Not since Ringo rocked the mop-top has the British scene been so, well, bloody brilliant. With its A-list DJs, ridiculously swanky set-ups, and trend-setting crowds, London has stolen the “it” nightlife destination title right out from under New York and LA.
That’s right - Swingin’ London is back, and it’s bigger than Amy Winehouse’s beehive, hotter than David Beckham, and more powerful than whatever it is Pete Doherty’s on. If you want to see the action for yourself, hop on a plane and check out these top 10 hotspots.
Top London Nightclubs #10: BoomBox at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen
2-4 Hoxton Sq, 020 7613 0709
Hoxton Square’s flamboyant and edgy Sunday night BoomBox party in Shoreditch isn’t just an event – it’s an art form. House and electro tunes play, revelers cavort in avant garde costumes and wigs, and anything goes at London’s most notorious night out.
Top London Nightclub #9 : Chinawhite
6 Air St, 020 7343 0040;
chinawhite.com
With its stunning Asian-inspired décor of hanging parasols and exotic tapestries, this swanky and intimate den seems better-suited for Chinese royalty than the footballers and WAGs grooving to hip-hop on the dance floor.
Top London Nightclubs # 8 : Paper
68 Regent St, 020 7439 7770;
paperclublondon.com
While this subterranean hotspot’s name may be referring to the 20-pound notes you’ll be handing out left and right, its claim to fame are the three VIP sections it contains, including the mattress-lined Bed nooks, the magazine-wallpapered Press room, and the UP Lounge for “untouchable people” who can sneak out via a private tunnel. 
Top London Nightclubs #7 : Embassy London
29 Old Burlington St, 020 7851 0956; embassylondon.com
If you’re not a privileged member of this exclusive restaurant and nightclub, you had better be on the guestlist, and dressed to kill. Once inside, though, you’ll be chilling with models to the beats of house, hip-hop, R&B, and soul while taking in the opulent surroundings.
Top London Nightclub #6 : Amika
65 High St, 084 5666 5001;
amikalondon.com
Regarded as London’s hottest new club, Amika boasts a chic all-white cocktail bar, a VIP champagne room, and a sexy dance club presided by top-notch DJs, glittering chandeliers, and a see-and-be-seen crowd.
Top London Nightclubs #5 : Fabric
77A Charterhouse St, 020 7336 8898; fabriclondon.com
Who needs Ibiza when you can get down to big-name DJs like Mark Ronson, John Digweed, and Goldie for less than 20 quid at this massive dance emporium with a bodysonic dance floor? Wall-flowers need not apply.
Top London Nightclubs #4 : Carling Academy Brixton
211 Stockwell Rd, 084 4477 2000;
brixton-academy.co.uk
Ready to hang the DJ? This art-deco live music venue (capacity: 4,921) is the place to see top British acts like Mika, Manic Street Preachers, Amy Winehouse, and The Klaxons in the flesh.
Top London Nightclub #3 : Kitts
7-12 Sloane Sq, 020 7881 5990;
kitts-london.com
It’s not the size of the club - it’s how you use it. This pint-sized lounge welcomes Sloane Rangers and the occasional royal into its trendy St. Kitts-inspired lair for island cocktails and poppy dance tunes. Want even more intimacy? Book a little one-on-one time in a private nook.
Top London Nightclubs #2 : The Cuckoo Club
Swallow St, 020 7287 4300;
thecuckooclub.com
Scenesters go nuts for Cuckoo Club’s spirit of rock star excess. The two-level hotspot stands out thanks to its decadent décor and rock ‘n’ roll playlist, with a smattering of dance tunes thrown in for good measure.
Top London Nightclubs #1 : Mahiki
If you like pina coladas, you’ll love Mahiki – and you’re in good company. Prince William and gal pal Kate Middleton are regulars at this tropical-themed dining and dancing destination famed for its tiki décor and £100 Treasure Chest cocktails for eight.
