When it comes to XOYO nightclub, you’re not just stepping into a venue-you’re walking into the pulse of London’s underground music culture. Located right in the heart of Camden, just a five-minute walk from Camden Town tube station, XOYO has spent over a decade shaping the sound of the city after dark. Unlike the glittering, overpriced clubs in Soho or the tourist traps near Leicester Square, XOYO feels like a secret kept by those who actually live here. It’s where local DJs test new tracks, indie bands play surprise sets, and the crowd isn’t there to be seen-they’re there to feel something.
Why XOYO Stands Out in London’s Nightlife
London has hundreds of clubs, but few have the consistency of XOYO. Opened in 2012, it started as a small live music space above a pub in Camden’s backstreets. Today, it’s a two-floor venue with a basement club that pulls in crowds from Peckham to Hackney. What keeps people coming back? It’s not the VIP tables or bottle service. It’s the curation. XOYO doesn’t chase trends-it sets them. You’ll find post-punk revival nights next to experimental techno sets, and sometimes, a surprise guest like Georgia or Little Simz drops in without warning.
Compare that to places like Printworks or The Nest, which focus on big-name international DJs. XOYO is different. It’s the kind of place where you might see someone you met at a Dalston record shop two weeks ago spinning records on a Tuesday. The staff know regulars by name. The sound system, a custom-built Funktion-One setup, is tuned for bass-heavy genres that thrive in London’s damp, concrete spaces. And the lighting? It’s not flashy. It’s moody, atmospheric, designed to make you lose track of time-not your phone.
The Camden Vibe: More Than Just a Location
Camden isn’t just a postcode-it’s a state of mind. XOYO sits between the bustling market stalls selling vintage band tees and the alleyways where buskers play covers of Arctic Monkeys and Joy Division. It’s a stone’s throw from The Roundhouse, where punk legends once tore through the stage, and just around the corner from The Dublin Castle, where grime artists still warm up before gigs. This isn’t a tourist zone pretending to be edgy. This is where London’s alternative culture actually lives.
On a Friday night, you’ll see students from UCL in hoodies, artists from Peckham in DIY leather jackets, and expats from Berlin or Tokyo who moved here for the music scene. You won’t find a single bouncer in a suit. The door policy? If you look like you belong, you’re in. No dress code. No ID checks beyond the legal minimum. The vibe is inclusive-not because it’s forced, but because it’s earned.
What to Expect When You Walk In
Step through the unmarked door on Hawley Road and you’re greeted by a low hum of bass and the smell of cheap beer and damp wool coats. The main room has a stage that’s seen everyone from The Japanese House to Floating Points. The basement, called The Vault, is where the real magic happens. It’s cramped, dark, and loud-perfect for the kind of music that doesn’t fit on mainstream playlists. You’ll hear everything from noise-pop to acid house to UK garage remixes of 90s R&B.
Drinks are reasonably priced for London: £5 for a pint of Camden Hells, £6 for a gin and tonic with local botanicals. No one’s charging £18 for a soda. There’s a small bar with no queue, and a few stools where you can catch your breath without being shoved by someone trying to take a selfie. The toilets? Clean, but not fancy. That’s the point. XOYO doesn’t care about appearances. It cares about sound.
How to Make the Most of Your Night
- Check their website before you go-events are announced last-minute, and the best nights aren’t always advertised on Instagram.
- Arrive before midnight if you want to avoid the crush. The club fills up fast after 1 a.m., especially on weekends.
- Take the tube. Camden Town station is open until 1 a.m. on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends. Taxis are expensive and hard to find after midnight in this part of town.
- Bring cash. While card payments are accepted, some of the smaller vendors inside the venue still prefer it.
- Stay late. The best sets often start after 2 a.m. That’s when the real locals show up.
How XOYO Compares to Other London Clubs
| Feature | XOYO | Printworks | The Nest | Electric Brixton |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Camden | Peckham | Peckham | Brixton |
| Primary Focus | Live music + underground clubbing | Big-name international DJs | Techno and house | Black and queer-led parties |
| Entry Cost | £8-£15 | £15-£25 | £12-£20 | £10-£18 |
| Door Policy | Relaxed, vibe-based | Strict, often requires RSVP | Strict, dress code enforced | Community-focused, no dress code |
| Best For | Discovering new artists, local scene | Big productions, visual spectacle | Techno purists | Black British culture, queer spaces |
XOYO isn’t the biggest, the flashiest, or the loudest. But if you want to hear music that hasn’t hit Spotify yet, or dance with someone who’s been coming here since 2015, it’s the only place that matters.
The Future of XOYO in London’s Evolving Scene
London’s nightlife has changed. Clubs like The Fridge and The Mean Fiddler are gone. New developments in Shoreditch and King’s Cross have pushed out smaller venues. But XOYO has survived-not by becoming corporate, but by staying stubbornly independent. It’s still owned by the same team that started it. No investors. No chain branding. Just a belief that music should be raw, real, and accessible.
They’ve added a rooftop terrace for summer gigs, started a weekly residency with local producers from South London, and partnered with Camden’s youth music charity to offer free entry to under-21s on Wednesdays. That’s not marketing. That’s community.
In a city where rent prices force out independent venues every month, XOYO is a rare exception. It’s proof that London’s soul isn’t in its landmarks or its museums-it’s in places like this, where the music is loud enough to drown out the noise of the city outside.
Is XOYO still open in 2025?
Yes, XOYO is fully operational in 2025. It reopened after a brief pandemic closure in 2021 and has since expanded its programming to include more live acts and late-night sessions. It’s now open Thursday through Sunday, with occasional Monday events for special releases or label nights.
Do I need to book tickets for XOYO?
For most events, you can just turn up. But if you’re going to a headline show-especially one featuring a known artist-it’s smart to buy tickets in advance. They often sell out, and the door price rises by £5 if you don’t. Check their website or Instagram for updates.
Is XOYO safe for solo visitors?
Absolutely. XOYO has a strong reputation for being a safe, welcoming space. Security is present but unobtrusive. Staff are trained to intervene if someone looks uncomfortable. Many solo visitors-especially women and LGBTQ+ attendees-say it’s one of the few clubs in London where they feel truly at ease.
What’s the best night to go to XOYO?
Tuesday nights are the secret weapon. That’s when local DJs test new tracks and the crowd is made up of industry insiders and serious music lovers. Friday and Saturday are busier but still worth it if you’re looking for a bigger energy. Wednesday’s ‘Nocturnal’ nights are for fans of dub and reggae, and they often run until 4 a.m.
Can I bring my own drinks to XOYO?
No. Outside alcohol isn’t allowed, and they check bags at the door. But the drinks are fairly priced, and they offer non-alcoholic options like kombucha and craft sodas. The bar also stocks local London brands like Camden Town Brewery and The London Distillery Company.
Final Thoughts: Why XOYO Still Matters
London has changed. The West End is full of cocktail bars with velvet ropes. The East End is packed with co-working spaces that turn into pop-up clubs on weekends. But XOYO hasn’t changed. It hasn’t had to. It’s still the place where the next big thing in British music gets its first real audience. Where the bass is so deep you feel it in your ribs. Where the crowd doesn’t care who you are-they care if you’re moving.
If you’re looking for the real heartbeat of London’s nightlife, you won’t find it in a photo op at a rooftop bar. You’ll find it here-on a Tuesday night, in a basement with no sign, where the music is still loud enough to make the walls shake.
