Phoenix Arts Club
West End's best-kept secret: intimate cabaret, burlesque, and theatre in a deliberately seductive speakeasy.
Tucked behind the Phoenix Theatre in London's West End, the Phoenix Arts Club is an intimate cabaret venue celebrating its 35th year as a home for drag, burlesque, and avant-garde performance art. This members' club combines theatrical entertainment with a full bar and pizzeria, offering an unconventional night out with exotic cocktails, artisan pizzas, and shows ranging from comedy to cabaret. Open late into the early morning hours, it delivers genuine West End entertainment at remarkably affordable prices in a deliberately old-school, seductive atmosphere.
A brief summary to Phoenix Arts Club
- 1 Phoenix St, London, WC2H 8BU, GB
- +442078361077
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-3 am
- Tuesday 10 am-3 am
- Wednesday 10 am-3 am
- Thursday 10 am-3 am
- Friday 10 am-3 am
- Saturday 1 pm-3 am
- Sunday 5 pm-2 am
Local tips
- Arrive with an open mind and willingness to embrace unconventional entertainment—the Phoenix Arts Club deliberately challenges mainstream expectations and rewards adventurous audiences.
- Book membership in advance for better value; the membership model offers significantly better pricing than casual walk-in rates, and membership includes access to regular events and promotions.
- Order food and drinks via the QR code system on your table to avoid missing any part of the performance while maintaining the intimate atmosphere.
- Arrive early on popular nights (especially Saturdays) to secure good seating; the intimate venue has limited capacity and sightlines vary significantly depending on seat location.
- Check the current performance schedule before visiting, as programming varies throughout the week with different shows, themes, and entertainment styles.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Central, Northern, or Tottenham Court Road line to Tottenham Court Road station. Exit toward Gower Street and walk approximately 8–10 minutes southwest through the West End theatre district toward Phoenix Street. The venue is located at 1 Phoenix Street, behind the Phoenix Theatre. Journey time from central London stations is typically 15–25 minutes depending on starting point.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the West End area, including routes 10, 14, 24, 29, and 73, which stop near Tottenham Court Road or Charing Cross Road. From these stops, walk approximately 5–10 minutes to reach Phoenix Street. Bus journey times vary between 20–40 minutes depending on traffic and starting location. Evening services are frequent; late-night services (after 23:00) operate on reduced frequency.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services (Uber, Bolt) are readily available throughout London. Journey times from major London locations range from 10–30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Fares typically range from £8–25 depending on origin point. Evening and late-night surcharges may apply, particularly after 22:00. Rideshare services often offer surge pricing during peak entertainment hours (Thursday–Saturday evenings).
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Walking
If staying within the West End or nearby areas (Soho, Bloomsbury, Covent Garden), walking is feasible. From Covent Garden station, the walk is approximately 15 minutes; from Leicester Square, approximately 12 minutes. The route is well-lit and passes through busy entertainment districts. Walking is practical for evening visits when the area is active, though the venue's deliberate obscurity behind the Phoenix Theatre means it's easy to miss if unfamiliar with the location.
Phoenix Arts Club location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Phoenix Arts Club
A Hidden Gem Behind the Theatre
Located at 1 Phoenix Street in London's West End, the Phoenix Arts Club remains deliberately obscured from casual passersby, hidden behind the Phoenix Theatre itself. This concealment is entirely intentional—part of the venue's mystique and charm. For over three decades, it has cultivated a reputation as one of London's best-kept secrets, a place where theatre-goers and locals alike discover an alternative to the polished, corporate entertainment that dominates the West End. The club occupies a unique position in London's cultural landscape: neither fully a restaurant nor entirely a nightclub, but rather a hybrid space where dining, drinking, and performance art converge in deliberately unconventional ways.The Art of Provocative Entertainment
The Phoenix Arts Club specializes in hosting performances that push boundaries and challenge expectations. Drag queens, burlesque artists, cabaret performers, and comedians take the stage in shows that are equal parts artistic and risqué. The venue has become known for hosting events such as Next Generation Burlesque, featuring performers with names like Miss Chastity Belt, who combines sharp wit with impressive vocal talent. Fire-eaters, rope performers, and dancers in elaborate costumes create spectacles that blur the line between high art and cheeky entertainment. The shows are deliberately suggestive rather than explicit—nipple tassels, fur stoles, and theatrical nudity are presented as performance art rather than gratuitous display. This approach has earned the venue respect from those who appreciate performance art as a legitimate cultural form worthy of preservation.Intimate Dining and Cocktail Culture
The club's food and beverage offering is surprisingly sophisticated for a venue of its size and character. Artisan pizzas are prepared fresh and served in generous portions, earning consistent praise for quality and value. The cocktail program features exotic creations mixed with generous pours—reviewers frequently note that drinks are "as stiff as they can be," with no skimping on spirits. A QR code ordering system allows guests to request additional drinks and food without interrupting the show experience. The combination of theatrical entertainment, quality food, and well-crafted cocktails creates an atmosphere reminiscent of classic speakeasies, where patrons feel welcomed into an exclusive, relaxed family rather than treated as mere customers.Atmosphere and Member Experience
The Phoenix Arts Club operates on a membership model, with membership fees offering exceptional value for money. The venue's owner, Colin, is known for personally circulating through the room to ensure guests are enjoying themselves, occasionally offering complimentary drinks to enhance the experience. The atmosphere is deliberately old-school and slightly seedy in an intentional, charming way—not polished or corporate, but authentic and lived-in. The intimate scale of the venue, with its limited seating capacity, creates genuine connection between performers and audience members. This is a place where audience participation happens naturally, where you might find yourself being sat upon by a performer or engaged in witty banter with the compere.Theatrical Productions and Variety Shows
Beyond cabaret and burlesque, the Phoenix Arts Club hosts theatrical productions and variety shows. The venue has staged intimate musical theatre productions, such as Title of Show, a meta-musical about four people creating a musical. The club's minimal technical requirements—four chairs and a keyboard—make it ideal for experimental and fringe theatre. Regular programming includes The Saturday Supershow Cabaret, a two-hour spectacular featuring rotating cast of performers. Drag queen nights featuring power ballad sing-alongs, dragaoke events, and improv comedy shows round out the diverse entertainment calendar. This programming diversity ensures that repeat visitors encounter fresh experiences while maintaining the venue's core identity as a space for unconventional performance.Location and Accessibility
Situated in London's West End theatre district, the Phoenix Arts Club benefits from proximity to major transport links and the energy of London's entertainment quarter. The deliberate obscurity of its location—hidden behind another theatre—adds to its appeal as a discovery rather than a destination. For those seeking an alternative to mainstream West End entertainment, the effort required to find it becomes part of the experience. The late opening hours, extending until 2–3 AM depending on the day, position it as a destination for evening entertainment and late-night socializing.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Soho
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Entertaining
- Lively
- Quirky
- Unique
- Romantic
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Aesthetic Corners
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Adults Only
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
