If you’ve ever tried to pin down what makes London’s nightlife tick, XOYO in Shoreditch is a big part of the answer. This place draws crowds from all over the city for one reason—you never know what’s going to happen, but it’s always a blast. You’ll spot students, young professionals, die-hard house heads, and even a few lost tourists all mixing on the same sweaty dance floor.
XOYO isn’t your run-of-the-mill club. It sits right between Old Street and the heart of Shoreditch, literally five minutes’ walk from the tube. You can roll up late, but be warned—queues sometimes snake around the block, especially on a Friday or when there’s a big DJ in the booth. If you’re serious about getting in, pre-book your tickets online. XOYO tickets usually appear on RA (Resident Advisor) or directly on their site, and buying ahead will save you the stress of being stuck in the cold.
- Shoreditch Energy: XOYO’s London Vibe
- What Sets XOYO Apart
- Tips for a Smooth Night Out
- Lineups, Tickets, and Local Food Spots
- Late-Night Legends: XOYO Stories and Highlights
Shoreditch Energy: XOYO’s London Vibe
Step outside Old Street Station and you’ll catch the buzz right away—Shoreditch is loud, busy, and packed with people who actually want to be out all night. XOYO fits here perfectly. It’s slap-bang in the middle of Shoreditch’s best late-night action, wedged between quirky bars, pop-up food joints, and vintage shops that spill energy into the streets.
The second you get close to XOYO, you’ll notice the difference from the typical West End clubs. The crowd leans younger, dress codes are easy-going, and you’re more likely to see someone in kicks than high heels. There’s always a line-up of Ubers and Deliveroo bikes outside—no surprise since places like Dishoom, Pizza East, and the iconic Brick Lane bagel shops are five minutes away. People pre-drink at The Old Blue Last or head for some rooftop cocktails at Queen of Hoxton before hitting the club.
Inside, XOYO’s set-up is built for dancing. The sound system is seriously loud, and you’ll feel those basslines even in the bathrooms. Dancefloors are dark and sweaty, just how they should be, and the staff keep things moving without attitude. The crowd is mixed—think Londoners from Hackney, marketing folks from Shoreditch tech start-ups, students from UCL, and DJs testing their newest tracks live. This isn’t the place for bottle service and velvet ropes. The action is on the dancefloor, with people coming for the music rather than to show off.
If you’re looking for London nightlife that’s more about music and community than expensive cocktails or waiting for a celebrity to show up, XOYO is the spot. You’ll get a proper east London vibe—friendly, unpretentious, but always with a bit of an edge. Whether you’re up for a mid-week gig or hunting for an afters spot that actually feels alive, XOYO is the kind of club locals bring their mates to. It sums up why Shoreditch is still the city’s after-dark hotspot.
What Sets XOYO Apart
One thing you notice fast about XOYO is its music policy. They don’t just chase big names—they back proper underground talent and book DJs who actually know how to work a London crowd. The club is famous for its long-running Saturday resident DJ series. Every year a major name—think Ben UFO, Heidi, or Artwork—takes over Saturdays for months on end. This pulls in a loyal crowd who really cares about music, not just the party selfie.
XOYO gets the sound right too. The basement is fitted with a punchy Funktion-One sound system, which means the beats hit you right in the chest, but you come out with your ears still working. If you’re into live DJ sets, this place is a safe bet that the audio won’t be too tinny or painful like some other London venues.
Location is massive. Tucked between Shoreditch and Old Street, you can pre-drink at Old Street Records or have a late burrito from DF Tacos on Commercial Street before dipping into the night. Loads of buses run all night, and the Northern line station is basically around the corner, so getting home is rarely a headache, even at 4am.
Unlike some clubs that hike up prices and pounce with hidden fees, XOYO tickets are clear and the club sticks to their word about last entry times. You won’t find their prices suddenly jumping or security hassling people for fun. Drinks are what you’d expect in London nightlife: not cheap, but not ridiculous compared to central spots like Soho.
Finally, XOYO’s crowd. You’ll rarely run into bad attitudes, endless VIP ropes, or people only there for Instagram. Good music, decent vibes, and a crowd that’s up for a proper night—this combo sets XOYO apart from other London clubs.
Tips for a Smooth Night Out
No one likes showing up at XOYO only to realise you’ve missed a trick, so here’s what regulars wish they’d known their first time. Getting these basics right means more time on the dance floor and less head-scratching at the door.
- Book early and print if possible: XOYO events can sell out fast, especially for their Friday nights and special label takeovers. Print your ticket if you can, or make sure your phone is fully charged with the barcode ready. Door staff are all business when it comes to entry.
- Dress code is chill—but no sportswear: London clubs are pretty relaxed, but steer clear of tracksuits, football shirts, or flip-flops. Think trainers, jeans, and casual tops. You’ll fit right in with Shoreditch’s easygoing style.
- Get there before midnight: The later it gets, the longer the queue. Doors open at 10pm—aim for before 11:30 if you hate standing around. First timers always underestimate how busy it gets on weekends.
- Bring ID, even if you look ancient: XOYO checks ID for everyone. A valid passport or driving licence works best. No exceptions, even if you’re clearly over 40.
- Use the cloakroom: It’s cheap and reliable (last checked at £2 per item). Don’t leave your stuff in piles—it won’t be there when you come back.
Once you’re inside, bars take card and contactless—cash is basically ignored now. The main dancefloor is downstairs, so pace yourself on the stairs, especially later in the night. You’ll spot security everywhere, but it’s for everyone’s safety, not to kill the mood.
If you’re linking up with mates, set a meeting point in advance—mobile signal is patchy once you head underground. Keep earplugs in your pocket if you’re catching a late set (the sound system packs a real punch).
"XOYO remains one of the best London clubs for a spontaneous night out, but a bit of planning goes a long way," says Time Out London’s nightlife writer Chloe Street.
Last thing—TFL Night Tube runs on weekends, so don’t stress about cabs unless you’re heading somewhere miles away. Old Street station nearby has direct links home almost any time of night.
Lineups, Tickets, and Local Food Spots
The first thing everyone wants to know about London nightlife at XOYO is who’s playing. XOYO’s calendar is stacked with everything from house music veterans and breakthrough techno acts, to throwback hip hop nights and wild disco parties. Big names like Annie Mac, Skream, and Flava D have all played here. They also run epic residencies—think multiple weeks of the same DJ curating their own vibe. Thursdays are usually reserved for themed club nights, while weekends lean into heavy-hitters and all-nighters.
Getting tickets is easy but you need to be quick for popular nights. Most tickets go live weeks in advance on platforms like Resident Advisor and Skiddle. Door prices jump if you wait until the last minute, especially for events over bank holiday weekends or when international DJs hit town. As of spring 2025, expect to pay £10-£20 for early birds, but if you rock up late, you might pay £25 or end up watching the party from outside. XOYO sometimes holds a few tickets back for last-minute sales, but don’t count on it for big nights.
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect for ticket prices and timing:
| Event Type | Advance Ticket Price | Door Price | Typical Entry Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday Club Night | £8-£12 | £15-£18 | 9PM - 12AM |
| Weekend Main Event | £14-£20 | £22-£28 | 10PM - 1AM |
| Bank Holiday Special | £18-£24 | £30+ | 10PM - 12AM |
Prepping for a long night? Shoreditch is a food lover’s playground. Before you hit the club, check out nearby street eats at Dinerama or scoff down bao buns at Bao Borough just two tube stops away. If you need something quick, the Bagel Shop on Brick Lane churns out salt beef bagels 24/7 and is only a 10-minute walk. For something more chill, Honest Burgers on Old Street never disappoints, and their rosemary chips are always a winner for soaking up pre-drink pints. Late-night? Pizza Union is around the corner and stays open until 1AM on weekends.
- Always bring ID—XOYO is strict, no matter how old you look.
- Download your ticket in advance; signal isn’t great inside.
- Check XOYO’s Instagram for last-minute set-time updates.
- Start your Shoreditch crawl with street food and walk to XOYO for the full experience.
For locals and newbies alike, planning is key. Bag your tickets early, refuel nearby, and get to the doors before midnight if you hate queuing. The more you know, the smoother your night will be.
Late-Night Legends: XOYO Stories and Highlights
Ask any true clubber about their wildest nights in London and XOYO usually pops up. This venue has racked up a stack of stories since it opened its doors in 2010, and it’s become a rite of passage for anyone who’s serious about London nightlife. People still talk about the legendary sets from Ben UFO and Andy C’s marathon drum-and-bass takeover, where ticket queues spilled onto Cowper Street and bouncers had their work cut out.
XOYO made headlines in 2014 when they kicked off their resident DJ series, bringing acts like Eats Everything and Bicep to headline every Friday for three months straight. That idea caught on—it’s now a classic feature at XOYO, and every season reveals a new big-name booking. These Friday residency nights are where most of the wildest club stories are born. Once, The Blessed Madonna dropped a surprise all-vinyl set and turned the place upside down. You never know what’s coming, but you’re often telling the story weeks later.
A big thing that sets XOYO apart is its “No Phones on the Dancefloor” policy during some late sets. The staff will nudge you if you’re glued to your screen, the idea being that everyone’s properly present. Some call it old-school, but it makes for a better buzz and more genuine dance moments. If you’re shy about dancing, this is the kind of crowd where nobody cares—vibes are open, always welcoming.
The club’s sound system is serious, with Funktion-One stacks that’ll let you feel the bass in your bones. It makes a difference, especially when there’s a big name in the booth—think Annie Mac, Honey Dijon, or Four Tet, all of whom have played here at least once.
People often forget about XOYO’s upstairs room. If the main room gets packed or too intense, head upstairs for a more laid-back vibe, sometimes with smaller acts or guest selectors bringing totally different genres. It’s a hidden trick for regulars—escape the crush, grab a pint, and check out a new sound without leaving the club.
For anyone chasing epic party stories, look out for the “Glitterbox” nights. They mix disco, house, and proper party classics, bringing in a mix of drag shows, confetti blasts, and dancers. Tickets sell fast for these themed events, and they draw a super-diverse crowd that makes everyone feel welcome.
XOYO has stuck around for a reason. It’s not just about headliners or hype—it’s the no-fuss, everyone’s-in vibe that ends up making your night legendary. If you’re after a spot in London where the energy barely dips and surprises are pretty much guaranteed, put XOYO on your hit list.
