London Club Pre-Game Plan: Best Bars Near Fabric, XOYO, and Village Underground

Walking into a London club at midnight with no drink in hand? That’s a mistake. The real party starts before the doors open. If you’re heading to Fabric, XOYO, or Village Underground, your pre-game matters just as much as the main event. These venues don’t just book great DJs-they sit in the middle of neighborhoods built for late-night energy. Knowing where to grab a drink before the crowd hits is the difference between standing in a line with a plastic cup and rolling in with your crew already buzzing.

Fabric: The Bass-Heavy Heart of Clerkenwell

Fabric’s bass bins shake the foundations of a 16th-century crypt. You don’t show up here after a three-hour pub crawl-you show up after one solid pre-game. The best spot? Bar 11, just 90 seconds from Fabric’s entrance on Farringdon Road. It’s not flashy. No neon, no bouncers checking your shoes. Just a long wooden bar, local craft lagers on tap, and bartenders who know exactly when you need your second gin and tonic. They pour Beavertown Neck Oil like it’s water, and if you’re feeling bold, ask for the Spiced Rum Old Fashioned-it’s their secret menu item, no list, just nod and say "the one with the orange peel."

Walk two blocks east to The Blind Pig, a speakeasy-style bar tucked under a railway arch. They don’t take reservations, but the line moves fast. Order the Blackberry Smash-it’s made with fresh muddled berries and a splash of ginger beer. It’s sweet, sharp, and goes down too easy. Pro tip: Skip the cocktails if you’re planning to dance for six hours. Stick to beer or cider. You’ll thank yourself at 4 a.m.

XOYO: Shoreditch’s Indie Pulse

XOYO doesn’t just play techno-it plays the soundtrack to a generation. The crowd here is younger, weirder, and more fashion-forward. Your pre-game needs to match that energy. Head to Bar 11 (yes, same name, different place). This one’s on Shoreditch High Street, just a five-minute walk from XOYO’s back entrance. They serve Beavertown Gamma Ray in cans, which you can grab and sip while walking. It’s the perfect carry-along beer for a pre-club stroll.

For something more substantial, try The Eagle on Brick Lane. It’s not a bar-it’s a British pub with a soul. You’ll find locals drinking Fuller’s London Pride from pint glasses, not plastic cups. Order a cheese board with pickled onions and a pint. You’ll feel grounded before the club hits you with 130 BPM. And yes, they have vegan cheese. It’s actually good.

Don’t miss Bar Salsa, a tiny Latin-inspired spot just around the corner. Their Caipirinha is made with real cachaça, not syrup. One sip and you’re already dancing in your head. It’s the kind of place where the bartender remembers your name after one visit. If you’re with a group, split a pitcher of Chicha Morada-a purple corn drink that’s sweet, spicy, and totally unexpected.

Village Underground: The Underground Gem

Village Underground sits under a disused railway station in Shoreditch. It’s gritty. It’s loud. It’s the kind of place where you might see a DJ from Berlin spinning before they’re famous. The pre-game here needs to be raw, not refined. Bar 11 (again) is still the go-to, but if you want something different, head to The Old Blue Last on Rivington Street. It’s a 10-minute walk, but worth it. This place smells like old leather, spilled beer, and cigarette smoke from 2003. It’s perfect. They have a £4 pint of Camden Hells and a jukebox that plays everything from The Clash to SOPHIE. No one cares if you’re dressed up. No one cares if you’re not.

For a quick snack before the bass drops, grab a halloumi wrap from Brick Lane Beigel Bake-yes, the same place famous for its salt beef bagels. It’s open until 4 a.m. and they’ll throw in extra pickles for free if you ask nicely. You’ll need the carbs. Trust me.

What to Avoid

Don’t waste time at chain bars like Wagamama or Starbucks before heading to these clubs. They’re too slow, too quiet, and too expensive. You’re not here to work. You’re here to move.

Avoid the tourist traps on Brick Lane after 9 p.m. The curry houses are great for dinner, but the cocktail bars there are overpriced and underwhelming. Stick to places locals actually go.

And please, don’t start your night at a pub that closes at 11 p.m. You’ll be stuck waiting outside Fabric at midnight with no drink and no vibe.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Pre-Game

• Arrive early-most bars near these clubs get packed by 10:30 p.m. Get there by 9:30 if you want a seat.
• Wear comfortable shoes-you’ll walk at least 1.5 miles before the club even opens.
• Split the bill-pre-game drinks add up. Use Splitwise or just go cashless. No one wants to argue over £12 cocktails.
• Carry a small bag-your phone, ID, cash, and a breath mint. That’s it. Clubs don’t allow big bags.
• Know the last train-the Night Tube runs on Fridays and Saturdays, but only on the Central and Victoria lines. Know your route before you go out.

What to Drink

Forget the sugar bombs. You want something that keeps you energized but doesn’t crash you by 2 a.m.

• Beer: Beavertown Neck Oil, Camden Hells, Sambrook’s Wayfarer
• Cider: Thatchers Gold, Stowford Press
• Whiskey: Glenfiddich 12 (neat), or a simple whiskey soda
• Cocktails: Gin and tonic with grapefruit, Blackberry Smash, Caipirinha
• Non-alcoholic: Seedlip Grove 42 with tonic, or a ginger beer with lime

Pro tip: Ask for "less ice". More drink, less watered-down mess.

Final Thought

The best pre-game isn’t about being the loudest or spending the most. It’s about being ready. Ready to move. Ready to feel the music. Ready to forget where you are and just be in it. Fabric, XOYO, and Village Underground don’t just play music-they create moments. Don’t show up cold. Show up warm, with a drink in hand and your crew close.