Clubs

Clubs | Nightlife Clubs

Not exactly Poland’s party capital, Poznań nevertheless has a functional clubbing scene for the city’s college students and revellers to blow off steam. Though some establishments only open their doors on weekends or select days of the week, near-nightly thrills are available at Cuba Libe (closed Sun), and the big cheese in town is the international franchise Pacha (yes, the place with the cherries).

Cuba Libre

Set down a shadowy courtyard basement, Cuba Libre is a bouncy Latin venue replete with whitewashed walls, pics of Che, and wall space dedicated to an assortment of Cuban goodies. This place goes for detail, so much so that drinkers can even take a seat in one of those clapped-out vintage bangers you see pootling round the streets of Havana. The Fridaynight ‘MUY Caliente’ and Saturday-night ‘ESTA NOCHE FIESTA!’ dance parties prove seriously popular.QH‑8, ul. Wrocławska 21, tel. (+48) 61 855 23 44, www.cuba‑ libre.pl. Open 22:00‑05:00; closed Sun. XE

Cuba Libre Social Club

An extension of dance-scene favourite Cuba Libre, the Social Club is an exclusive Cuban-themed cocktail bar with a focus on fine rum; try, for instance, their mojito made with Havana Club Añejo 3 años white rum. Frequent live Latin American music and DJ parties keep the tunes on-brand and the patrons attempting the samba.QH‑8, ul. Wrocławska 21, tel. (+48) 605 04 07 66, www.cuba‑libre.pl. Open 16:00‑01:00; Fri, Sat 16:00‑03:00. BE

Czarna Owca

A local institution since 1998. Upstairs is a noisy woodfurnished bar, downstairs a hot labyrinthine club. The music is usually no more challenging than chart hits, though they do occasionally draw reputable DJ’s and a crowd hell-bent on tipping lots of booze down their gobholes.QH‑8, ul. Jaskółcza 13, tel. (+48) 537 67 47 57, www.klub‑czarnaowca.pl. Open Fri, Sat only 21:00‑10:00. X

Czekolada

Credit crunch you say? Not in Poznań, people. While the rest of the world staggers around like a shot pig the denizens of Poznań are living the high life in places like Czekolada. To call this place sexy would be a disservice; this is the final word in design drinking and the sort of cocktail spot/lounge club the city deserves. Huge chandeliers, shiny surfaces, and black finishes lend a real svelte look to this spot, and you’d be a fool to turn up looking like anything less than a celebrity. To make a reservation, head to their website of facebook. QH‑8, ul. Wrocławska 18, tel. (+48) 665 55 08 91, www. klubczekolada.pl. Open Thu, Fri, Sat only 22:00‑05:00. X

Pacha

Pacha? As in, the world’s most famous clubbing franchise Pacha? In Poznań? We’re as shocked as you, but yep, those cherries are real, and this is the only Pacha in post-communist Central Europe - validating Poznań’s growing international rep as a prime party city. Decked out in plush design and pumping out house music for the masses, Pacha is a divorcee’s paradise and one which is attracting big crowds looking to dance away those working-week blues. Will its reputation be enough to pull in the punters from Warsaw, Wrocław, and Berlin? Time will tell...QH‑7, ul. Paderewskiego 10, tel. (+48) 61 665 72 44, www.pachapoznan.com. Open Thu, Fri and Sat only 22:00‑06:00. X

Projekt LAB

Inspired by the Berlin party scene - in fact, conceived as a direct result of the to-be owners’ wild night at techno club Berghain - Projekt LAB is an experimental space and underground music venue that proved an immense hit as soon as it opened doors in 2013. The music of choice here is electronic and all sorts of alternative beats, often supplied by international DJs and bands. Brave the long entry lines and you’ll be rewarded with a true multimedia experience.QI‑6, ul. Grochowe Łąki 5, tel. (+48) 731 47 71 02, www.projektlab. pl. Open Thu 22:00‑04:00, Fri, Sat 24:00‑08:00 only. XB