Five of the UK’s most iconic basement clubs

With restrictions set to be lifted on the 19th of July, we hope for a return to some kind of normality. This means returning to some of the best basement clubs in the UK,  with sweat dripping off the ceiling and some of the world’s finest DJ talent bringing us dirty beats all night long. 

For us and many others, basement clubs are where underground dance music movements began way back in the late ’80s and early ’90s. These clubs are the backbone of the UK dance music scene, and they have faced the most challenging times in their existence for the past year. 

With this in mind, we have put together a list of some of the UK’s most celebrated basement clubs that have managed to keep their underground vibe over the years and are planning to reopen soon.

Egg – London

Egg has become one of London’s premier hotspots for electronic dance music since its opening in 2003, winning numerous awards along the way. The Victorian warehouse middle floor ‘Terrace’ features a KV2 Audio sound system and low ceiling lanterns and visuals; all the perfect ingredients to deliver the best underground raves week in week out like they have done for the past 18 years.

Upon reopening you can expect to see the likes of Cristian Varela, Deborah de Luca, George Smeddles, Latmun, Pleasurekraft, OC & Verde, Spektre, SUAT, and Yousef.

Joshua Brooks – Manchester

Joshua Brooks is at the heart of the Manchester dance music scene. First opening its doors in 1993, the bare brick basement proudly boasts the accolade of being the first place to play host to The Chemical Brothers residency.  A 400 capacity venue that underwent a refurbishment back in 2014, installing a Void Airmotion V2 sound system, the venue has played host to renowned brands Moxy Muzik, Boxed Music, Mute and Micron.

Recently announced under new management, you can expect an exciting future for this special basement club.

Stealth – Nottingham

Stealth has long been regarded as one of the best underground clubs in the Midlands since its opening in 2004. The club has long been known for its raucous, sweaty raves, with a capacity of 660 and an unrivalled Funktion One sound system.

Dn’B legends Roni Size & LTJ Bukem and Sonny Fodera have already confirmed their return in 2021.

Wire Club – Leeds

The Wire Club in Leeds is the true definition of intimate basement club spaces, with a capacity of 300. Brick archways and low ceilings give it a true underground appeal. The club is home to some of the purest electronic music nights in the North, they include Pearson Sound’s Acetate, Butter Side Up, Overflow, Sub Dub, Deep Medi, One Night With and Fuzzy Logic.

Already confirmed at Wire for the rest of 2021 is Peach b2b Saoirse, Daniel Avery, Special Request and Craig Richards All Night Long.

Sub Club – Glasgow

One of the UK’s most hallowed clubbing institutions. Sub Club is situated at 22 Jamaica Street in Glasgow. It is known as the world’s longest-running underground dance club in the world and one of the few clubs with renowned residents Harri and Domenic, who have been mainstays since 1990, playing every Saturday. The 410 capacity club is home to celebrated dance brands Numbers, Return to Mono, Sensu, and I Am.

The club has played host to dance music royalty, including Andrew Weatherall, Kerri Chandler, Larry Heard, Louie Vega, Roy Ayers and Sugar Hill Gang. The club has made no upcoming event announcements, but we’re sure to see such an integral member of not just Glasgow dance music but the wider dance music community reopen with emphatic style. At present, they are heavily campaigning and supporting numerous social causes plus the #savescottishnightlife campaign, demonstrating what the meaning of a true influencer is.

We’re sure you’ll agree when we say we cannot wait for these amazing spaces to re-open come the 19th of July!