XOYO - Where Underground Sounds Shine in London Nightlife

Craving those late-night beats that keep your feet moving until sunrise? XOYO isn’t just another club—it's a living story of what makes London’s underground scene world-famous. Tucked right in the thick of Shoreditch, this place isn’t filled with velvet ropes or stuffy VIP corners. Instead, you’ll find a line-up packed with both rising names and dance music legends—often in the same week.

The vibe here is all about inclusivity and music discovery. Don’t expect chart-toppers pounding all night; XOYO digs deep. Think house, techno, funk, and curveballs you didn’t know you needed. The result? Everyone on the dancefloor is there for the love of sound, not just for selfies.

• Key Points
• Direct Answer
• What Makes XOYO Unique
• XOYO: Lineups, Experiences, and Tips
• XOYO vs. Other London Clubs

Key Points

XOYO sits right in the center of Shoreditch, making it easy to get to by tube, bus, or even on foot if you live nearby. This is not just another club in town—it’s a trendsetter, hosting over 200 events each year and pulling in around 100,000 visitors. No matter when you drop by, there's always something fresh on.

• XOYO is famous for underground music styles: house, techno, disco, drum & bass, and funk rule here. You’re not going to hear basic chart tunes all night.
• Regularly features international DJs and true legends—Carl Cox, Annie Mac, Honey Dijon, and The Blessed Madonna have all played here.
• The club hosts special “residencies” where big-name or up-and-coming DJs play every Friday for three months straight. You actually get to know the DJ’s style instead of a random set every week.
• The crowd is mixed—expect everything from music lovers to first-timers just checking out the hype.
• Tickets start at around £8 if you buy early online, but can go up to £20 or more depending on the event or how late you buy.

The club is split over two main floors—ground level for a warm-up, and the basement for the heavy beats. Both have bars and decent sound systems. Security and staff are known for being strict but fair—safety is a big focus, and they have zero tolerance for trouble.

For a real taste of London club culture minus the pretentious vibes, it’s tough to beat XOYO. Whether you’re just visiting or a local looking for new sounds, this spot deserves a shot on your night out.

Direct Answer

XOYO is the go-to club for anyone serious about the underground music scene in London. It's smack in the middle of Shoreditch and has built its name since 2010 by giving a platform to both headline DJs and fresh new talent. While many London clubs chase trends, XOYO sticks to what it does best: cutting-edge sounds, a no-nonsense layout, and a crowd that's genuinely into music.

You’re not getting commercial pop or radio hits here—expect nights devoted to house, techno, disco, jungle, DnB, and everything electronic. Famous for its Friday and Saturday parties, XOYO frequently hosts planned residencies by well-known artists. Skream, Heidi, and Flava D have all held down multi-week runs. The basement dance floor feels intimate but packs a serious sound system, while the upstairs gives you room to chill if you need a break.

XOYO opens till 3am (sometimes later for special events), and guest lists fill up fast—some events sell out a week in advance. Weekday tickets usually hover around £7-£12, while Saturday nights and big names may set you back £15-£25. Weekend nights see crowds of around 800 people, according to club stats from 2024.

If you want a night out where music comes first, XOYO should be at the top of your list. Just book early—tickets go quickly, especially for major lineouts and Friday/Saturday slots.

What Makes XOYO Unique

What sets XOYO apart from the usual London clubs? It’s all about consistency, curation, and those little extras that keep both locals and music fans coming back for more. This place isn’t just a place to dance; it’s where you come to discover artists before everyone else catches on.

First, XOYO’s booking policy is legendary. They commit to long-running residencies—think 12 straight Fridays or a season with the same headliner. In 2014, Eats Everything kicked this off, and since then you’ve got residencies from Ben UFO, Heidi, Flava D, and Andy C. It means fans get a deep dive into their favorite DJ’s sound across weeks, not just one night. For that reason, XOYO stands out in the crowded London nightlife scene.

Another thing: no one cares what you’re wearing. Dress jackets and heels? No need. You can roll up in sneakers and feel right at home, which is a rare relief for anyone sick of stuffy dress codes. Plus, the security team has a reputation for being friendly—more helpful than intimidating.

The club has two rooms (downstairs and upstairs), so you’re basically getting two vibes in one venue. One night, you might be vibing with a live band upstairs, then duck downstairs for a heavy-hitting techno set. Sound quality’s top notch too; their Martin Audio system hits hard and stays clear even when the room’s packed.

XOYO’s also big on supporting upcoming talent, giving support slots to up-and-coming DJs on nights that otherwise draw huge crowds. If you want a place to spot tomorrow’s stars on the decks, your chances are pretty good here.

Lastly, it’s close to Old Street station, making late-night travel—whether by bus, tube, or midnight stroll—really doable. For anyone who's ever been stranded in a far-flung part of the city after the last song, that's a lifesaver.

XOYO: Lineups, Experiences, and Tips

Xoyo isn’t just about a dark room and heavy bass—this spot is legendary for its killer lineups. Each week, you’ll spot names that have real weight in London nightlife. In 2024 alone, DJs like Honey Dijon, Skream, and Sherelle hit the decks alongside underground acts you’ll be bragging about discovering months before your mates. Resident Advisor lists XOYO as one of the top 100 clubs worldwide, with crowds rolling in from all over Europe just for a Friday night here.

One thing that sets XOYO apart: the club runs epic 12-week residency series. A guest DJ takes over Friday nights for three months, curating a vibe that goes way deeper than a single gig. Past residents include EZ, Artwork, and even Flava D—a chance to catch an artist in their element, stirring up new styles and bringing on surprise guests you’d never expect.

The crowd is refreshingly mixed. You’ll see seasoned clubbers, uni students, and curious travelers all sweating it out together. The sound system? It’s been overhauled in 2023, pumping clean, heavy sound that doesn’t leave your ears ringing the next morning. No wonder XOYO topped DJ Mag’s crowd survey for best London dancefloor experience last year.

If it’s your first time, here’s how to boost your night at XOYO:

• Check the lineup in advance on the XOYO website—tickets for big nights go fast.
• Arrive before 11pm to skip the longest lines.
• Bring ID—door staff are strict. No ID, no entry, even if you look way over 18.
• Bag drop is handy, but it’s small—travel light if you can.
• The basement room is where the action happens, but upstairs is a solid chill zone if you need a break.

Wondering about drink prices? They’re on par with Shoreditch clubs:

Try not to hang around at closing time—Ubers get tricky and there’s a rush at the cloakroom. The XOYO staff are friendly, but the venue gets packed, so a bit of patience goes a long way. If you want real underground energy with top-notch music, this is your spot. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for their pop-up daytime parties and all-night events during festival season—they usually announce on Instagram first.

XOYO vs. Other London Clubs

London’s club scene is packed with choices, but XOYO keeps its spot near the top for good reason. The main difference? XOYO lives for underground music. While other big names can feel like giant warehouses—think Printworks or Fabric—XOYO brings things down to earth. You get a clubbing experience that’s easy to navigate, friendly for regulars, and never too over-the-top.

Take the music policy. XOYO doesn’t just book whoever’s topping the charts. Their resident series means you might see the same DJ across multiple Fridays, building a connection with the crowd. Clubs like Ministry of Sound often go for massive lineups with radio-famous guests, but XOYO is all about credibility and surprises. One week could be Detroit techno legends, the next could be current rave disruptors.

If you care about the crowd, it’s hard to beat XOYO's community feel. Unlike some places where it’s all about flashy outfits and exclusive tables, XOYO attracts people who are actually into the music. No pretension, just pure dance floor energy. That’s not to say XOYO is tiny—its two-room layout means there’s still plenty of space to lose yourself, but you’re never so far from the booth you can’t catch the DJ’s vibe.

Then there’s location. XOYO sits right by Old Street, so it’s super easy to get to by Tube or bus. Other clubs can be a pain to reach, like Printworks, which is great but miles from central London. After parties? Grab a bite or chill at any number of late-night Shoreditch food spots just outside.

Looking for reasonably priced drinks and cloakroom? XOYO keeps things competitive—expect £6-8 for a pint and around £3 for coat check. Some clubs, especially the tourist-heavy ones, can get pricier fast.

Tip: XOYO’s resident nights often sell out, so book in advance. If you’re not sure what kind of music you’ll get, check their website or socials for up-to-date lineups and guest details. You’ll find plenty of chances to see both big names and properly fresh talent without trekking across the city.