Max HeyraudManchester’s XLR is set to relaunch on September 24th as the UK’s first BYOB nightclub, adopting a corkage-style approach familiar from restaurants and cafés.
The move is designed to make clubbing more accessible at a time when venues across the country are facing unprecedented financial pressures.
Punters will be able to bring their own alcohol, with lockers provided to keep drinks safe while dancing. “You can bring your own beers in, bring your own alcohol. Got lockers in place so that you know you don’t have to leave everything out on the dance floor,” a spokesperson for XLR explained.
The initiative comes amid a wave of nightclub closures in the UK. Since 2020, nearly 800 clubs and late-night venues have shut down, a 26.4% drop—driven by the cost-of-living crisis and rising operational pressures.
Chris from XLR said in announcing the BYOB relaunch: “Clubs used to be cheap, and the bars used to be expensive. Clubs now are just run very commercially. We don’t want people feeling like they’re being priced out of venues anymore. It’s very important that anyone can come to a club. We all know the crisis that’s going on with clubs and hospitality this year.”
Tickets for the revamped XLR will remain between £10–£20, making it one of the most affordable clubs in the country. Combined with the BYOB model, the club aims to restore the democratic spirit of nightlife, where going to a club shouldn’t empty your pockets.
