London’s Best Clubs for Summer Raving

We are now well into summer, and not just because of the weather - festivals are happening, and most parties are now outdoors. While many of London’s storied clubs are indoor only, there are a number of locations that boast fantastic outside areas for dancing or enjoying a pint.

Here are Lab.Club’s favourite clubs for summer raving in the capital:

• Ministry of Sound Courtyard: You may be surprised to see the classic South London venue on this list, but the club has recently added its adjoining courtyard as a venue and is now hosting dedicated events in this outdoor space. Notable dates this season are The Foundation on 26 July, with greats of UK Garage and House and starting outdoors then moving inside for afters, as well as the Trance Sanctuary day party on 24 August.

• The Cause: Having relocated from its original home to Silvertown in 2023, the Cause has been putting on epic events since 2018. And yes, this is a list of clubs, but most days and nights at the Docklands venue feel like a full-blown festival. Highlights this summer include this Saturday’s Cique du Soul with its focus on Garage and House, and the summer closer on 30 August featuring greats of House from New York.

• Night Tales Loft: It’s during the summer when Night Tales’ little sister is at her best. Located on a rooftop near Broadway Market, the club has an intimate dance floor that pulsates along with a large outdoor terrace overlooking East London - it’s the ideal spot for a relaxed breather. Ticket prices tend to be reasonable, and highlights this summer include the Sondela day-night party headlined by Dr Feel, in from Zimbabwe, this coming Saturday, and Macca’s four-week residency from mid-July.

• Brixton JAMM: This South London hotspot still flies under the radar for many of the city’s ravers, but that makes this community-focused space just that much more special. The venue has an eclectic program, which includes a number of outdoor day parties in the summer. Highlights this season include the 12 July day party jointly hosted by Rafiki and Big5ive with an Underground House lineup, and the We Are Balearic day party giving a taste of Ibiza on 24 August.

London Raves This Week

Friday

1. Eli & Fur @ fabric (House/Melodic-House)

2. Ellen Allien @ fold (Techno)

3. Darius Syrossian @ Night Tales (Legendary House)

4. Wire Open Air @ Secret Location (House/Techno)

5. Elijah & Skilliam @ NT’s Loft (Grime/Garage)

6. Free Hackney Tech House Party @ Night Tales

7. BRAT: The 1st Birthday @ XOYO (Charli xcx)

Saturday

1. Sondela Summer Rooftop Party @ Night Tales Loft (Afro House / Afro Tech)

2. Cirque du Soul @ The Cause (Garage / House / DnB)

3. Sidney Charles @ fabric (Heavy House)

4. Rødhåd @ FOLD (Techno)

5. Oden & Fatzo Open Air @ Eutopia Warehouse (House/Tech-house)

6. Anjunabeats @ Number 90 London (Trance)

7. A Day with Dimitri From Paris @ Night Tales (House/Disco)

8. DJ Hype & DJ Hazard @ Phonox (Drum & Bass)

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Our mission at Lab.Club is to serve the growing electronic dance community in London. Got some news to share with us? An event? A DJ? A set we should listen to? Feedback on this email?

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