When it comes to famous London clubs, there are none quite as iconic as Stringfellows. Founded in 1980 by Peter Stringfellows AKA ‘The King of Clubs’, Stringfellows has built its reputation as London’s number one late night Gentlemens club destination, attracting some of the highest profile A-list guests to the heart of London Soho.
Pre Stringfellows: Black Cat Club & Music Scene
In 1962, Peter Stringfellow first started making a name for himself in the club scene. Stringfellow started running an event in Sheffield called the Black Cat Club where he rented St. Aidan’s church hall. Stringfellow had some of the biggest names in music perform including The Beatles when they were on the cusp of their commercial breakthrough. Having huge artists perform at the hall, the demand for tickets increased, encouraging Stringfellows to host his events at even larger venues.
He went on to open several other clubs including Blue Moon, in 1963 which hosted names as big as: The Kinks, Rod Stewert and Freddie Starr and the Midnighters. This was the place for new bands to introduce their music and have the opportunity to enter the industry and become globally recognised artists. By 1964, Peter Stringfellow opened his third club in three years, adding Mojo to his roster (later renamed King Mojo Club) performances included The Who, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Elton John, Tina Turner and Stevie Wonder.
In 1970, he opened his first super club, Cinderella’s and two years later he bought the venue next door and went on to open Rockafellas, the two clubs combined a year later to form Cinderella Rockafellas. Rockafellas introduced different acts of entertainment such as stand-up comedy and DJs performed by Peter’s brother. Other notable clubs include The Millionaire Club and Hippodrome.
In 1980 he moved to London and opened Stringfellows in Covent Garden. The club was an instant success attracting international film stars, models, rockstars and TV personalities. This fame attracted the press, paparazzi which secured the club as a prime London hot spot attracting a number of high profile guests over the years including Janet Jackson and Jimi Hendrix and Prince.
The Introduction of Striptease
In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s Stringfellow opened new clubs in various cities in the United States including New York, Miami and Los Angeles. It was in New York that tableside dancing was introduced to Stringfellows.
It wasn’t until 1996 that London followed suit and striptease became part of Stringfellows in Covent Garden, prior to that the club was known as a disco, restaurant and cocktail bar.
Stringfellows in 2022
Today Stringfellows is known as a world famous late night strip club and iconic London nightlife hotspot. Peter Stringfellow passed away in 2018 and the first and last remaining Stringfellows club is owned by George Georgiou in Covent Garden.
The Stringfellows experience today can be enjoyed amongst beautiful dancers showcasing the art of pole while the restaurant serves fine dining amongst the magic of the club. The club still welcomes many high profile guests such as Simon Cowell, Chris Evans and Rihanna… just to name a few!
Located in the heart of London’s Soho, Stringfellows is open Monday to Saturday from 9pm until 4.30am. The restaurant has recently introduced a new menu but still serves classic modern European cuisine, with staple dishes such as steaks, grills and small plates.
Stringfellows is a venue steeped in history, having recently celebrated 40 years since opening, this is a club with a rich legacy which is as iconic today as it was in the 1980’s.
Book your table and experience the magic for yourself.