With the economic crisis taking its toll on the purse strings of most Londoners, it’s no surprise that many are turning to the cheap end of the clubbing spectrum. Welcome to McCluskys. A student haven.

The Venue
A short walk from Kingston train station, the exact location of McCluskys is given away thanks to the large crowds gathered outside, cowering against the inevitable chill wafting over from the River Thames nearby. The exterior of the club is brightly lit with its name boldly emblazoned across the front.

Once inside, ascend the stairs to be met by the main club area. The floors are sticky and there’s a large easy-access bar area to your left, lined with steel stools on each side. One of the popular attractions of the decor here is a rather tacky but surprisingly apt pole that girls (and guys) twirl around, showing off to the hormone-fuelled crowd. There is also a raised stage that is used for performances.

The closed off VIP room is located towards the back of the club, with leather upholstery and finely draped curtains clinging to the walls.

The Atmosphere
McCluskys attracts a lot of students local to Kingston, especially from Roehampton University, and you’re unlikely to see anyone over the age of thirty strutting their stuff on the dance floor. As the overhead lights ricochet off the dance floor, you will see clubbers dressed in a huge array of look-at-me clothing. Think ultra-short miniskirts, barely-there bandeau dresses and 4 inch heels for the ladies and the ever-reliable jeans and a shirt combo for the lads. That said, the door policy isn’t as strict as at many clubs and jeans and trainers are OK.

The bouncers aren’t the friendliest but inside the bar staff do a good job of keeping the queues for the bar down to a minimum.

The Music
You can expect everything from cheesy chart hits to funky house and RnB. Every Friday they host Value For Money night where the entrance fee is just £1.75 before 10pm and all drinks cost a shockingly low £1.75 each. They also host special events, a popular one being their X Factor night every Saturday when the last voted out act from the X Factor performs on stage for the first time since being given the boot – quite a coup for a little club outside of Central London.

The Drink
The drinks are cheap at McCluskys, although it’s not surprising given they attract so many students. They have a handful of classic cocktails such as a rather watery Screaming Orgasm or the far superior Blue Dream with a distinct taste of white rum. The spirits here are cheap with most coming in at the £1-£2 range. A real student’s paradise.

The Last Word
McCluskys is the Marmite of London clubs. If you’ve left your student days far behind, chances are you’ll feel out of place in a club that’s packed with upbeat twentysomethings making the most of their student loans. Good for what it is.

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