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EnglishWhat Is the Late-Night Experience at Phoenix Arts Club?
Updated
After the cabaret show ends, the room doesn't close — it turns into a late-night cocktail bar and hangout. The venue stays open from 9pm 'til late, with showtunes singalongs, and it draws a mixed crowd of West End theatre workers, actors, writers, painters and film-makers through its art deco doors. If you're deciding whether to stay after a performance, the answer is that the post-show bar is a core part of the night, not an afterthought.
What happens after the show
The Phoenix Arts Club runs nightly multi-line-up cabaret shows, then shifts into "Post Show" mode as a late-night cocktail bar and hangout. The same space that hosted drag, burlesque, aerial, comedy or musical theatre acts becomes a place to drink and socialise until late.
Two things define the atmosphere:
- Showtunes singalong — the venue is open 9pm 'til late for this, so the entertainment continues in a more informal, participatory form.
- A showbiz crowd — the Club describes itself as "that Soho bar" in the showbiz world, welcoming the West End's theatre workers, actors, writers, painters and film-makers after their own shows finish.
Who you'll be drinking alongside
This is the detail that separates the Phoenix from a standard late bar. It was created by entertainers for entertainers, and the post-show crowd reflects that: performers, creatives and industry people who come in after their own curtains come down. The venue says you "never know who might take to the stage," which applies to the bar hours as much as the booked show.
If you're going for the performances alone, you'll still get a full night. If you're going for the room — the art deco setting and the chance to be around theatre people — the post-show hours are the reason to stay.
Practical points before you go
| Question | What the venue states |
|---|---|
| When does it open for the late session? | Open 9pm 'til late for showtunes singalong |
| Do you need to be a member? | Non-members can buy a show ticket and get temporary membership for the night |
| How much does it cost? | Show prices start from just £15; yearly membership starts at £150 |
| Do you need to book? | Advanced booking is essential |
| What's the dress/atmosphere? | Art deco doors, theatrical, independent, informal after the show |
The Club frames its pricing around accessibility — it says the arts should be accessible, and all money raised is reinvested back into the Club. That's worth knowing if you're weighing a one-night ticket against annual membership: the yearly option starts at £150, while a single show ticket starts at £15 and includes temporary membership for that night.
How to plan your evening around it
- Book a show in advance. Advanced booking is essential, so pick a night from the nightly line-up rather than turning up hoping for a walk-in.
- Arrive for the performance. Your ticket covers the show and gives you temporary membership for the night.
- Stay for Post Show. Once the line-up finishes, the space becomes the late-night cocktail bar — this is when the theatre crowd arrives and the singalong side of the venue takes over.
- Expect a late finish. The venue runs 'til late, so plan transport home accordingly.
The main thing to decide is whether you want the show only or the full night. The show is the headline; the post-show bar is where the Club's identity as a Soho theatrical hangout actually plays out.