Top Ten Nightclubs FEATURE
Although many smaller nightclubs have shut up shop over the last decade, the strongest nightclubs are thriving, and continue to get better. For the best night out you've ever had, head down to one of our top ten nightclubs in Britain.
Britain boasts some of the most fashionable nightclubs in the world, offering clubbers a diverse mix of music and settings to suit all tastes. BritEvents.com has compiled a list of (arguably) the 10 best nightclubs in Britain, from London to Edinburgh. Do you agree with our list? Submit your own recommendations at the foot of this feature.
Ministry of Sound, London
One of London's most legendary nightclubs, the Ministry of Sound manages to attract around 5000 people every weekend. Since its arrival in 1991, it has featured sets from acclaimed DJs like Sasha, Erick Morillo and Pete Tong, and now has a cult following among clubbers worldwide. With five distinctive rooms and two luxury VIP lounges, you're bound to find something to like. It's quite expensive, but you can get a discount with a student card, and if hard house, trance, electro and techno are your thing, the total experience is well worth it.
Fabric, London
Fabric is simply one of the greatest electronic music superclubs in the world today. If you like it large and loud, this is definitely worth the ticket price. Superclubs may be less fashionable than a few years back, but for sheer energy, electric atmosphere and mind-blowing sound, a night out here will be a memorable experience, especially for drum and bass, dubstep, house and techno freaks.
Club Aquarium, London
If dressing up is your thing, try the popular Carwash Saturday nights at Club Aquarium in Shoreditch. The music covers funky disco classics to pop anthems from the 80s, and it's all mixed up with vintage hip hop, funk and soul. But remember, you won't get in if you're not in fancy dress. The only club in the UK to have its own swimming pool, Club Aquarium hosts a variety of other nights, featuring dirty electro, house and techno, so it's worth checking ahead to see which night will suit you best.
Garlands, Liverpool
People travel from all over Britain to visit Garlands. It's one of Liverpool's liveliest and most glamorous clubs, with funky hard house and techno at its core. It's a hugely popular place with a diverse mix of people, not just the gay crowd. With five rooms, there's a style to suit most tastes, from the more retro Room Britannia, to the more reflective Boudoir. And there's always the chill out bar if your batteries need recharging.
Sankeys, Manchester
In 2011, it was voted the best club in the world in DJ Magazine's top 100 clubs poll. With its trademark LED light show in the basement, world-renowned Sankeys is dark-room clubbing at its best. It attracts quite a diverse crowd, with deep house, tribal, break beat and funky house on weeknights and a weekend soundtrack of electronic music. On special nights, you can even get to see top DJs - from Carl Cox to the Chemical Brothers.
5th Avenue, Manchester
If you're more into the indie scene, 5th Avenue is one of the best clubs in Manchester. It's popular with the student crowd nearly every night of the week, and it's relatively cheap. If you don't have a student card, try to get in before 11pm, before the entrance fee goes up. And check in advance, because on certain nights they'll play more dance and pop.
Gatecrasher, Birmingham
Arguably the premier club in Birmingham, Gatecrasher recently had a five million pounds makeover, and it shows. With spectacular LED screens, dramatic lighting throughout, and several distinctive rooms to choose from, the club is more of an experience than a typical night out. With four rooms of music every Saturday from dance, trance and chart to RnB and classic pop most tastes are catered for. The club has even attracted legendary DJs like Pete Tong.
The Honey Club, Brighton
Like your clubs with an ocean view? The Honey Club is the largest beach-front club in Brighton, and it's the place to visit if you like your entertainment loud and proud. Often crowded with a great mix of people, Honey is where the DJ is king and the people just want to dance and have a good time. Check out its diverse range of club nights and be prepared for a hot, memorable night out.
Oceana, Cardiff
With seven themed rooms, from tropical luxury and Parisian chic to the arctic chill of the Ice House dance floor, Oceana aims to give people a unique nocturnal experience. Most music genres are covered from the 70s to the present day. With so many areas to choose from, Oceana caters to all moods. Even smokers are well catered for with a substantial outdoor (heated) area.
The Bongo Club, Edinburgh
Still one of Edinburgh's most popular underground venues, the Bongo Club is serious about new and live music. Although it's not as spacious as some of the other clubs on this list, the overall vibe and ambition of this place makes it the top choice for locals and tourists alike. If you're young and artistic, this might be your perfect club. Top DJs like Moby have played here, and as well as delivering an eclectic mix of hip hop, reggae, and drum and bass, the Bongo Club is a great place for discovering new live music.
Whether you're a regular clubber or just like the occasional big night out, why not visit one of these clubs next time you're in the neighbourhood? It could turn out to be an unforgettable night