XOYO Nightclub in London: The Soundtrack to Your Night

If you're hunting for the pulse of London nightlife, XOYO in Shoreditch pretty much has you sorted. Talk to anyone in the city who loves a good night out—they’ve got a story about XOYO, whether it’s sneaking in a midweek session or queueing for a DJ they never thought would headline an east London club.

The club sits just off Old Street roundabout, with easy access from the Northern line, so if you’re coming from Brixton or Hampstead, you’re only a few tube stops away. Planning to grab a quick bite before the night kicks off? The area’s packed with options—everything from late-night bagels at Brick Lane to cheap eats at Shoreditch Boxpark. Don't wander in on an empty stomach; trust me, you’ll need the fuel for a proper dance session here.

If you want to dodge those endless queues (sometimes snaking all the way up Cowper Street), it helps to book your ticket in advance on platforms like Resident Advisor or DICE. And while they’re big on security at the door, you won’t deal with the kind of attitude you find at some of London’s fancier clubs. Dress code? Keep it casual. Trainers and tees work just fine—it’s the vibe, not your outfit, that gets you in at XOYO.

• What Sets XOYO Apart in London
• When to Go and Who You’ll Meet
• Music, DJs, and Legendary Nights
• Getting In: Tips and Tricks
• Beyond The Dancefloor: Nearby Eats and Late-Night Options

What Sets XOYO Apart in London

In a city full of clubs, XOYO has carved its own spot in London’s nightlife scene, especially for fans of underground music. The club opened its doors in 2010 and has stuck to its guns ever since—no over-the-top dress code, no VIP pretension, just solid music and packed dance floors. You get two rooms, both with top-tier Funktion-One sound systems, so whether you’re glued to the main stage or exploring the basement, the sound hits hard.

XOYO isn’t hidden away in a suburb or miles from public transport. It's just a couple minutes’ walk from Old Street Station in Shoreditch. Loads of clubbers from all over London hit up XOYO after work or Uni; it’s famous for drawing a mixed, super-friendly crowd. Want diversity? On an average night, you’ll hear everything from house and techno to hip-hop, garage, and drum & bass. It’s a big deal for upcoming DJs as well—XOYO has given local London talent a platform but also hosted legends from Annie Mac to Skream. In 2019, the club even ran a 12-week residency series, a first in the UK, with one DJ playing every Friday for three months straight. That series boosted XOYO’s rep for unmissable long runs and immersive events.

The club holds about 800 people, which hits a sweet spot—not so massive you can’t find your mates, but big enough for a proper London rave atmosphere. Here’s a quick look at what sets XOYO apart, compared to other London clubs:

It’s not just about what goes on inside. XOYO is a London nightlife hub, and for locals, it’s become a bit of a tradition. People know if Saturday night’s dragging, a quick dash to XOYO usually saves it. If you’re new to London, or just looking for a reliable spot that keeps things simple but electric, this is it.

When to Go and Who You’ll Meet

Weekends at XOYO are wild, packed, and everything you expect from a top London club. Fridays usually focus on house and techno, drawing in dedicated music heads and the after-work crowd. Saturdays are even busier, with themes ranging from garage classics to drum and bass takeovers. You’ll want to sort tickets early—some nights sell out a week ahead, especially when resident DJs or headline acts are announced.

Not a weekend person? Thursdays often host up-and-coming DJs, and the vibe is more chilled but still proper busy. There are also special events like “All Night Long” sessions, which run until 4am and lean heavily on a single DJ curating the soundtrack. These nights attract a mix of regulars and first-timers trying to get a taste without the Saturday rush.

You get all sorts at XOYO—students from nearby uni halls, creative types from Shoreditch, and plenty of international folks mixing with locals. Age-wise, expect a mix of early twenties up to people in their early forties, with most clubbers hovering in the mid-twenties range. The crowd’s friendly and usually there for the music, so you'll rarely run into pretentious vibes or exclusive cliques.

If you’re curious about crowd sizes and when XOYO is at its busiest, here’s a snapshot from last year’s door stats:

Pro tip: Get there before 11pm if you want to avoid the peak crush and actually have time to grab a drink without waiting forever. If you fancy a chat and want to meet other clubbers, the smoking area and the bar near the main floor are your best options—everyone’s usually up for a friendly natter before heading back to the dancefloor.

Music, DJs, and Legendary Nights

Ask anyone who cares about electronic music in London, and they’ll tell you XOYO isn’t just another club—it’s the hangout for those who want quality sound and serious DJs. Since launching in 2010, XOYO has constantly pulled in heavyweight names. Think Annie Mac, Skream, The Blessed Madonna, and Ben UFO running all-night sets. Fatboy Slim even did a surprise gig in 2023 that blew up on social media within minutes.

The music policy is mostly focused on house, techno, drum & bass, and the kind of party hip-hop that keeps the dancefloor full all night. The Friday and Saturday residency series is XOYO’s signature move. DJs like Flava D, Artwork, and Nightmares On Wax have each hosted their own 12-week block, bringing in surprise guests and testing new tunes live. You never really know who might show up for a last-minute B2B set—you might find yourself raving next to the headliner by accident.

Sound quality is the real draw for regulars. XOYO’s Funktion-One system isn’t just loud, it’s clear enough that you’ll actually feel the bass but still be able to chat at the back bar. The main room packs in about 800 people, and crowds skew toward real music heads rather than the posh set. Expect sweaty energy, especially during headline sets, but you’ll find quieter spots upstairs for a breather or a bit of people-watching.

If you want the best shot at headline acts, aim for Fridays during a big residency. Weeknights lean more toward local talent, label showcases, and student nights—tickets are cheaper and it’s easier to grab a drink fast. XOYO is strict about last entry (usually 1am), so don’t risk it by rocking up late. Check the official listings each month and consider grabbing advance tickets if it’s a DJ you can’t miss. The London nightlife crowd moves quick, and some weekends will sell out days before.

Getting In: Tips and Tricks

Getting into XOYO is usually straightforward, but there are a few details you don’t want to miss. Tickets almost always sell out for big nights, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. If there’s a hype act or a popular residency (think Andy C’s marathon drum and bass events), tickets are gone days before the doors open. Book through apps like DICE or directly from XOYO’s website—don’t risk third-party tickets, as they’re often flagged and you could be refused entry.

Queues can get wild outside Shoreditch’s most popular clubs, but XOYO is a classic example. On weekends or for famous DJ nights, the queue can easily stretch for 30–45 minutes, sometimes longer if you show up after 11 pm. Arrive before 10:30 pm to breeze through or aim for midweek events if you hate waiting.

• Bring legit ID—passport, driving licence, or a PASS card. Yes, staff inspect closely, and photocopies or pics on your phone won’t cut it.
• Dress how you feel comfortable, but leave anything too flashy or “football-related” at home. XOYO isn’t pretentious, but security is strict about team shirts and rowdy groups.
• Pack light. XOYO has a cloakroom, but with space for only a few hundred coats and bags, it fills quickly, especially in winter. Expect to pay £2–£3 per item.
• If you have accessibility needs, email ahead. The club has wheelchair access, but not all areas are step-free.

Now, about the age policy—XOYO is 18+, and they check. Don’t be that person who gets turned away after queueing because you tried to sneak in with a mate’s ID.

One last thing—if you’re after a more laidback start to the night, XOYO often runs early-bird drink deals until 11 pm. Head straight to the bar after entry if you want to catch lower prices. Out of all the Shoreditch venues, XOYO does best with crowd control and keeping things moving, but it pays to have your ticket, ID, and coat fee sorted before you’re at the front.

Beyond The Dancefloor: Nearby Eats and Late-Night Options

Heading out to XOYO usually means you’ll end up hungry. You’re right by Old Street, and Shoreditch’s late-night food scene can honestly save your night. Forget searching random places on Google—locals already know where to go post-club.

If you want classic London comfort, Beigel Bake Brick Lane is less than a 15-minute walk away. Open 24/7, it’s the holy grail for salt beef bagels after 3am (and there’s usually a queue no matter what time you turn up). For something a bit closer and still open, grab a slice at Voodoo Ray’s on Boxpark Shoreditch, which serves giant New York-style pizza until at least 2:30am on weekends. If fried chicken’s your thing, you’ve got Chicken Shop on City Road—and people swear their wings are the best thing to eat at 2am when your feet hurt from dancing.

Veggie or vegan? CookDaily at Boxpark used to be the big draw, but now you’ll find East London is packed with plant-based popups—even on weekends, Honest Burgers keeps the veggie burgers coming late. And if you’re just after a proper British chip fix, Poppies Fish & Chips is open until late (midnight on Fridays and Saturdays) and has won awards for its old-school approach. Here’s a quick run-through of what’s nearby and when you can get it:

Not sure what’s actually worth your money after clubbing? Local music reviewer Alex Stedman puts it simply:

“A night at XOYO isn’t done until you’ve headed for a bagel or a big slice of pizza. Ask anyone leaving Cowper Street at 4am—they’ll point you at the best places before you can even Google it.”

If you need to recharge before the tube opens or a night bus arrives, you’re sorted with these spots. They’re all walkable from XOYO. Handy if you’re with a group or need to refuel before the trek home across London.

• Check opening hours in advance—some spots close earlier midweek.
• Cashless payments rule, so don’t bother with coins or notes.
• If it’s raining (because, of course it is), Beigel Bake never shuts its doors.
• Group too big for one taxi? UberXL and Bolt often pass Old Street.

No need for overpriced kebab vans when you’ve got real late-night eats within walking distance. Eat well, end strong, and your XOYO night will be one to remember.