London’s nightlife has seen a dramatic transformation over the past few decades. From the rave culture of the 90s to the alternative scene of the mid-noughties and early 2010s, London’s nightlife has served as a breeding ground for the UK music industry for years.
Whether you’ve always lived in London or only visited for a big night out, the city’s nightlife has long been a staple of British youth’s formative years, with every small venue and massive club night offering something unique. Whether you thought you were discovering the next Libertines or were dancing to the DJ of the moment, the place where you experienced those early nights out will always hold a special place in your heart – sticky floors and all.
Sadly, as areas become more gentrified, rents increase, owners sell up and licences are revoked, London’s nightlife has dramatically changed, with many once-beloved venues permanently closed. This is particularly evident in South London, where a number of different clubs have closed, taking with them a wealth of early memories for some. We’ve compiled a nostalgic tour of South London’s past nightlife and some of the clubs that all Londoners probably wish were still open today.
Croydon
Tiger Tiger
Tiger Tiger was a Croydon night out staple
(Image: Croydon Advertiser)
Tiger Tiger, once a Croydon nightlife staple, shut its doors for good in January 2016 after a 15-year run. The venue, which boasted a capacity of 2,430 across seven rooms and was famed for its comedy and live entertainment nights, was deemed “dated” by Croydon Council leader Tony Newman, who saw its closure as a positive step for the area’s future.
Black Sheep
Another casualty of changing times, Black Sheep was Croydon’s longest-standing independent nightclub until it closed in 2013. It had been a hit with the younger crowd, offering affordable drinks and a diverse music scene that included jazz, metal, dance, hip-hop, and drum and bass.
Blue Orchid
Blue Orchid was known for its podium dancers
This club was a go-to spot for young partygoers, but sadly Blue Orchid met its end in 2004. Known for its budget-friendly prices, podium dancers, and an on-site greasy spoon, the Park Lane club was a local legend.
The Scream Lounge
One of the more recent closures on the list, The Scream Lounge shut its doors in September 2019. As a live music venue, it offered an alternative to the typical pop and vodka shot scene, showcasing local bands at the start of their careers.
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Bromley
Delano
Delano’s was another name that faded into history, leaving behind a legacy of nights out and memories for those who frequented these iconic spots. A cherished spot for many Bromley locals, Delano’s was likely their first clubbing experience. Known for its coveted gold membership cards and pure garage tunes, lucky partygoers could even spot DJ Luck and MC Neat behind the decks at weekends.
BR1
Although small in size, BR1 was a nightclub with character. Despite its ashtray-like smell due to indoor smoking, house music fans flocked to its ‘event’ nights called ‘I’m a raver not a saver’.
Jazzmins
The club is now a dessert parlour
(Image: google)
An unusual nightclub, Jazzmins used to offer revellers a free finger food buffet while they partied – a rarity in today’s bars. It was an ideal late-night spot, especially for karaoke enthusiasts. The popular haunt closed in 2010 and never reopened, with the empty unit becoming ice cream parlour Creams in 2017.
Bibas
Bibas was missed by locals for its entertaining mix of patrons who would flock there every weekend. From teenagers to people in their 40s, 50s and beyond, Bibas was known for its popular karaoke nights and open atmosphere.
Kingston
Oceana
Oceana lives on as Pryzm
(Image: Flikr)
The Clarence Street nightclub, a popular spot since its opening in 2003, attracted partygoers not only from the local area but also from the home counties. Known for its visually impressive rooms, including a colour-changing dancefloor, a grand ballroom and a ski-chalet style room, Oceana was a hit among students from Surrey University and Kingston University. However, it closed its doors in 2013 and was transformed into Pryzm.
The Hippodrome
One of Kingston’s largest clubs, The Hippodrome had a rich history before it shut down in 2018. It was previously known as Volts Nightclub in 1995 and then the Works Nightclub in 2000. Its popularity led to it winning the Best Club Award at Kingston’s Best Bar None Awards in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2016. Despite this, and a petition signed by over 5,000 people attempting to save it, the club ultimately closed.
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