If you're out for a big night in London, XOYO in Shoreditch seriously pulls its weight. Tucked just off Old Street roundabout, XOYO is a staple in London’s clubbing scene. Weekends see people queuing down Cowper Street, no matter the weather. The club is an easy walk from Old Street tube—night tubes make heading home after 2 a.m. much easier for Londoners. If you’re smart, book your ticket ahead on XOYO’s website or apps like Resident Advisor. Door prices can sting, and big headliners mean early sell-outs.
Xoyo is all about DJ-driven nights. Expect proper sound—none of that muddy bass nonsense—and a crowd that loves to dance. On Fridays, the “Pleasurehood” nights draw a mix of locals, expats, and regular clubbers. If you're after a certain genre, check XOYO’s lineup before you go. They rotate everything from deep house to drum & bass, with special guests like Eats Everything or big UK talents dropping in unexpectedly.
- Getting There and Getting In
- The XOYO Experience: Sound and Atmosphere
- Drink, Dress, and Dance Tips
- Local Hacks and Extras
Getting There and Getting In
XOYO sits at 32-37 Cowper Street, a stone’s throw from Old Street Station on the Northern Line. If you’re coming from somewhere else in London, the Tube is your best bet. Old Street has those handy night services on weekends, which means you can roll straight into Shoreditch and not worry too much about finding a cab home. For buses, check out the 55 or 243—they both stop nearby and run through the night as well.
For drivers, parking around XOYO is tricky. Shoreditch has a lot of residents-only zones and most car parks fill up on Fridays and Saturdays. You’re better off leaving the car at home and sticking with public transport or ride-hailing apps if you don’t want to stump up for ULEZ or congestion charges. Uber, Bolt, and London's iconic black cabs can all drop you across the road from the entrance.
Getting inside XOYO starts before you hit the bouncers. Here’s how you can make it smooth:
- Buy your tickets in advance. XOYO events can and do sell out, especially if there’s a famous DJ. Sites like Resident Advisor or XOYO’s own site make it simple. Mobile tickets are fine—just don’t let your phone die in the queue.
- Packing light helps. Big bags aren’t allowed, and there’s a well-run but busy cloakroom. Keep it simple—phone, wallet, keys.
- ID is non-negotiable. The bouncers check everyone (they've turned away people for showing up with a photo copy instead of the real thing). You’ll need a valid passport or UK driver’s licence—no student cards, no arguing.
- If you turn up after midnight, expect to queue for a bit, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Early doors (before 10:30 p.m.) get you in fast and sometimes cheaper, too.
XOYO has a strict dress code, but it’s straightforward: trainers are fine, sportswear isn’t. This isn’t Mayfair, but you won’t get far if you show up in trackies. The crowd is a mix—think sharp streetwear, jeans, and decent shoes, but nothing too posh.
If you want that VIP vibe or hate lines, XOYO does table bookings. These get you your own space, faster entry, and sometimes bottles at your table. For big nights or birthdays, it’s not a bad idea—just sort it weeks ahead, as the area isn’t huge.
| Getting In Tips | Details |
|---|---|
| First entry | Check listings—some nights open at 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. |
| Age restriction | Strictly 18+. Bring valid ID. |
| Peak arrival | Midnight to 1 a.m. is busiest |
| Bag policy | Small bags only. Use cloakroom (£3-£5 typical fee) |
So, sort your ticket and travel, keep your ID handy, and don’t overthink the outfit. You’ll sail through the door and straight into the action at one of the best London clubs in Shoreditch.
The XOYO Experience: Sound and Atmosphere
Ask anyone who’s been out to XOYO London and you’ll hear one thing: the club lives and dies by its sound. This isn’t your uncle’s pub with a crackling speaker in the corner—XOYO’s Funktion-One sound system is one of the reasons the place fills up fast. The bass is crisp and deep, but you can still catch a conversation upstairs without yelling.
The layout keeps the vibe raw and straightforward. Downstairs is the main event: a dark, no-frills basement with a wide dance floor, boxed in by brick and neon. You’ll find the DJ booth right at eye level, which makes the sets feel a lot more personal than in those massive West End clubs. There’s room to actually dance, not just stand around clutching drinks. Upstairs, the mood’s lighter; people chat by the bar, and there’s a bit more room to move if the basement packs out. A lot of folks use it as their chill-out spot before diving back into the thick of it.
Lighting at XOYO is practical—think strobes and low-key lasers that flip the mood from set to set. They skip the over-the-top theatrics; you’re here for beats, not pyrotechnics. If you like your photos for Instagram, heads up: lighting is club-dim, not selfie-friendly.
Crowd-wise, expect all sorts. Londoners, students from UCL and Queen Mary, a hardcore regular scene, and plenty of out-of-towners who’ve circled a night at XOYO nightclub on their London bucket list. The Thursday "Glitterbox" nights get a glitzier energy, while Friday and Saturday usually bring in more serious dance fans looking for house, techno, or even the odd live PA set. It’s not fancy, not pretentious—you’re there to move, not to pose.
To give you a feel for the typical night, here's a quick look at the running order from a recent weekend:
| Time | Room | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00pm | Upstairs | Warm-up DJ, casual crowd |
| 11:00pm | Basement | Headliner (e.g. Bonobo DJ set) |
| 1:00am | Basement | Guest DJ, full floor |
| 3:00am+ | Basement/Upstairs | After-hours, crowd thins, chill vibes |
If you want an authentic London nightlife experience with a serious focus on music, sound, and energy, XOYO nails it night after night.
Drink, Dress, and Dance Tips
Getting your night right at XOYO London is all about knowing what works for the club’s vibe. Drinks aren’t cheap—expect to pay London club prices. A single house spirit and mixer is usually around £7, and bottled beers won’t leave you change from a fiver. Contactless payment is the norm, so don’t bother with cash. If you’re aiming to save, pre-drink in Shoreditch at pubs like The Old Blue Last or Black Sheep before heading in.
Dressing for XOYO is about striking that effortless "I’m here to party, not pose" look. There’s no tux or cocktail dress requirement; sensible trainers, jeans, and a clean tee work perfectly for most nights. Leave football shirts and large bags at home—they’ll block your entry. Bouncers are focused on keeping it safe and smooth. Cloakroom is mandatory for bigger backpacks and coats, and costs about £3 per item.
The club is sweaty on a rammed night, so wear layers you can peel off. Girls tend to mix up vintage looks with crop tops and boots, while guys usually go casual but sharp. If you're coming on a Friday for a ticketed event, aim to get in before midnight to avoid the roughest of the queues and higher door charges.
XOYO’s dancefloor is a highlight, especially downstairs where the sound system really kicks. Find a spot early if you love to dance, especially if it’s a sold-out night. Don’t stress about looking out of place—London clubbers come for the beats, not for judging. If you’re flagging, there’s a chillout area upstairs to reset. For groups, stick together on the move—phone signal is patchy inside, so sort your meeting points before heading into the crowd.
| Drink | Average Price (£) |
|---|---|
| Single spirit + mixer | 7 |
| Pint of beer | 5.5 |
| Bottle of water | 2.5 |
Stay hydrated, especially if you're planning to dance for hours—tap water is free at the bar if you ask. And if you need a break, grab fresh air in the smoking area outside (just ask staff how to get there). Security are firm but fair, so keep your ID handy (must be 18+) and avoid bringing in outside drinks or anything silly. That’s the way to make your London nightlife at XOYO go off without a hitch.
Local Hacks and Extras
If you want to get the most out of XOYO London, you need more than just a ticket. There are a few insider tricks locals swear by. First, coat check queues can be brutal after 2 a.m.—drop your stuff off early and get a tag straight away. If you forget, you’ll be stuck in line for ages at closing time while your night bus pulls off without you.
Drinks at XOYO aren’t cheap (it's London, after all), but they’re not the priciest in Shoreditch either. Here’s a quick breakdown of typical bar prices as of spring 2025:
| Drink | Price (£) |
|---|---|
| Single Spirit + Mixer | 7.50 |
| Pint of Beer | 6.00 |
| Bottle of Water | 3.00 |
| House Cocktail | 10.00 |
If you’re planning a big night, pre-drink at one of the nearby Shoreditch pubs. Both The Old Blue Last and The Workshop are about five minutes away and have a decent vibe before XOYO opens its doors. For food, Brick Lane’s bagel shops run 24/7. Grab something to soak up the booze before heading home (don’t expect gourmet hot dogs or pizza in the club—options are limited inside).
Cash isn’t king here—XOYO is card-only at both the door and bar. Apple Pay and contactless work fine, just don’t rock up with a pocket of coins thinking you’ll get anywhere.
- Dress code: It’s relaxed but skip sportswear and caps. Stick to trainers, jeans, casual shirts—think laid-back but not sloppy.
- Bouncers mean business: Bring photo ID, no matter your age. If you look even slightly under 25, or if there’s a big night with a headliner, expect to get checked.
- Getting home: Old Street tube runs late on weekends. For those further out, Uber and Bolt drivers know XOYO well—waiting time isn’t bad after 4 a.m., but surge pricing can hit. Check Citymapper before you head out; it’ll save you some cash or hassle.
- Guest list: Register online in advance for big events. Sometimes XOYO offers early entry or discounted rates for names on the list—jump on this for savings.
If you want a breather or need a smoke, there’s a covered outdoor area—but get your hand stamped before you exit. Security keeps tabs so you don’t try sneaking in mates for free.
Want to do XOYO properly? Follow their socials. They announce secret guests and ticket drops, especially for their “All Night Long” gigs. Fastest way to snag a spot before tickets vanish.
