200b Upper Richmond Road,
Putney,
London,
SW15 2SH
0872 148 5256
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
The Fez Club acts as an unofficial Putney student union. Not bad if you’re a student, not great for everyone else.
The Venue
Transporting North Africa to South London, The Fez Club is a small but atmospheric SOUK-style basement club just off Putney High Street. Part of the Eclectic Bars and Club’s franchise, including the similarly themed Po Na Na, the walls are lined with Moroccan market paraphernalia; however, given Tony Manero didn’t hail from Casablanca, quite where the Saturday Night Fever flashing dance floor fits in is anybody’s guess.
The Atmosphere
Much like Infernos in Clapham, The Fez Club is the venue of choice for twentysomething graduates seemingly loathe to let go of their student days. In fact, on a Wednesday night it plays host to Roehampton University’s student night. On Saturday nights, you’re liable to encounter young professionals who should have grown out of it, but for some reason are still disposed towards fancy dress, drinking games and generally wacky behaviour.
Not wishing to tar everybody with the same brush, many punters come simply to have a good time and hit the dance floor, but the lewd few often end up dominating the dance space. The door staff aren’t backward about coming forward, but you have to have a degree of sympathy for them given some of the clientele.
The Music
Continuing the frat theme, the music is exactly what you’d expect of a stereotypical student night: cheesy party anthems and commercial floor fillers with a sprinkling of RnB. Friday’s Fever is pretty much indistinguishable from Saturday’s Therapy, leaving Thursday’s MiTunes as the most innovative night. Bringing the DJ request into the digital age, you can email your track selections prior to the night. It’s a chance to stretch the otherwise anodyne music policy - wonder if Lou Reed’s Metal Machine Music would be worthy of a spin?
The Drink
There are a few decent drinks promotions at The Fez Club - mojitos are £3 all night on Thursdays, or you'll pay £2.50 for a bottle of Corona or Red Stripe. There are no regular offers on Friday or Saturday nights. Be aware that doubles tend to be served instead of singles unless requested otherwise.
The Last Word
If arriving at The Fez Club after 11pm at the weekend there’s a danger of joining a one-in, one-out queue and paying £10 to gain entry at the end of it. If you miss your student days, or indeed you are a student, then the cheesy music and cheap drinks will appeal, for everyone else you may want to steer clear.
The Fez Club has been reviewed by 14 users