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A Beginner’s Guide to Fetish Clubs

For those who are not familiar with the scene, the idea of visiting a fetish club can be both exciting and intimidating. This guide gives you a guide to the best clubs to try for those who are new to the scene, or just want a night out with a difference- and those to try if you decide the fetish scene is the place for you…

Festival of Sins at the Purple Turtle

Describing itself as an ‘alternative/Fetish club’, Festival of Sins is held bi-monthly at the Purple Turtle in Camden.

New to the fetish scene, Festival of Sins is developing a reputation for being a fun, friendly club that does not hold some of the pretentiousness of some of the more established events.

A good place to start for those who aren’t ready to be thrown head first into a world of dungeons and full frontal nudity, Festival of Sins doesn’t have the strict dress code that is ubiquitous to the fetish scene. Whilst latex is welcomed, other fabrics are also accepted and creativity of costume is encouraged. These looser rules mean the crowds are often more flamboyant and this is also often appreciated by those men less keen on dressing in something shiny and skin tight.

However, it is worth bearing in mind that this less fetish orientated dress code does mean that no nudity is accepted within the venue.

Though some may argue that Festival of Sins can’t quite be classed as a fetish club, it is a fun and friendly night out where you can experiment with dressing up and see some of the characters who frequent the scene. As well as music, costumes and dancing, the club also hosts performances, from burlesque dancers, cabaret performers and fetish fashion shows.

Find out more at www.festivalofsins.co.uk

Club AntiChrist

Held in the largest fetish club venue in London, Club AntiChrist has a number of dance floors playing mostly alternative and industrial metal music, large chill out rooms, dungeons, and couples rooms for ‘play’, where tissues, condoms and sweets are all provided free of charge.

As well as being the London’s largest fetish club, it is also one of its heaviest and not necessarily recommended for beginners. Part of the clubs popularity stems from its pride in segregating itself from what it refers to as ‘fetish-lite’ clubs.

It has a proud no censorship policy, as well as a strictly enforced dress code. Nudity is accepted, suits and lingerie are not. Though masturbation is banned, if you are not comfortable with nudity and the possibility of being exposed to sexual intercourse in the playrooms and dungeons, this may not be the club for you. If, however, you are tired of mainstream clubs that are more fashion that fetish, AntiChrist is worth a visit.

Visit www.clubantichrist.com for more information.

Torture Garden

The biggest name in fetish is undoubtedly the Torture Garden, and not without good reason. One of the worlds most famous fetish clubs, it regularly puts on fashion shows, performances and live music. The venue is always large to fit the demand and is always decorated to fit the theme of that month’s event. The creatively decorated rooms are worth seeing in themselves, as well as some of the extravagant and decadent costumes that it inspires, with themed rooms that include a more relaxed burlesque themed lounge area where clubbers to chat or dance to lounge singers and swing bands.

Though it also sports a dungeon and couples room, they are both closely monitored and kept away from the dance floors, which play predominantly industrial and heavy dance music. Though there are chill out rooms, they are often over crowded and there is limited space to sit and chat.

Torture Garden has a mix of the elements of heavy fetish clubs, with its full nudity, playrooms and loyal crowd gathered from its long established involvement in the fetish scene. However, it is also a great place for beginners, with hundreds of newcomers each month and relaxed club atmosphere. Its size and popularity means it is less intimidating than many of the more niche clubs- and although there is a dress code, its leanings towards the mainstream is evident in some of the clubbers in lingerie and vintage suits that get in unquestioned.

For those who cannot travel to London, it has a variety of splinter clubs around the country including Torture Garden Brighton and Torture Garden Edinburgh.

Check out www.torturegarden.com for your nearest club night.

Club RUB

Similar to the Torture Garden in its atmosphere and reputation as one of London’s most established fetish clubs, Club RUB is a classic club and draws in many of the scene’s regulars and patrons. CLUB RUB would be a good place for clubbers who want an authentic experience of the scene in a welcoming atmosphere that is renowned for its friendliness.

Each event has a specific theme, from Twins, to Military and clubbers are encouraged to dress accordingly- though all fetish wear is accepted, and, as usual, street wear is not.

Facilities include a dungeon with sling, Harem Den, and unlike many other of the more popular clubs, plenty of seating.

Go to the events gallery on Club RUB’s beautifully laid out website for an idea of its visitors and vibe.

www.clubrub.com

Pedestal

Pedestal is a fetish club with a difference, geared specifically at the niche market of dominant women and submissive men. I would only recommend this club to women in want of worship and men who want to worship and be dominated by the female clientele.

Single men are welcome, and are expected to dress as slaves. However, this is relaxed, and black shorts and a collar are acceptable- collars can be bought at the door.

The whole concept of Pedestal revolves around its theme, so do not go if you are not willing to get down on your knees and worship, or if, as a female guest, you are put off by the often unwarranted cloying male attention received in these clubs.

This is one of the scenes more genuine clubs, were you can really see the workings of the fetish scene. This club is a more serious event that focuses on the fetish over the fashion or dancing and is well equipped for its needs, with House Subs circulating to give foot massages, hand out free canapés and shining shoes. There is also dungeon equipment and a tantric massage room.

A must see for dominant women and submissive men, but not advised for first-time fetishists…

Tips for first time clubbers

Be open minded.

The fetish clubbing scene thrives on its relaxed and open atmosphere. Embrace this, and you will have a lot more fun!

Know your rights.

There is a difference between being relaxed and being taken advantage of. Most clubbers don’t mean to offend with their ‘hands on’ attitude, but know the difference between a slap on the bum and a grope. Know what your boundaries are, and if you feel at all uncomfortable, say so.

Don’t drink too much

Particularly for women, I would advise staying sober enough to keep your wits about you, and not have your logic impaired. Though most of the guests are friendly and respectful, some may not know when they are going too far, so always stay sober enough to be aware of everyone’s intentions.

Dress up!!

The more you put in, the more you get out!

Take it slow

If you are new to the scene, ease yourself in gently. Try one of the bigger clubs. Avoid the dungeon areas and play rooms until you understand the scene and know what your limitations are.

Socialise.

The best part of the fetish scene is its participants. Friendlier than the average London Club, make the most of this to meet some of the scene’s great characters for an undoubtably more enjoyable experience.

Have fun…

Relax, explore, dress up and enjoy!

Gallery

Special thanks to Chris Ayres and Josselin Guichard for the images.