About Tiger Tiger London
Tiger Tiger London was a legendary West End nightclub (part of the UK “Tiger Tiger” chain run by Novus Leisure) that opened in 1998 (en.wikipedia.org ). Its flagship Haymarket venue covered roughly 18,000 sq ft across four floors, with one restaurant, four large dance floors and five bars (en.wikipedia.org ). Each room had its own theme and music style, creating a 6-room club complex in the heart of London (www.nightflow.com ). In its heyday Tiger Tiger could host over 1,500 people in one night (www.tripadvisor.com ). It became a memorable rite of passage for London students and first-timers – one writer notes that “as soon as you turned 18, you knew the only time to go out was … Tiger Tiger” (archive.thetab.com ). The club even entered history in 2007 when an unexploded car bomb was found outside its Piccadilly entrance and safely defused (en.wikipedia.org ).
After 26 years at Haymarket, Tiger Tiger London closed its doors in October 2024. News reports confirm that the 1,700-capacity nightclub/bar has “now closed” and the building (Haymarket House) is slated for conversion into a hotel (www.thecaterer.com ) (mixmag.net ). City press lamented its loss as the end of a “cheap and cheerful” era of London nightlife (www.standard.co.uk ) (www.thecaterer.com ). (Until closing, Tiger Tiger had remained one of the West End’s last truly budget-friendly party venues.)
Events and Programming
Tiger Tiger London was primarily a multi-genre dance club rather than a concert hall. It hosted themed club nights almost every day of the week. For example, one weekly event series billed “Luxe Fridays” featured a mix of genres like hip-hop, Afrobeats, reggaeton, R&B and even Bollywood pop (fixr.co ). Similarly, other nights might focus on 90s/00s hits (often in the “Decadia” room) or current chart music. The club rarely presented live bands; instead DJs spun club and party hits across several rooms. Promoters often ran student nights or special theme parties (e.g. Latin or Bollywood nights) on weeknights. Many events were announced via social media or party listings, sometimes with very low entry fees. For instance, an event in August 2023 advertised tickets for only £3–£5 (www.fatsoma.com ), reflecting Tiger Tiger’s reputation for affordable cover charges. Of course, big holiday or guest-DJ nights could be pricier (around £10–£20 or more). Frequent promotions meant that signing up on the club’s guest list was a smart strategy: Tiger Tiger itself noted that you could “skip the long wait in line” and even get “free entry on the Guest List if you enter before 11pm” (www.nightflow.com ). In short, Tiger Tiger’s programming spanned everything from student nights and urban R&B parties to club-anthology nights, typically with low entry prices and a party atmosphere in every room. (fixr.co ) (www.nightflow.com )
Tickets and Booking
Tiger Tiger had no traditional box office; tickets were usually sold through event promoters or at the door. Regular club nights typically had inexpensive covers, especially if booked in advance or via the guest list. For example, one listing shows early-bird tickets at just £3–£5 (www.fatsoma.com ). In practice, you could often purchase tickets on-site on the night of the event. If a flyer or promoter name is given, tickets might also appear on online event sites. The club encouraged advance planning: by contacting the venue to join the guest list, groups could skip queues and even get free entry if arriving early (www.nightflow.com ). For popular themed events or holiday parties, it’s best to book or arrive early, as these could sell out.
VIP tables and bottle service were available for larger groups. These were booked directly through the club (often via a contact form or phone number). A VIP table guaranteed a seated area near the dance floor and an assigned bartender, but at a much higher cost (typically hundreds of pounds for bottle packages). By contrast, general admission was standing-room only. In short: most visitors could simply buy tickets or pay at the door, but anyone seeking the VIP lounge experience would reserve a table in advance.
Seating and Layout
The Haymarket venue was designed as a multi-room dance complex, and there was almost no fixed seating on the dance floors. As the venue itself notes, Tiger Tiger is “spread out over six rooms, every part of Tiger Tiger follows its very own unique concept and vibe” (www.nightflow.com ). In practical terms, this meant multiple levels with dance floors and bars on each level. The main Tiger Bar floor (typically the largest area) featured a big dance space with the DJ booth, while another floor (the “LUXE Bar”) offered a more R&B/lounge setting. Other floors contained additional smaller dance areas or chill-out lounges. The only significant seated areas were in the restaurant and some of the bars; otherwise the club was a standing- room party.
Audio-wise, Tiger Tiger invested in a powerful sound system. In 2015 the club upgraded to Martin Audio CDD speakers and subwoofers throughout (fohonline.com ). For example, the main dance floor has multiple 15-inch and 12-inch full-range speakers plus large subwoofers (fohonline.com ), delivering club-level bass and volume. This means anywhere on the dance floors is very loud – great for dancing, though those sensitive to bass might prefer a spot a little farther from the speakers. (One tip: if you want to actually converse, try the upper bars or the restaurant level where the music is more muted.)
In terms of views, the best spots depend on preference. To be right in the action and hear the music clearly, standing near the front of a dance floor by the DJ is ideal. Guest tables for VIP groups typically line the edges of the floor for a good view. Meanwhile, balconies or upper-level lounges give a good vantage over the crowd below (at the cost of being farther from the DJ). In general, avoid blocking stairwell areas or back corners where the sound can be less even. Because Tiger Tiger is mostly standing-room, it helps to arrive early if you want prime dancefloor real estate – otherwise the crowds fill in quickly.
Getting There and Parking
Tiger Tiger was located at 29 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4SP , inside the Haymarket House building. This is in the heart of the West End, just off Piccadilly (between Coventry Street and Sherrard Street). In fact, the venue’s own description notes it is “just moments from Piccadilly Circus” (www.tripadvisor.com ). For public transport, the nearest Tube station is Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines) – use the Haymarket/Coventry Street exit and it’s a 2–3 minute walk. Leicester Square station (Northern and Piccadilly lines) is also only about a 5-minute walk north. Charing Cross (Northern/Bakerloo) and Embankment (Northern, Bakerloo, Circle, District) are roughly a 5–7 minute walk away as well.
Numerous bus routes serve the area. For example, buses 14, 19, 29, 38 and 139 all have stops on Piccadilly or Coventry Street, a short walk from the club. Late at night there are night buses (such as N19, N29, N38) running through Piccadilly Circus/Leicester Square. A black cab or Uber can drop off directly on Haymarket; the closest official taxi ranks are at Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square. Cyclists will find Santander (Boris) bike docking stations nearby (for example at Piccadilly Circus or on Coventry Street).
There is no on-site parking at Tiger Tiger. West End parking is very limited and usually metered. If you drive, your best bet is a nearby public garage: for instance, the Q-Park under Chinatown (near Coventry St) or the NCP on Whitcomb Street (Leicester Square) are within 5–10 minutes’ walk. Street parking is scarce and expensive (city meters and restrictions apply). Note that Haymarket is inside the London Congestion Charge zone, so drivers must pay that as well. In practice, public transit or taxis are the most convenient way to arrive.
Inside the Venue
Upon arrival, you would join the queue at the main entrance and show ID (passport or EU photo ID is normally required). Security staff typically check IDs and may pat-down or inspect small bags. Large backpacks or outside food/drink would be turned away. Inside, the atmosphere is that of a classic neon-lit London nightclub – dark interior with flashing lights, loud music and vibrant decor (often with tiger and jungle motifs).
The club has an attached restaurant called *Haymarket Kitchen*. This restaurant is open from around midday and serves an all-day menu of bar/bistro-style dishes. Menu items include sharing platters, burgers, salads and global comfort foods – useful for refuelling before dancing. As one description puts it, Haymarket Kitchen “serves up a delicious selection of food from 12pm daily” (www.tripadvisor.com ), so it’s a convenient pre-club dining option. (Most visitors order food early in the evening or after 12pm before the club crowd really forms.)
Multiple bars are located throughout the building – essentially one bar per room/floor – so you can order drinks no matter where you are dancing. Bar queues can be long at peak times, and drinks are typically club-price (£5–£7 for beer/wine, £8–£12 for cocktails, etc.). As one attendee noted, even “house spirit and mixer” cost about £13 (www.tripadvisor.com ). Payment is by card or cash at the bar. All-night drink service means you rarely have to go without a drink if you stay in the club (though keep an eye on your belongings).
The club layout includes restrooms on each level. These are functional but often heavily used – queues can be long when the venue is full. (On busy nights it’s common to see lines outside the restroom doors.) Of note: if you need to check coats or large handbags, a staffed cloakroom is available at the entrance. Expect to pay roughly £5 per item for coat check (www.tripadvisor.com ), so it’s easiest to carry only essentials. There are no public lockers aside from this cloakroom service.
Connectivity inside Tiger Tiger is typical for a nightclub: mobile signal can be patchy in deep areas of the club, and there is no public Wi-Fi service. Your phone probably will work best near the entrance or on upper floors. Be prepared that calls or texting may be difficult in the main dance areas. Also, be aware that photography is discouraged on the dance floors – large cameras or video rigs are not allowed, and even phone photos are often kept discreet. The emphasis is on dancing, not filming.
Nearby Amenities
Tiger Tiger’s central location means plenty of options for food, nightlife and lodging within a few minutes’ walk:
Restaurants: There are many nearby. For informal dining try Wagamama (Japanese ramen) on Argyll Street or All Star Lanes (bowling alley with American-style food) on Heddon Street, both a couple of minutes away. PizzaExpress and La Tasca (Spanish tapas) are on nearby Great Pulteney Street. For something more upscale, The Ivy Market Grill (British/modern) is just around the corner on West Street. Bars: A variety of pubs and cocktail bars are a short walk away. On the same block you’ll find Be At One (a popular chain cocktail bar), and just off Coventry Street is Chinawhite (though that closed in 2014 and the space is now a restaurant). Other options include The Rum Kitchen (Caribbean/rum bar) on Rathbone Place or The Great Gatsby (speakeasy-style cocktails) on West Central Street. (Many Piccadilly and Leicester Square pubs are in easy walking distance as well.)Hotels: Several major hotels are nearby for out-of-town guests. For example, the Strand Palace Hotel is about a 4-minute walk along the Strand, and the Novotel Covent Garden is 6–7 minutes on Russell Street. In Piccadilly itself there’s the Park Plaza Westminster (around 8 minutes on Great Scotland Yard) and the Courthouse Hotel on Brewer Street (about 5 minutes). Boutique options include the Chesterfield Mayfair off Duke Street. In short, from budget to luxury you’ll find many places to stay within a 10-minute walk. Arrival Timing: If you plan to dine first, restaurants in the area typically serve dinner from 5–6pm. For club entry, it’s wise to arrive by 10pm at the latest (even earlier if you want free guest-list entry). Traffic around Piccadilly can be slow on weekends, so allow extra travel time. After your night out, the last Tube trains run around midnight (Midnight-12:30am). Night buses (N19, N29, etc.) run all night on weekends, and rideshare/taxis are plentiful for after-hours travel.
What Makes This Venue Special
Several factors made Tiger Tiger London stand out among London nightclubs. Firstly, its sheer scale and design were unusual: housed in a 1950s Art-Deco office building (Haymarket House) (manchesterhistory.net ), it combined retro architectural flair with modern club décor (neon lights, jungle motifs, a giant high-resolution video wall, etc.). Inside, the multiple distinct rooms – each playing different music – meant a diverse experience under one roof (www.nightflow.com ). For example, the main Tiger Bar room was a high-energy dancefloor, while the “LUXE” bar offered a more glamorous R&B/lounge vibe.
Tiger Tiger also carved out a unique cultural role. It was one of the few large clubs in central London that remained affordable; students and younger crowds remember it fondly as the place for cheap drinks and loud party music. A journalist noted that the club’s “wince-inducing tequila shots” and budget prices made it the last refuge of affordable nightlife (www.standard.co.uk ). In fact, many Londoners’ first 18th-birthday nights were spent there (archive.thetab.com ). In essence, Tiger Tiger was a no-frills party venue – not a trendy lounge, but a place for uninhibited fun. Its multicoloured dancefloors and stickiness were often mocked as old-fashioned, yet for thousands of patrons that oddball charm was exactly the point.
Historically, Tiger Tiger is remembered as a West End institution. Aside from the 2007 bomb incident (en.wikipedia.org ), it never sought glamour; it never switched to a high-end nightclub vibe. As a result, its closure in 2024 prompted nostalgia. In closing remarks the press lamented that London was “losing another nightspot,” reflecting Tiger Tiger’s role as a piece of nightlife heritage (www.standard.co.uk ) (www.thecaterer.com ). In short, the club’s specialness lay in being an enduring, if gritty, gathering place – a rare surviving “student night” mecca in the heart of London’s theatre and hotel district.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The Haymarket venue has limited step-free access. The restaurant and ground-floor bar areas are mostly on one level (with a street ramp), but the main dancefloors require using stairs. If wheelchair access is needed, it’s best to call the venue ahead. Expect at least one accessible toilet (on ground floor), though the basement levels may not be fully accessible.
What to Bring: Always carry a valid photo ID (passport or EU driving licence) since strict age checks are enforced. No outside food or drink is permitted. Bring a small bag or none at all – large bags will be checked or refused. Remember your tickets or name on the guest list if used. In winter months a coat is fine, but note the cloakroom fee (around £5 per item (www.tripadvisor.com )). Fans of loud music may want earplugs, as the club can be very loud (especially near the speakers). A smartphone or camera is fine, but flash photography is discouraged.
Upon Arrival: It often pays to arrive early. Popular nights build long queues, so aim to be there by 10–11pm at the latest. If you signed up on a guest list or planned to use a promotion, arrive before 11pm to take advantage of free entry (www.nightflow.com ). Dress is casual – trainers and jeans are generally acceptable. In fact, one reviewer found the dress code “very relaxed… you can wear whatever you like” (www.tripadvisor.com ). The main exception would be athletic wear (track suits, sports jerseys) which bouncers may discourage. Ladies often dress for a night out (some may wear heels), but comfortable shoes are wise if you plan to dance all night (www.tripadvisor.com ).
Age and Conduct: Entry was always restricted to age 18 and over (no exceptions for younger guests, even if accompanied by adults). The crowd until closing time was typically mixed (mostly 18–30 year-olds). Tiger Tiger had a fairly lively party atmosphere – expect loud music, dancing and crowds. While security was present, always keep track of your friends and belongings (pickpocketing can happen in crowded clubs). Normal nightclub rules applied: no smoking inside (UK law forbids it), no aggressive behavior, and do not bring large professional cameras or recording equipment.
Common Mistakes: Many first-time visitors make the mistake of underestimating how busy it can get. We strongly recommend using the guest list or arriving early. Also note that paying for drinks at this club can be expensive – as one guest wrote, drinks felt “premium priced” for the setting (www.tripadvisor.com ). Plan a budget or use cash carefully. Finally, check closing times: on most nights Tiger Tiger operated until the early hours (often 3am or later) (www.tripadvisor.com ), but transport options become limited late, so plan your ride home in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tiger Tiger London still open?
No. Tiger Tiger London permanently closed in October 2024 after 26 years of operation (www.thecaterer.com ) (mixmag.net ). Its building is now being repurposed (plans are in place to convert it into a hotel). So you cannot currently visit under the Tiger Tiger name.
What was the capacity of Tiger Tiger London?
The Haymarket branch could host roughly 1,500–1,700 people. Venue descriptions note it could “host over 1500 guests” across six main dance floors (www.tripadvisor.com ). This made it one of London’s larger nightclubs in terms of capacity.
Where was Tiger Tiger London located, and which Tube station is closest?
Tiger Tiger London stood at 29 Haymarket in Westminster (near Piccadilly Circus). The closest Underground stop is Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines) – take the Haymarket/Coventry Street exit and walk ~2 minutes on Haymarket. Leicester Square station (Northern/Piccadilly lines) is also about a 5-minute walk north. (As one description notes, the club was “just moments from Piccadilly Circus” (www.tripadvisor.com ).)
How much were tickets to events at Tiger Tiger London?
For regular weekdays or student nights, tickets were often very cheap – sometimes just £3–£5 for early entry (www.fatsoma.com ). Covers generally ranged from around £5 up to around £20, depending on the night and DJ. The club frequently offered promotions or guest-list deals, and one guide noted that guest-list entry could be free before 11pm (www.nightflow.com ). In short, expect modest cover charges on most nights (higher on big-party weekends, lower on midweeks).
How do I buy tickets or get on the guest list?
When it was operating, Tiger Tiger sold tickets through its event promoters and on-site at the door. There was no dedicated box office building to visit. Typically you would sign up via the club’s website or Facebook page to join a guest list, which allowed you to skip the line (and often get cheaper or free entry if arriving early (www.nightflow.com )). Otherwise, tickets were purchased on the night in cash or card at the entrance. For bigger events it was wise to plan ahead, as popular nights could sell out.
Was there a dress code at Tiger Tiger London?
The dress code was very relaxed. Most people wore casual club attire (jeans, tops, casual dresses); athletic gear or baseball caps might be frowned upon. In fact, reviewers noted you could basically “wear whatever you like” (www.tripadvisor.com ). Many women wore night-out outfits or heels, but comfortable shoes are a good idea for dancing. In short: there was no strict formal dress code – just look neat and ready to party.
What age restriction did Tiger Tiger have?
Tiger Tiger London was strictly 18+ (UK law requires photo ID for anyone who looks under 25). No under-18s were allowed at any time. You needed a valid photo ID (passport or European driving licence) to enter. Compared to some venues, Tiger Tiger was often popular with 18–21 year olds (first-time clubbers) as well as older partygoers, but everyone had to be at least 18.
Could I bring friends back into the club if we left? (Re-entry policy)
Re-entry rules varied by night. Often one-time re-entry (same night) was allowed if you paid a small fee or got a wristband. However, policies were not clearly posted and could change with events. If planning to leave and return, check with the door staff. Otherwise, assume that once you exit, you may need to pay again to get back in.
Is Tiger Tiger wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility was limited. The restaurant and first-floor bar had a step-free entrance, but many dance areas were on upper or lower levels connected by stairs. The building has lifts for office access, but not all club floors may be served. If wheelchair access is needed, it would have been best to call ahead for guidance. (In general, historic clubs like this are only partially accessible.)
Was smoking allowed inside Tiger Tiger?
No. UK law bans indoor smoking in nightclubs. Tiger Tiger strictly enforced a no-smoking policy inside. Smokers had to step outside to a nearby doorway or pavement to light up. Ventilation and club air conditioning were good, so the inside stayed smoke-free.
How loud is Tiger Tiger, and are earplugs needed?
Like most large clubs, Tiger Tiger was very loud. Sound systems were upgraded to professional Martin Audio speakers by 2015 (fohonline.com ), so bass and volume were high across the dance floors. If you’re sensitive to noise, wearing earplugs is advisable. Otherwise, the loud music and heavy bass are part of the club experience.
Would I be able to use my phone or get online inside?
Mobile signals can be spotty deep inside the club, especially on lower floors. There was no public Wi-Fi. At best you might get 4G reception near the front entrance or on upper floors, but don’t count on reliable data. Most people just used their phones for pictures or messaging friends by the bar, not for heavy browsing.
How does Tiger Tiger London compare to other clubs in the area?
Tiger Tiger was known for its large size and multi-room layout, unlike smaller Soho clubs. It was less upscale and more affordable than newer lounges or themed clubs. Compared to nearby young-clubs (Walkabout, Barcode, etc.), Tiger Tiger had a broader music mix – from chart to hip-hop – and was more of a late-night “party zone” than a dance-only club. Its claim to fame was a no-frills, high-energy party vibe that most central London venues lacked.
What was the nightclub’s restaurant like?
Tiger Tiger housed the Haymarket Kitchen, a walk-in restaurant in the same building. It served casual international fare (burgers, grills, salads, sharing platters) from late afternoon through dinner. Many visitors ate there before clubbing. Unlike the bar music areas, the restaurant had a relaxed atmosphere at first; it often played quieter background music until late evening. This gave guests a chance to dine or have a drink onsite before the club part of the night began.
Why was Tiger Tiger London famous?
Tiger Tiger London was famous simply for being one of the last big, affordable nightclubs in central London. It earned a reputation for cheap drinks, loud pop and dance music, and a sticky dance floor – many locals considered it a classic student-night spot. Over its two decades in the West End, it became a cultural touchstone (even surviving a 2007 jumbo bomb scare (en.wikipedia.org )). In short, it was famous as *the* place to go for a wild, budget-friendly night out in Piccadilly.
Are there any hotels or places to stay nearby?
Yes – many West End hotels are within walking distance. For example, The Strand Palace Hotel is just a 3–4 minute walk via Haymarket/Strand. The Novotel Covent Garden (Russell Street) is about 6 minutes away. Others nearby include the Park Plaza Westminster , the Courthouse Hotel (Soho), and the Chesterfield Mayfair . Essentially the entire Leicester Square–Piccadilly area has dozens of lodging options, often a 5–10 minute walk from Tiger Tiger.
What is LUXE Bar at Piccadilly, and is it related to Tiger Tiger?
Tiger Tiger’s Piccadilly venue was rebranded as the LUXE Bar in 2023. Event listings from that period often call it “LUXE (formerly Tiger Tiger London)” (www.fatsoma.com ). In practice, it was the same location and staff under a new name. This rebrand was short-lived, as the club (whether labeled LUXE or Tiger Tiger) closed in late 2024 for redevelopment.
Are cameras or video allowed inside Tiger Tiger?
Casual smartphone photos were generally tolerated, but professional cameras and video recording devices were not allowed on the dance floors. Many regulars noted that this was strictly enforced (to keep the vibe and patrons’ privacy). So, if you want photos, a phone camera is fine for snapshots – but don’t expect to film videos or use large cameras.
Did Tiger Tiger have an entry fee or cover charge?
Yes, virtually every night had a cover charge after a certain time. However, the cost could be very low early on. In fact, promotions often included cheap or free entry. For example, the club itself advertised free entry on the guest list if arriving before 11pm (www.nightflow.com ), and one event gave entry for only £3–£5 (www.fatsoma.com ). On weekends or special nights, expect typical nightclub prices (~£10–£20 cover). Guest list or early entry was the best way to save.
Where can I park if I drive to Tiger Tiger London?
Parking is very limited in this area. There is no private lot at Tiger Tiger. Residents would have to use nearby public garages (for example the NCP on Whitcomb Street or the Q-Park around Chinatown). Street parking is scarce and metered. Because the venue is in central London, most visitors arrived by Tube or taxi instead. If driving, note you’ll be in the London Congestion Charge zone and should pre-book any parking.
What time did Tiger Tiger operate?
When it was open, Tiger Tiger ran late. The restaurant was open from midday (for lunch and dinner), and with the club opening in the evening. It typically opened its doors around 9pm, but popular nights (especially Fridays/Saturdays) stayed open very late (often until 3–4 AM). On quieter weekday nights it might close around 2–3 AM. (Always check the specific event time, but the venue was licensed for late-night hours.)
