A clever 'nightclub theatre' concept has seen the Sugar Factory produce a truly eclectic programme of art exhibitions, spoken word performance, fashion events and theatre followed by similarly diverse club nights. Since opening at the beginning of 2005, it's welcomed US performance artist Lydia Lunch, DJ Ursula 1000, Richard Dorfmeister (one half of of DJ/Producer duo Kruder & Dorfmeister) and – Amsterdam's loss, Berlin's gain – Richard Cameron. Simply a fab club in a former factory building bang in the heart of the Leidseplein (entrance opposite the Melkweg).
STUDIO 80 | Rembrandtplein 17 | (020) 521 8333 | www.studio-80.nl
A great underground club hidden away on the hideous Rembrandtplein which has a capacity of 300 and two spaces – the main room plus a quieter back room with a small dancefloor. This is the place to head to hear cutting-edge electro and experimental music or cool Berlin DJs. Particularly popular with the avant-garde artists and fashionistas is its monthly M.U.L.T.I.S.E.X.I. night.
WINSTON KINGDOM | Warmoesstraat 125-129 | (020) 623 1380 | www.winston.nl
On the edge of the Red Light District and part of 'art hotel' Winston, this small club puts on a cool and eclectic programme of club nights and live music. Sultry vixen Sophie Ellis-Baxtor once popped in to partake in a little murder on the dance floor...
DISCO-TAXI | Warmoesstraat 125-129 | +31 (0)6 54 69 81 87 (mobile) | Disco Taxi
Probably the ultimate start to the night is travelling to your club (or other destination) in this pimped-up taxi – one of the smallest clubs on wheels in the world. Driven by a disco-loving cabbie, the taxi has a revolving coloured-light globe, disco ball and even a karaoke machine with cordless microphones! The grooviest ride in town!
SUPPERCLUB CRUISE | Warmoesstraat 125-129 | (020) 344 6403 | www.supperclubcruise.nl
The Supperclub concept has been seamlessly translated onto a 1960 ship once used by the late Queen Juliana of the Netherlands to entertain visiting dignitaries. Onboard, guests can catch the sun in cushion-comfort on the top deck, sip champagne and cocktails in the bar below while DJs spin, then retire to dinner on the lower deck while it sets sail from Pier 14 behind Centraal Station. It's available to private rental for parties from 2 to 450 people and during the summer they organise parties for the public: keep an eye on the website.