If a members’ club in Brixton sounds like a strange idea then the chances are you haven’t been to Brixton for years. The local warehouse party kids have grown up but they haven’t lost their love of clubbing; it’s just nowadays they want to do it in comfort and then stay over – which is where Dex fits the brief beautifully.

The Venue
Given its location in one of the capital’s prime clubbing hotspots, it’s apt that Dex is a members’ club that’s all about the DJ, partying and then staying over. It’s the first dedicated DJ hotel in the capital and it’s pretty special. Mere moments from Brixton tube, Dex has its own private entrance guarded by some of the most friendly, professional doormen you’ll ever have the pleasure of encountering (although they look as though they could squash trouble with their little finger if it became necessary).

Upstairs, there’s a large room with beautifully restored period features, a sweep of gold delineating the curve in the ceiling above the bar that runs the length of the room, and lots of rich, dark wood that’s polished to a high shine. The DJs play out from behind the bar whilst live bands set up at the far end of the room. Through a doorway at the far end there’s a small dining area with striking turquoise and gold wallpaper and adjacent is a private dining area that’s available for members’ private parties.

Walk up the sweeping staircase another level and immediately in front of you is a door to the roof terrace whilst a door on the right hand side leads through to the hotel bedrooms. Every bedroom is styled separately and there are eight in total. Members often stay over in groups, nipping from their room to their friend’s next door whilst getting ready and the upper level has a sophisticated house party feel. The bedrooms are luxurious and although they are all individually styled you can expect kingsize leather beds, iPod docks, giant TVs, baths sized for at least two (complete with two headrests) and showerheads even bigger than the vinyl in the DJ’s bag. However, the top pick has to be the bedroom with the four poster, its own set of decks and a bath that looks as though you could have an after party in it and chances are some of the DJs probably have.

Step out onto the decked roof terrace that runs the width of the hotel and the Balearic vibe is even evident in winter months. A brightly coloured Moroccan canopy that’s piled with cushions is a focal point and is the scene of many a late night putting the world to rights. There are also sun loungers and even a jacuzzi.

The Atmosphere
Credible music fans and people who love a fun party atmosphere have already taken Dex to their bosom. The Basement Jaxx have already played a couple of secret gigs here and at weekends it’s all about letting your hair down. During the week, live music and dinner are the name of the game but it’s still of the highest quality.

The Music
As a DJ hotel and members’ club you’d expect Dex DJs to know their stuff and they certainly do. The party doesn’t really get started until 11pm at weekends but when it does it kicks off in style and carries on until around 6am. Thankfully, there’s no official check out time at the hotel so if you’re staying over and fancy lying in until 4pm the next day, you can. A refreshing change from the usual 11am check out you find at most hotels and very welcome when you only finished dancing in the early hours.

The Drink
Although they will mix you a cocktail and take immense care over it, Dex is a members’ club for clubbers and as such whisky, vodka, rum and bottles of beer tend to be the top choices. For starters, they’re easier to dance with than a giant cocktail. Drinks are reasonable for a London club and all the spirits are double measures. Expect to pay around £8 for a double vodka and tonic and bottle of beer.

The Last Word
Dex is a welcome addition to the Brixton scene – there’s credible music, luxurious attention to detail in all the right places, the option to stay over when the night runs away with you and, of course, Brixton’s only roof terrace that boasts its own jacuzzi. Whether you’re a DJ or just a big fan of dancing the night away to the best of them, Dex always offers the perfect mix.

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