HideOut is another newish club under the arches by London Bridge tube station. The old tenant at this address was SeOne and this has been usurped by the cavernous Debut along with the smaller HideOut space. Despite the name change, the penchant for electronic music, particularly at HideOut, remains.

The Venue
A few streets down from London Bridge tube is Weston Street, a little alley with a lot of eager people filling it in anticipation of a long night ahead. Upon entry you will meet a fortress of security the likes of which are akin to the barriers you find at festivals, but such stringent checks at least mean you should get a night of trouble-free clubbing.

The main space, a large box-shape room, is where the headline DJs spin and, as there is only one small bar heaving with throngs of people later in the night, you should get your drinks in early or prepare for a queue later on. It’s not immediately clear that there is an additional room out the back of this space, but when you find it, you are met with a large crypt-like haven with brick walls and arches to create a comfy, intimate, chill-out spot. As many people don’t know this is here, its big comfy couches can be a welcome relief, and the music from the main room is playing in here as well so you won’t miss out. There isn’t a smoking area as such, but the entrance doubles as a smoking hub and, as it isn’t a massive venue, it’s not a hike to get to it.

The Atmosphere
The main space is essentially a giant square room with the DJ booth at the front so the vibe is what the people make it, and they are more than willing to get the vibe up and going…and going. There is a real mix of alternative clubbers, mainly attracted by whatever night is on and whatever DJs are playing. Girls wear a mixture of heels and flats, and some quirky fashion additions including luminous face paint which comes out as the night goes on. The security inside are very friendly and not overbearing as you can find in some venues. This is, of course, after you get in to the club, because getting in can be a bit of mission - you may have to navigate three queuing areas.

The Music
This is a club that’s puts on some international greats in underground house, electro and techno, with guest DJs to rival the biggest clubs in town. The ever-popular Shake It!, a night with a loyal, passionate following, have put on events featuring esteemed guests Magda, Layo & Bushwacka and Marc Houle. They are open from 11pm to 7am on some nights so you won’t have to worry about being caught in beaming lights at an annoyingly premature hour.

The Drink
The drink selection is minimal, as you would expect at this type of venue. There’s beer for £3.50, red or white wine for £4, and then some spirits, Red Bull and soft drinks. Don’t expect fancy drinks or particularly good quality wine but, then again, who does at this type of event. It’s something to quench your thirst as you dance into the night.

The Last Word
A great no-frills venue serving up some top class DJs, HideOut has the winning combination of a heaving dance floor twinned with a large, comfy chill-out area.

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