1. Cafe Piccante – Edinburgh, Scotland
Also known as the ‘disco chippy’ of the ‘burgh, Cafe Piccante has everything that clubgoers need to keep the party going whilst on their way to the next club. The place has a tasty selection of fish and chips, burgers, kebabs, sweets and more to satisfy your every late-night craving, plus a DJ every weekend. The food is excellent, the service friendly and fast, and the atmosphere festive and casual – it may not be equipped with a full dance floor but it’s got just about anything else you could ask for!
2. Minuscule of Sound – travelling venue
This venue has the honour of reigning as the “World’s Smallest Niteclub,” complete with a mini webpage that demands in tiny print that you book the Minuscule of Sound for your own enjoyment. The MoS holds a Guinness World Record for its size – 8’x4’x8’ – and boasts a “fluffy décor, flashing lights, a traditional Saturday Night Fever dancefloor, and a not very fluffy DJ.” This venue originated in East London in 1998, and has since travelled to host events across the globe. Now a Glastonbury fest regular, the venue even offers a new “bar” and a cloakroom inside. The phrase “small but mighty” has never been more appropriate!
3. The Arches – Glasgow, Scotland
Located in the city centre and acting as not only a club but a cafe/bar as well as a home to theatre and arts events, this underground venue lives under a collection of seven railway arches and two floors. The club nights are particularly popular for those seeking “all things electronic,” with both small and internationally famous DJs spinning on weekends. Meanwhile, weekly student nights (currently held at Saint Judes for the time being) feature attractions like a swimming pool, wedding chapel and bouncy castle. Weathered ravers and fresh faced students alike will get an unmatched experience at this unique club.
4. Club Aquarium – London, England
Even during the gloomiest or wettest of times, this club offers a tropical, summery experience throughout the year. In a venue that’s played host to many exclusive parties as well as videos/photoshoots in the past, the place now offers clubgoers the choice of enjoying “a poolside cocktail, a dip in the Jacuzzi or a packed dance floor” – regardless of what the weather’s like. Club Aquarium gives you the full experience with retro decor inside, plenty of theme nights and Carwash club nights playing throwback tunes galore.
5. FunFair Club – Brighton, England
Anyone clubbing at this venue will get much more from their experience than a dance floor and some drinks: designed to bring to mind the funfairs and carnivals of Brighton’s past, a night out at FunFair Club will be absolutely full of antics and atmosphere! The interior decor has endless odd features, from cut-out photo boards to popcorn machines to a ball pit, and the VIP rooms offer even more of the same, including funhouse-type mirrors and bed of nails tables. Club nights with names like “Funhouse,” “Magic” and “Circus” offer entertainment including burlesque, snake charmers, magic, fire breathers, face painting and more.
Written by Gaia Croston