About The Hanway Social
The Hanway Social is a small lively bar and club in Fitzrovia, London. It sits on Hanway Street (off Oxford Street) just a two-minute walk from Tottenham Court Road station (hanwaysocial.london ). Official listings describe it as a nightclub at “20 Hanway Street” with roughly 100-person capacity (www.skiddle.com ) (since it reopened it may hold up to around 120 on both floors (www.designmynight.com )). The space combines an elegant, modern bar on the ground floor with an intimate basement dance area, making it a unique multi-level venue in the West End. In short, The Hanway Social is often praised as a *“hidden gem”* of North Soho (api.laneengine.com ) – a compact spot with a warm, energetic vibe.
Inside, the design mixes vintage and chic elements. You’ll see French-style gold-leaf mirrors, exposed brick walls and low wooden benches paired with soft upholstered seating (hanwaysocial.london ) (www.designmynight.com ). Cushioned lounge areas and portrait-style artwork on the walls give the front bar a cozy feel, whereas the basement is an open dance pit under exposed brick arches and moody lighting (www.designmynight.com ) (hanwaysocial.london ). The Hanway Social has a fully stocked bar serving craft beers, spirits, wine and a small cocktail menu (hanwaysocial.london ). For bartenders here, mixing classics or a signature cocktail is part of the appeal. Even casual reviews note the friendly atmosphere: one clubgoer calls it a “nice club” with great DJs (api.laneengine.com ). Both floors can be booked for private events (birthdays, launches, etc.), and the venue often offers private hire for small groups. Overall, this intimate bar/club is notable for its stylish decor, a packed dancefloor and a warm, unpretentious atmosphere that keeps music fans coming back.
Events and Programming
The Hanway Social hosts a wide range of nightlife events, mostly focused on quality music and dancing. Most weekends and busy weeknights are club nights with DJs spinning genres like soul, funk, disco, R&B, house and reggae. The basement’s split-level layout means it can even run two events or DJs at once (fanciful.app ) (www.designmynight.com ). The venue advertises itself as suitable for “live performances, club nights, parties” and corporate gatherings (www.designmynight.com ), and promoters frequently schedule DJ sets and themed parties here. There are no resident pop or rock concerts (it’s primarily a dance venue), but occasionally local bands or artists do VIP or warm-up gigs on the side stage. Regular recurring nights have ranged from Motown or Northern Soul nights to electronic music parties – essentially a bit of something each week.
In recent years (2020–2025), the Hanway Social’s calendar reflected the trends of London nightlife. Like all venues, it paused events during COVID lockdowns, then gradually resumed with limited-capacity DJ events in 2022 and a full reopening by 2023. It has since returned to a normal late-night schedule with weekly club nights, seasonal parties (Halloween parties, New Year’s Eve raves, etc.), and special one-off events. The club quietly relocated to a new space at 22 Hanway Street by early 2025 (previously it was at 20 Hanway Street), but its event style remained consistent (www.designmynight.com ) (api.laneengine.com ). Promoter websites or social media often list upcoming lineups. Notable past party names include local DJ collectives like “Xtreme” and “Electrika” nights (as one reviewer mentioned) (api.laneengine.com ). Ticket prices tend to stay in the low-to-mid range for London’s west-end, and shows often sell out if a known DJ headliners. Overall, you’ll find the Hanway Social’s program heavy on upbeat dance music, DJ showcases and late-night fun.
Tickets and Booking
The Hanway Social does not have a traditional box office – tickets are usually sold through third-party platforms or promoter pages. In practice, most people buy online via the club’s website or affiliated ticket sites well in advance of a show. For popular events, advance tickets (often £5–£10) are strongly recommended since capacity is limited. If a show isn’t sold out, you may also be able to pay on entry (a “door cover”) on the night, but note prices on door can be higher. Generally, ticket prices range from around **£5–£10** for regular club nights up to **£15+** for special headline events or theme parties. Signing up for the club’s mailing list or following its reasonably on social media is the best way to know when tickets go on sale. In short: book early for big nights, but focus on the event calendar. There is usually no late seating or refunds, so plan accordingly and arrive with your pre-purchased ticket (or cash for a few extra pounds on the door).
Seating and Layout
The venue is laid out over two distinct levels (fanciful.app ) (www.designmynight.com ). At street level you enter into the cocktail lounge, a medium-sized bar room where you can sit on benches or high stools by the bar and look out over the room. This upstairs area has cafe-style seating and couches along the walls, art on display and a full bar (www.designmynight.com ) (hanwaysocial.london ). Downstairs is the main nightclub space. The basement is split-level, with a lower dancefloor in front of the stage/DJ booth and a raised platform toward the rear (with the bar and extra seating) (www.designmynight.com ) (fanciful.app ). In practice, most guests stand or dance. There is no formal theatre seating; everyone is essentially general admission. If you want to watch the DJs, good spots are on the raised section edges or standing just in front of the stage. The best views are typically from the higher step at the back of the basement or along the side wall where you can see down onto the crowd. The front of the basement (closest to the entrance) has some sofa benches with tables, which are nicer if you want to chat away from the dancefloor. Acoustically, sound fills all levels – the sound system is punchy (advertised as “excellent” (www.designmynight.com )) – so wherever you stand you’ll hear the music clearly. Lighting is kept dim and clubby. In summary: this venue is mainly standing room. Grab a railing spot if you want a breather, or find a tall table by the bar. There are small VIP/gap areas on the sides but no separate “VIP booths” as in larger clubs.
Getting There and Parking
The Hanway Social’s address is on Hanway Street in Fitzrovia, near Oxford Street. In practice, its central location means public transport is far more convenient than driving. The nearest Underground is **Tottenham Court Road** (Central, Northern and new Elizabeth lines) – only a two-minute walk away (www.designmynight.com ). Other handy stations are Goodge Street (Northern line) and Oxford Circus (Central, Victoria, Jubilee lines) within 5–10 minutes’ walk. Several London buses stop along Oxford Street or Tottenham Court Road outside the venue (for example routes 55, 10, 98 and many others), making it easy from most parts of the city. Night Tube service operates on weekends. For drivers: note there is **no dedicated parking lot**. The street is in a congested city centre zone (and in fact falls inside the congestion charge area after 7pm). Your best bet is one of the nearby public car parks (for example the NCP at Whitfield Street or an Oxford Circus garage), or to park further out and take public transport. Street parking on Hanway itself is almost non-existent and controlled by permits/pay-and-display. Taxis and rideshares typically drop off on Tottenham Court Road or Great Titchfield Street (immediately west of Hanway). Cycling is an option too – there are Santander Cycle hire stands at Tottenham Court Road station. In short: plan to arrive by tube, bus or cab rather than by car.
Inside the Venue
Entry: Staff may ask for ID (especially if you look under 25) and briefly check bags. Once inside you’ll find a compact foyer leading to the upstairs lounge. By the bar there may be a small cloak area where you can leave coats for a few pounds. The cocktail lounge (ground floor) feels like a modern bar – low tables, rugs and the artwork (www.designmynight.com ) give it an “art gallery meets lounge” vibe. The stone bar counter is lit from below and lined with the latest spirits, and bar stools ring around it. Bartenders here mix standard cocktails, pour pints and serve soft drinks. Because the venue markets itself on its drinks selection, you can expect the full range of beers and spirits (hanwaysocial.london ) (craft lagers and British ales are often on tap). They do not serve hot meals or a kitchen menu – at most there may be small bar snacks or occasionally pizza delivery behind the scenes, but it’s primarily a drinks-and-dance venue.
Atmosphere: The ground floor lounge is relaxed before the party starts – people chat over drinks and enjoy the air conditioning and lighting. Restrooms (toilets) are located on each level (upstairs and downstairs). The basement bathroom has been noted as very basic, so it can get cramped at peak times. When music sessions begin, the patrons flow down the stairs into the club. In the basement, expect a proper club vibe: speakers roaring bass, flashing disco lights and a packed dancefloor. Cellphone reception can be spotty downstairs; there is no advertised Wi-Fi network. The slick, brick-arched interior also doubles as a photo backdrop – in fact guides highlight the “two arches great for photography” (www.designmynight.com ). There is no merchandise stand; the focus is on the experience. If you get thirsty mid-dance, you can still order a drink from the bar (or from servers wandering through the crowd if the club is busy). Most people pay by card or contactless, but it’s wise to have a few pounds in cash on hand just in case. Finally, staff here are known to be friendly – locals often say the bartenders and promoters mix and mingle with the crowd. Normally a standard late-night security presence (ID scanners or chaperones) keeps things safe without much fuss. In summary: expect to walk in, grab a drink at the bar, join in on dancing – the space is small enough that even newcomers feel quickly at home in the crowd.
Nearby Amenities
The Hanway Social sits in a buzzing area with plenty of choices for food, drink or accommodation before or after a show. For pre-show dining, Fitzrovia and Soho have many casual restaurants. A few doors down on Hanway Street itself is **Bradley’s Spanish Bar** (42–44 Hanway Street) – an old-school pub famous for tapas and vinyl jukebox music (fitzrovianews.com ). No reservations are taken, but it’s a local favourite and a quirky spot for a glass of sherry or beer before heading next door. A couple blocks away on Tottenham Court Road and Goodge Street you’ll find quick eats: cafes like Pret A Manger or Soho Coffee, and inexpensive spots such as Pizza Pilgrims or a Wetherspoon pub if you need a cheap bite. On Oxford Street just north there are eateries ranging from PizzaExpress or Nando’s to UK burger chains. The area is also known for international fares – for example, a Japanese ramen shop at Goodge Street or Thai street-food near Warren Street can be reached in a 5–10 minute walk.
If you’d prefer a quieter drink nearby, Fitzrovia has many hidden bars and pubs (beyond Bradley’s) along Berwick and Morrison Street. After the club closes, you’ll find late-night transport readily available – the Night Tube (Fri/Sat) and buses run all night, or you can hail a taxi from Tottenham Court Road rank. For out-of-town visitors, hotels in this district are abundant: chains like Travelodge or YHA are just up Tottenham Court Road, and boutique hotels in Mayfair/Soho are 5-10 minutes’ walk. In short: arriving early means you have dozens of coffee shops, pubs and restaurants within a few minutes. Also, it’s wise to plan your trip home in advance, as central London has 24-hour transit and many 0-24 taxis at hand.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Hanway Social stands out for being a **truly independent, intimate nightclub** in central London (www.designmynight.com ). Unlike flashy West End superclubs, it has an unpretentious, underground feel. The decor is unique – the exposed brick arches and art-gallery style lounge give it character. For example, one guide praises the building’s vintage charm (“two arches” and “open brickwork” made for a great photo backdrop) (www.designmynight.com ). It’s part of Fitzrovia’s bohemian nightlife heritage: the nearby Bradley’s Bar dates to the 1860s (fitzrovianews.com ), and The Hanway Social has continued that tradition of local, offbeat venues. Musicians and promoters particularly love how the audience is packed in close. The sound system is touted as excellent and welcoming to performers (www.designmynight.com ) – in fact, DJs are free to bring their own kit and play exactly how they like. This hands-on, friendly approach gives it a real community vibe. Moreover, because the club is small, stars and locals mingle on the same dancefloor, creating memorable nights. Whether it’s the monthly themed nights, the late licences (open until 2am on weekends) (www.designmynight.com ) or the fun of discovering a “hidden gem” in a side street, The Hanway Social’s blend of great music and laid-back cool is what makes it special to both Londoners and touring artists.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The street-level bar is wheelchair accessible and even has artwork on display (www.designmynight.com ). However, the main dancefloor is downstairs, so note there are stairs to the basement. If you need level access throughout, inform staff – they may host events on the ground floor exclusively. What to Bring: You’ll need a valid photo ID (passport or UK driving licence) for entry if you’re 18 or younger, as this is a late-night venue. Bring cash and cards for drinks, and consider earplugs if you’re sensitive to loud music. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for dancing; smart-casual is best (avoid sportswear). Bags and Coats: Large backpacks and tripods are not allowed on the dance floor, but a small purse or normal backpack is fine. There is a coat rack at the entrance; staff can hold coats/large bags for a small fee. Photography: Smartphone photos for personal use are generally acceptable (especially of the fun atmosphere), but avoid professional cameras or flash photography unless given permission. Age and Policy: The Hanway Social is mainly an 18+ club (some nights may even be 21+). If an event has an age limit you will typically see it on the ticket. Security will scan IDs. Expect a pretty relaxed dress code – no jackets required, but staff may refuse entry for overly casual or track-suit attire. Entry Tips: Doors usually open around 9–10pm on party nights; arriving around opening time can avoid a queue. Standard closing is midnight or 1am on weekdays and 2am (late licence) on Thurs–Sat (www.designmynight.com ). Check the event listing for door times. Common Mistakes: Don’t underestimate how busy it can get – arriving late can mean waiting outside on Hanway Street. Conversely, many visitors find that it becomes almost empty late after 1:30am, so late-night transportation is easy. Finally, take small change for coat check and keep valuables with you (as you would at any club).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Hanway Social located?
The Hanway Social is on Hanway Street in Fitzrovia, London W1. It’s just off Oxford Street, a two-minute walk south of Tottenham Court Road station. (Note that it recently moved from No.20 to No.22 Hanway Street, but it remains the same small basement bar/club.)
How many people can the venue hold?
It’s a small club – official listings give it a capacity of about 100 people. In practice it feels very full when that many are inside. Because the space spans two levels (ground lounge + basement dancefloor), the crowd is split, but the total is still around one hundred. On usual nights you’ll find it cozy but not packed beyond comfort.
How can I buy tickets for an event?
Most tickets for shows at The Hanway Social are sold online through the venue’s website or promoter pages. The club itself does not have a ticket office. When an event is announced, you typically click through to an authorized seller to book e-tickets. If a show isn't sold out, the promoter may also allow walk-up pay-at-the-door entry, but that’s less common. Check the specific event listing for sales info and always buy early for popular nights.
What is the typical ticket price or cover charge?
Prices vary by night and act, but in general you can expect around £5–£10 for most club nights. Bigger or themed parties sometimes charge more (up to £15–£20 in advance). If there is a door cover, it’s usually in that lower range. The venue often runs no “free entry” nights – expect to pay something on weekends. Always check the event page for exact pricing. Fans recommend getting advance tickets soon after release to lock in any early-bird discount.
What time does The Hanway Social open and close?
Opening hours depend on the day. Generally, the bar opens in the late afternoon or early evening (often around 6–8pm). The club closes around midnight on weekdays, and has a late licence on Thursdays through Saturdays, staying open to about 2am (www.designmynight.com ). Hours can change for special events, so always check the Friday/Saturday schedule. In practice, for a late-night party, aim to arrive by 9 or 10pm to avoid queues and not miss opening acts.
How do I get there by public transport?
By Tube, use Tottenham Court Road station (Central & Northern lines, also Elizabeth line) and walk south on Tottenham Court Road for 2 minutes – then turn onto Hanway Street (www.designmynight.com ). Goodge Street (Northern line) and Oxford Circus (Central/Victoria/Jubilee) are also within walking distance. Bus routes 55, 10, 98 and several others have stops on Oxford Street or Tottenham Court Road nearby. The 24-hour night bus also serves this area. Taxis or rideshare drop-offs are best done on Tottenham Court Road as Hanway Street is a tiny lane.
Is there parking available at The Hanway Social?
No, the venue does not have its own parking. If you must drive, consider an underground car park nearby (for example on Whitfield Street or in Oxford Circus) and then walk or take a short cab ride. Hanway Street itself has almost no street parking (it’s a loading zone/pay-and-display area), and central London parking can be very expensive. It’s strongly recommended to use public transport instead of driving.
What is the seating arrangement – is it standing only?
The Hanway Social is primarily a standing-room venue. The ground-floor lounge area has a few benches and high tables, but downstairs is mostly open space for dancing. There is no fixed seating on the dancefloor. People often stand or dance wherever they like. If you need to sit, grab one of the few sofa benches along the side walls or the high stools by the bar. In general, expect to mingle while standing – it’s a club environment, not a seated theatre.
Is there a VIP or reserved area?
The Hanway Social doesn’t have a formal VIP section. There are no individual VIP booths or tables gated off from the crowd. That said, the raised back area near the bar can feel a bit more exclusive (it’s smaller and a bit higher than the dancefloor, so some groups treat it like an “upper level”). But generally all spaces are open to everyone. Any special bottle service or reserved seating would need to be arranged through private hire, not through standard event tickets.
What kind of music and events are held at The Hanway Social?
The Hanway Social is known for club nights rather than concerts. DJs spin a variety of genres – think soul, disco, funk, groove, House and even reggae or Latin nights on occasion. There are frequently themed parties (80s nights, soul parties, etc.) and special guest DJs from London’s dance scene. The venue is all about dancing, so you will mostly find live DJ sets and recorded hits, not live rock or pop bands. Follow the club’s events list to see what style is on sale; you’ll quickly notice a general focus on upbeat, danceable music and DJ-led entertainment.
Is there a dress code for The Hanway Social?
There’s no formal dress code or uniform, but the Hanway Social has a club atmosphere so smart-casual attire is best. Most people come in neat evening wear: for example, jeans and a nice shirt or dress, clean trainers or shoes. Avoid overly casual outfits like workout gear or baseball caps. As a rule of thumb, if you would wear it to a mid-range bar nightclub, it’s fine here. On theme nights the club may encourage dressing up according to the theme (80s, disco, etc.), but otherwise just look neat and ready to dance.
Can I bring my camera or take photos?
Casual photos with your phone are generally okay (many people take selfies or group shots with the brick-arch backdrops). However, professional cameras or video equipment are usually not allowed without permission. If you do film, keep flash off and be considerate of performers. In practice, if the room is crowded, staff may ask you to stop if they feel it’s disruptive. Always respect any “no photography” signs and the DJ’s performance space.
Is smoking allowed inside?
No, indoor smoking is banned by UK law, and The Hanway Social adheres to that. If you need to smoke, there is a small outdoor area on Hanway Street right outside the entrance. Security will usually ask people to exit the building to smoke. Of course, alcohol is served inside, but remember that smoking is only outdoors in London.
Can I bring my own food or drinks?
No – outside food or drinks are not permitted. It’s a licensed bar, so you should plan to buy all drinks inside. If you need a snack, have something small before you arrive or visit a nearby shop. The bar may offer bottled water or soft drinks, but most people stick to the usual alcoholic beverages purchased on site.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Partially. The Hanway Social’s ground-floor cocktail lounge is wheelchair accessible (www.designmynight.com ), with wide entrances and space near the bar. However, the main club area is downstairs and reached by a flight of stairs, so the dancefloor itself is not wheelchair-friendly. If accessibility is a concern, contact the venue in advance – they occasionally accommodate small private events on the ground level only.
What are the age restrictions?
Most events at The Hanway Social are 18+ only. It’s not a family or teen venue – you will need to show valid ID (passport or UK photo driving licence) if you look under 25. Occasionally there might be early-evening club nights open to younger crowds, but by default expect an adult crowd. The venue usually enforces an 18+ policy to comply with its late license.
Is there a coat check?
Yes, typically a cloakroom or coat rack is available. When you enter, staff will offer to check heavier coats or bags for a small fee (£2–£5 is usual). This is optional, of course, but it keeps your hands free for dancing. Note that checked items are stored at your own risk (standard procedure). There are no lockers, so make use of the rack if needed.
Are there restrooms inside?
Yes. There are bathroom facilities on each level. The ground-floor lounge has its own restrooms, and the basement club area has another set. They are quite basic (one review warned they can get messy), so you might want to use the upstairs facilities if it’s not too busy. Soap and water are provided, but do bring hand sanitizer just in case. The toilets can be very small and often have queues when it’s crowded.
Can I leave and re-enter the club?
Usually re-entry is not allowed. If you step outside (to smoke or catch fresh air), venue policy typically means you can’t just come back in without buying another ticket or paying another cover. The Hanway Social tends to run events as one session: once you exit, you don't re-enter. Always double-check with staff when you arrive. Keep this in mind if you plan to go outside to drink or smoke before heading home.
