You walk down the dimly lit alley off Oxford Street, the bass thumping before you even see the door. A line snakes around the corner-people laughing, flashing VIP wristbands, someone in a sequined jacket taking selfies with a bouncer. This isn’t just another club. This is Metropolis London.
Forget the generic clubs that play the same top 40 hits on loop. Metropolis isn’t just a place to dance. It’s a full sensory experience. The lighting shifts with the music. The scent of citrus and smoke lingers in the air. The crowd? A mix of fashion influencers, tech founders, and tourists who heard about it from someone who heard about it from someone else. And yes-it’s still the most electric night out in London.
What Makes Metropolis London Different?
Most clubs in London try to be everything: DJs, cocktails, dancing, VIP tables. Metropolis does one thing better than anyone else: it makes you feel like you’re inside a live music video. The space isn’t just big-it’s layered. There’s the main floor, where the bass hits your chest like a second heartbeat. Then there’s the rooftop terrace, open on weekends, with skyline views and cocktails served in glass globes. Downstairs, the basement lounge feels like a secret speakeasy, with vinyl records spinning and dim red lamps casting shadows on leather booths.
It’s not just the layout. It’s the curation. The DJs here don’t just play hits-they build sets that move through genres. One hour you’re in deep house, the next you’re in 90s garage remixes, then suddenly-boom-K-pop trap fused with live saxophone. No two nights are the same. And the crowd? They’re not here to take selfies. They’re here to lose themselves in the music.
Why Metropolis Is Still the Best Nightclub in London
London has over 200 nightclubs. So why does Metropolis keep selling out? Because it understands something most clubs don’t: atmosphere beats trend.
Take the sound system. It’s not just loud-it’s engineered. Each speaker is calibrated to the room’s acoustics. You don’t just hear the bass-you feel it in your teeth. The lighting isn’t random strobes. It’s synchronized to the beat, with custom color palettes that change depending on the artist. One night, the whole room glows electric blue. Another, it’s deep violet with gold flecks.
And the staff? They don’t just serve drinks. They remember names. If you’ve been twice, they’ll hand you a free shot without you asking. If you’re new, they’ll guide you to the best spot to dance without getting crushed. No one here feels like a number.
It’s why people come back. Not because it’s the cheapest. Not because it’s the flashiest. But because it feels alive.
What to Expect on a Night Out at Metropolis
Let’s say you show up at 10 PM. You’re not walking in right away. There’s a line, but it moves fast. Security checks IDs-no exceptions. You’re 18? You’re in. You’re 17 and pretending? You’re not getting past the door.
Once inside, you’re greeted by the main floor. The dance area is open, no barriers. People are moving-not just swaying, but dancing like no one’s watching. There’s no dress code, but everyone’s dressed like they’re heading to a party where they might meet the next big thing. Think sleek leather, bold colors, metallic accents. No hoodies. No flip-flops. You’ll feel out of place if you show up in sweatpants.
Drinks are pricey-£12 for a gin and tonic, £18 for a cocktail-but they’re made with real ingredients. No cheap syrup. The bartenders shake, stir, and smoke their drinks like they’re artists. And if you’re lucky, you’ll catch one of the weekly themed nights: Neo-Noir (all black and red, retro synthwave), 80s Rebirth (think Madonna meets Depeche Mode), or Global Bass (Afrobeats, reggaeton, and Bollywood remixes).
By midnight, the room is packed. By 2 AM, the energy peaks. You’re not just dancing-you’re part of something bigger. A collective rhythm. A shared pulse. That’s when you realize: this isn’t just a club. It’s a moment.
Metropolis vs. Other London Nightclubs
| Feature | Metropolis London | Fabric | Printworks | The Box |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music Style | Genre-blending, live elements, curated sets | Techno, underground house | Electronic, experimental | Pop, top 40, EDM |
| Capacity | 1,800 | 1,200 | 3,500 | 1,500 |
| Open Until | 3 AM (Fri/Sat), 2 AM (Wed/Thu) | 5 AM | 6 AM | 2 AM |
| Dress Code | Stylish casual-no sportswear | Dark, minimal | Anything goes | Smart casual |
| Price Range (Cocktail) | £16-£22 | £14-£18 | £12-£16 | £18-£25 |
| Best For | People who want music + atmosphere + vibe | Dedicated techno heads | Big-name DJs, massive crowds | Group parties, casual fun |
Metropolis doesn’t compete with Fabric’s all-night techno marathons or Printworks’ warehouse chaos. It sits in the sweet spot: high energy, high style, high production. If you want to dance until sunrise, go to Fabric. If you want to feel like you’re in a movie, go to Metropolis.
How to Get In (And Not Get Rejected)
Getting into Metropolis isn’t hard-but it’s not random. Here’s how to make sure you’re on the list:
- Arrive before 11 PM. After that, the line gets longer and the bouncers get pickier.
- Dress like you’re going out, not just hanging out. No trainers. No baseball caps. No oversized hoodies.
- Book a table if you’re a group of 4+. It costs £200-£500, but you get bottle service, reserved space, and skip the line.
- Follow them on Instagram. They post VIP guest lists every Thursday night. If your name’s on it, you’re in-no questions asked.
- Don’t show up drunk. They turn people away for being too rowdy. This isn’t a pub crawl. It’s a curated experience.
Pro tip: If you’re single and want to meet people, go on a Thursday. The crowd is younger, looser, and the music is more experimental. Friday and Saturday? That’s when the influencers and celebs show up.
What to Do Before and After
Metropolis isn’t the end of your night-it’s the peak. Plan the rest of it smartly.
Before: Grab a bite at St. John on Smithfield. Their roasted bone marrow is legendary. Or hit Bar Termini for a negroni and some people-watching. Don’t eat a greasy kebab before you go. You’ll regret it when you’re dancing.
After: If you’re still buzzing at 3 AM, walk to The Eagle on Farringdon. It’s a 24-hour diner with great coffee and pancakes. Or take a taxi to the Thames and watch the sunrise over Tower Bridge. Quiet. Peaceful. Perfect after a night like this.
Is Metropolis Worth It?
Let’s be real-it’s expensive. A night out here can cost you £100-£200 easily. But here’s the thing: you’re not paying for drinks. You’re paying for a memory.
Think about it. How many clubs have you been to where you left feeling like you’d just lived a moment you’ll talk about for years? Metropolis gives you that. The music. The lighting. The crowd. The way the air feels when the bass drops just right.
It’s not for everyone. If you just want to drink and dance to Ed Sheeran remixes, go somewhere else. But if you want to feel like you’re part of something rare, something electric, something real-then Metropolis isn’t just worth it. It’s essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Metropolis London open every night?
No. Metropolis is open Wednesday through Saturday, with themed nights on Thursdays and weekends. It’s closed Sunday through Tuesday. Always check their Instagram for last-minute changes or pop-up events.
Do I need to book in advance?
You don’t *have* to, but you really should. Especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Walk-ins are accepted, but you might wait an hour or more. Booking a table or getting on the guest list saves time and guarantees entry.
Can I take photos inside?
Yes-but not with flash. And no professional gear. Phones are fine, but if you’re filming a full set with a DSLR, you’ll be asked to stop. The club respects the experience of everyone there. No one wants to dance with a camera in their face.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. No sportswear, no flip-flops, no oversized hoodies. Think stylish casual-sleek jeans, a statement top, boots or heels. You don’t need to wear a suit, but you should look like you made an effort. Bouncers are strict about this.
What’s the age limit?
18+. You’ll need a valid photo ID-passport, driving license, or UK proof-of-age card. No exceptions. Even if you look 30, they’ll check.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. Cover charges are clearly listed online. Bottle service includes the drink, glass, and table. No mandatory tips. No secret charges. What you see is what you pay.
Is Metropolis safe?
Yes. Security is visible but not aggressive. Staff are trained in crowd control and de-escalation. There are medical teams on-site, and the venue is fully compliant with London’s nightlife safety standards. If you feel uncomfortable, tell any staff member-they’ll help you immediately.
Metropolis London isn’t just a club. It’s the place you go when you want to remember what it feels like to be truly alive at night. And if you’re in London this week? You owe it to yourself to find out why everyone’s still talking about it.
1 Comments
Metropolis sounds like the kind of place that makes you forget why you even needed a reason to go out. The way they blend genres live? That’s not just talent-that’s curation as art. I’ve danced in Mumbai clubs with way less soul.
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