Nightlife in London has returned to some sense of normality. Now people are heading out once more, although numbers are still to reach pre-Covid times. One of the big joys for many with nighttime culture is dressing up for the event they are attending.
Some venues have no or little restriction on dress codes, while others implement their rules very strictly. Of course, Covid has affected how businesses have needed to adapt to the current climate, yet understanding how to dress for certain nighttime entertainment is vital.
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Are dress codes optional?
Queen Elizabeth I was one of the first people to bring in dress codes. The Queen was concerned that the general public was spending too much money on fashion. So a dress code was brought in to dictate what materials and fashions people could wear depending on their rank and class.
Fortunately, the UK is much freer now, and people are able to wear whatever they like. However, some private venues still have dress codes.
Some dress codes may be looser than others, and some may turn a blind eye to a small indiscretion. Many clubs and restaurants have loosened their rules to attract more business. Others have decided to resolutely stay locked in decades-old rules.
So, if you value your street style, and refuse to conform to what may seem like rules for olden times, then it may be worth knowing where you should avoid. Alternatively, if you want to hit the more exclusive areas of town, or are trying a casino for the first time, you may want to carry on reading.
What to wear in a poker room
One area of nightlife that was removed during the pandemic was the casino, and along with it, the ever-popular poker rooms.
Casinos are known to often have strict dress codes – more on that below – but poker rooms are slightly different. Internet casinos often have live poker as part of their setup, but for many, visiting a real poker room cannot be beaten.
Poker rooms are more relaxed than casinos, and hoodies, trainers, baseball caps, and even sunglasses are allowed. The main stipulation is that all clothes should be clean and not ripped. When moving to the casino floor, things are a little different.
London casinos
You may want to choose your casino according to how you like to dress on a night out. This is especially true if you are combining a visit to a gaming establishment along with a nightclub or restaurant.
The reason for this is that dress codes can vary quite wildly. Understanding how to dress in a UK casino isn’t clear-cut. The Hippodrome Casino is the most laid back of the major venues when it comes to a dress code, and allows trainers and jeans. The Palm Beach will expect men to wear collared shirts and no trainers.
Maybe the most exclusive casino in town is Les Ambassadeurs which has a very strict dress code. If you want to dress up for the night and rub shoulders with the glitterati, then this is the place. Expect to wear a suit and tie to attend.
London’s nightclubs
One of the best things about London’s nightclubs is their dress codes, or at least, the freedom allowed by them.
Most nightclubs across London aren’t looking to enforce strict, dull dress codes. Instead, they want people to express themselves and their unique look and personality. Be smart though, scruffy or tattered clothing won’t make a good impression on the door staff.
This is good news. The UKFT reports that the fashion industry contributes £20bn to the UK economy. Clubbers can carry on buying whatever they like within reason, and visit clubs across the capital.
Private clubs in London
For as long as anyone can remember, there have been private members-only clubs in London. The rich and famous, along with the not-so-rich and infamous, have all spent their time in various private clubs.
If you are asked to spend the night as a guest in one of these clubs you should understand what to wear. Although, with many of these clubs the rules are unclear.
The Groucho Club for instance stipulates no string vests. It also points out that it believes its members already have impeccable taste and would know what they can or cannot wear.
Visiting the Ritz
Although The Ritz isn’t strictly a nighttime venue, it has some very strict codes for its casino and restaurant. If you are planning to stay here, or visit for a meal or a game of blackjack, you should be wary of the dress code.
Enjoying an evening meal before carrying on for more lively activities will require a jacket and tie at The Ritz Restaurant and Terrace. The casino has similar rules and no jeans, sportswear, or trainers are allowed.
London’s restaurants
An evening meal in a restaurant in London can be part of a quality night out. But, it can also mean visiting a 3 Michelin starred restaurant, or getting a Chinese in Wardour Street.
Dress codes, therefore, are either non-existent or quite strict. Dress for the occasion and the venue. Smart casual will get you through most doors, but some will still require men to wear a jacket.
Perhaps surprisingly, one of the most expensive places in London has no dress code at all. Salt Bae’s Nusr-Et Steakhouse has no dress code, but as with most up-market restaurants, smart clothing is likely to be appreciated.
How has the nightlife in the UK and London been affected recently?
Any Londoner who enjoys their nightlife will also understand how their activities have been restricted and curtailed in recent years. These restrictions haven’t just affected individuals wanting to enjoy themselves, dress up, and socialise. They have also affected the venues involved and the economy.
The Night Time Cultural Economy Report shows that this sector is currently worth £36.4 billion per annum. This is down from £50.5 billion in 2019. It also means job losses of 86,000 across the whole nighttime culture sector.
There are now less than 1,000 nightclubs in the UK. Though, nightclubs aren’t the only part of the nighttime culture. Casinos, private clubs, bars, and other entertainment venues are still plentiful, but they need custom.
Summary
You have your own style, and how you want to look when you visit a casino or club is your choice. Therefore, choose venues accordingly. If you want to go full James Bond then visit Les Ambassadeurs but if you want to wear your own style then look at the Grosvenor Casinos or the Hippodrome.
Nightclubs across London will largely appreciate your individuality, but The Ritz Restaurant definitely won’t, so steer clear if you aren’t a fan of ties and jackets. However, a meal at The Ritz followed by a visit to the casino is a chance for many to put on some serious threads.
