Unique clubs & experiences in London
Unique Clubs & Experiences in London
London is a vast city with so much to see and do, it feels like you could experience something new every day and still never run out of opportunities. But if you’re looking for a regular way to connect with like-minded people and build a sense of community, there are unique clubs and one-off experiences to enjoy.
In this video, I’ll share my top picks of unique clubs and experiences in London, perfect for helping you find your tribe and discover new things to enjoy.
1. Book Clubs
If you’re looking for a cozy spot to catch up on the latest bestseller or join a book club with fellow readers, London has plenty to offer. The city is home to around 850 bookshops, including big chains like Waterstones and independent stores like Daunt Books and Pages of Hackney. There are also around 325 public libraries. You can find a book club that matches your interests, or explore new genres. Here are some standout book clubs in London:
Brixton Book Club
Informal and welcoming, they meet every 3-4 weeks at Effra Social in Brixton. There’s no fee, just a great opportunity to chat over drinks about a wide range of books, from sci-fi to classics. Link: Brixton Book Club
Pages of Hackney Book Group
Hosted at an award-winning independent bookshop, Pages of Hackney. The club meets monthly and features a curated selection of vintage and contemporary books. Free to join, just sign up via their newsletter. Link: Pages of Hackney
Silent Book Club
Ideal for introverts, this club offers quiet spaces to read together without the pressure of assigned books or discussions. Bring your own book and meet in bars, cafes, or libraries.
Link: Silent Book Club
Emily’s Walking Book Club
A unique blend of literature and the outdoors. Journalist Emily Rhodes leads walks in Hampstead Heath and Regent’s Park, where participants chat about books while strolling through nature.
Link: Emily’s Walking Book Club
2. Exclusive Nightclubs
London’s nightlife is legendary, and if you’re after an exclusive, VIP experience, you’ll find no shortage of clubs catering to high-end social scenes. Here are some of the top venues:
Colour Factory (Hackney Wick)
A vibrant, Black-owned nightclub spotlighting female, non-binary, and queer artists. Known for its diverse events, from chill weeknights to sell-out weekend parties.
Link: Colour Factory
Drumsheds (Tottenham)
A massive multi-room venue housed in a former IKEA warehouse. This industrial space is home to large-scale events, with capacities up to 15,000 people. Catch legendary DJs like Fatboy Slim here. Link: Drumsheds
FOLD (Canning Town)
A new, artist-led club located in an industrial area, offering an intimate 600-person capacity space. It’s community-driven, with a focus on providing a safe space for the queer community.
Link: FOLD
For an even more exclusive experience, you can check out members-only clubs like:
Cuckoo Club (Mayfair)
A luxurious space with themed nights, Mediterranean dining, and cocktails spread across two floors.
Cirque le Soir (Carnaby)
An eccentric, hip-hop-focused club with playground-like features, including a ball pit and regular performances by dancers and fire-breathers.
3. One-Off Experiences
Not into clubs? London is full of unique, one-off experiences throughout the year. Here are some of the most exciting events coming up this autumn and winter:
- London Cocktail Week (2nd – 13th October)
A city-wide celebration featuring discounted signature cocktails at participating bars. Grab your wristband and explore London’s best cocktail spots.
Link: London Cocktail Week - Diwali in Trafalgar Square (17th October)
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with music, dance, food stalls, and more in the heart of London. - London Restaurant Festival (1st – 31st October)
A month-long celebration of dining out, with unique culinary experiences and chef-hosted lunches.
Link: London Restaurant Festival - Frieze London (9th – 13th October)
One of the world’s leading contemporary art fairs, held in Regent’s Park. A must for art lovers.
Link: Frieze London - BFI London Film Festival (9th – 20th October)
Discover films from around the world, attend panels, and hear from special guest speakers.
Link: BFI London Film Festival
