. Cafes turn into co-working spaces. Vintage shops become NFT galleries. But XOYO has stayed the same since 2011. It’s one of the last places in the city where the music still comes before the marketing. You won’t find a branded cocktail named after some influencer. No neon signs flashing ‘#XOYOVIBES’. Just a basement, a sound system, and a crowd that shows up because they know something special happens here.
It’s the place where a student from Nigeria meets a retired jazz musician from Hackney and ends up dancing to a house track that samples a 1970s Nigerian funk record. It’s where someone from Manchester comes to London for the weekend and leaves with a new favorite band they’ll stream for months. It’s where the city’s underground heartbeat is still alive-and still beating loud enough to drown out the noise.
What’s Next for XOYO in 2025
This year, XOYO launched a free weekly radio show on Resonance FM, streaming live from the club every Thursday night. They’ve also started a local artist residency program, giving emerging London producers studio time and a slot to play live. You can now find their curated playlists on Bandcamp, featuring tracks from 17 different East London labels. It’s not just a club anymore-it’s a hub. A cultural anchor.
And if you’re wondering whether it’s worth the trip from Canary Wharf or South London? Yes. The Night Tube runs. The walk from the station is safe. The vibe is unmatched. And if you’ve ever felt like London’s nightlife had lost its soul, XOYO is where you’ll find it again.
Is XOYO open every night?
No. XOYO is open Wednesday through Saturday, with occasional Sunday events. Most nights are ticketed only if there’s a headline act. Check their Instagram or website for the weekly lineup. Weekdays are usually free entry after 11 PM.
Can I get a table or bottle service at XOYO?
No. XOYO doesn’t offer table service, VIP areas, or bottle service. It’s designed as a standing-only dance floor experience. The focus is on the music and the crowd, not exclusivity. If you’re looking for luxury clubbing, try Fabric or Printworks-but you won’t find the same raw energy.
Is XOYO safe for solo visitors?
Yes. The crowd is diverse and generally respectful. Security is visible but unobtrusive. Many locals come alone-especially on Wednesday nights. The club has a strong anti-harassment policy and staff are trained to intervene quickly. If you feel uncomfortable, tell any staff member-they’ll get you help.
What’s the best way to get to XOYO from central London?
Take the Northern Line Night Tube to Old Street Station. It’s a 3-minute walk. If you’re coming from the West End or South London, the Night Overground (from Elephant & Castle) also stops at Old Street. Avoid Ubers after 2 AM-traffic is chaotic and prices spike. Walking from Shoreditch or Hoxton is also a great option.
Do I need to dress up to get in?
No. There’s no dress code. Wear what you’re comfortable dancing in. Sneakers, jeans, dresses, hoodies-it all works. The only things they won’t let you bring are spray foam, glitter, or glass bottles. Otherwise, you’re good.
Final Thought: London’s Best-Kept Secret
XOYO isn’t on every tourist’s list. It’s not in the guidebooks next to the London Eye or the Tate Modern. But if you want to feel what London’s music scene really sounds like-raw, real, and unfiltered-this is where you go. It’s not about being seen. It’s about being felt. And in a city that’s always rushing, that’s worth showing up for.