On Saturday 3 October we headed to Curious Club in Barwell, Leicestershire for Midnight at the Speakeasy, a 1920s themed night hosted by Fun & Fornication. Soph went full flapper, I dug out the flat cap and waistcoat, and we went in with our usual plan: no expectations, a few drinks and see who we meet.
We’d heard good things about Curious from friends for a while, so when we were invited along to Midnight at the Speakeasy, and heard the third floor had just reopened after a refurb, it felt like the perfect chance to finally see the club for ourselves. This is our honest write-up of the club, the night and what you need to know if you’re thinking of going.
Curious Club Barwell: Our First Impressions
The first thing that stood out happened before we’d even got through the door. The owners were outside welcoming people in. It sounds like a small thing, but it sets the tone for the whole night. You don’t feel like you’re turning up somewhere and hoping someone notices you. You feel expected.
The staff were the same all night: friendly, relaxed and genuinely pleasant to deal with. That matters more than people think, especially if you’re nervous or it’s your first time at a new venue.
Curious is in Barwell, just outside Hinckley, which makes it an easy trip for anyone looking for a swingers club in Leicestershire. It’s within easy reach of Leicester, Nuneaton, Coventry and the wider Midlands. Inside, the whole place was clean, warm and well looked after from top to bottom, which is exactly what you want.
Inside Curious Club: The Dance Floor, Bar and Social Areas
Curious is spread across three floors, and each one has its own job.
You walk straight into the dance floor. It’s not the biggest we’ve been on, but it’s plenty for the size of the crowd, and it was busy for most of the night. Opposite the bar there’s a good seating and social area, which is where a lot of the night’s chatting happened. It’s comfortable, easy to drift in and out of, and you never feel stuck in a corner.
The bar was reasonably priced. We ran a tab, which can sometimes be a worrying moment at the end of the night. Ours came to £70 for the whole evening, and anyone who knows us knows Soph loves a few cocktails. For a full night out, we thought that was very fair.
Out the back is the smoking area, and it’s all under cover. That’s a bigger plus than it sounds in a British October. It’s a nice little social space in its own right, and like at most clubs, it’s one of the easiest places to strike up a conversation.
Upstairs: The Play Areas and the New Third Floor
The second floor is home to a big play area. It’s spacious, well laid out and, like everywhere else in the building, spotless.
The third floor has just reopened after a full refurb, and it shows. It’s where you’ll find the private rooms and a dungeon room, complete with a swing. Everything up there felt fresh, warm and properly finished, not like a space that’s been thrown together. If you’ve been to Curious before the refurb, it’s worth going back just to see the difference.
What we liked most is that the layout gives everyone room to choose their night. If you just want to dance and chat, the ground floor has everything you need. If you want to explore, it’s all there upstairs. Nobody’s pushed in either direction.
Midnight at the Speakeasy: How the Night Went
Fun & Fornication clearly put real thought into this one, and it’s the kind of themed night that makes travelling for a lifestyle event worthwhile. The 1920s theme ran through the whole night, and plenty of people had made a proper effort with feathers, pearls, sequins, braces and flat caps everywhere you looked.
There was a burlesque show running throughout the evening, which was great to watch and added to the speakeasy feel.
Then came the bit we were dreading. Spin the wheel. We’ll be honest: we’re normally not keen on this kind of thing. Organised games at a club can easily feel forced or awkward. But they surprised us. They did a great job of getting everyone involved without anyone feeling put on the spot, and it was genuinely good fun. Later on they did the same again with Jenga, and by then the whole room was joining in.
That’s what made the night for us. The games weren’t really about the games. They got everyone mingling and talking to people they hadn’t met yet. Couples who’d arrived on their own were chatting with new faces by the end of the night, and it never felt cliquey. If you’ve ever walked into a club where everyone seems to already know each other, you’ll know how much difference that makes.
What you need to know before you go
- Where: Curious Club, Barwell, Leicestershire, LE9 8DE. Near Hinckley and within easy reach of Leicester.
- Membership and tickets: Check the Curious Club website for current membership rules and event tickets. Hosted nights like Midnight at the Speakeasy are ticketed.
- Bar: Fully stocked, reasonably priced, and you can run a tab.
- Dress code: It depends on the event, so check the listing. On theme nights, most people go all in.
- Layout: Three floors, with the dance floor, bar, social area and covered smoking area downstairs, the main play area on the second floor, and private rooms and a dungeon on the newly refurbished third floor.
- House rules: Consent comes first, always. Respect people’s boundaries, and a “no thanks” is the end of it.
If you’re new to clubs, our guide to your first time at a swingers club covers what to expect.
Would we recommend Curious Club to someone new?
Yes. If you’re new to swinging in Leicestershire and nervous about your first club, Curious is a good place to start. The welcome at the door, the friendly staff and the way the night was run all take the edge off. You’re not left standing on your own wondering what to do, and the social side downstairs gives you plenty of space to settle in before deciding whether to explore further.
Our verdict
We went in with no expectations and came out having had a genuinely great night. Curious is clean, warm, well run and properly welcoming, the refurbished third floor is a real step up, and the bar won’t empty your wallet. Fun & Fornication’s Speakeasy night pulled it all together, and the games we expected to hate turned out to be the thing that got everyone talking.
If you’re in Leicestershire or the Midlands and looking for a swingers club where you’ll feel part of the night rather than watching it from a corner, Curious Club is well worth a visit.
More Club Spotlights on the way
Club Spotlight is an ongoing series, not a ranking. We’re visiting clubs across the UK and writing up honest first-hand accounts of each one. Next up we’re heading to SD Studios in Portsmouth and PDI Lifestyle in Birmingham. You can catch up on our Club Spotlight on The Mirage Lincoln, and if you’re still wondering how to make the most of a club night, read How to Actually Meet People in the Swinging Lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Curious Club?
Curious Club is in Barwell, Leicestershire, LE9 8DE, near Hinckley and within easy reach of Leicester, Nuneaton and Coventry.
Is there a swingers club near Leicester?
Yes. Curious Club in Barwell is just outside Hinckley and within easy reach of Leicester, and runs regular club nights and hosted events.
Do you need to be a member to go to Curious Club?
Check the Curious Club website for current membership rules. Hosted events like Midnight at the Speakeasy are ticketed, so book ahead.
What is Curious Club like inside?
It’s spread over three floors: a dance floor, bar, social area and covered smoking area downstairs, a large play area on the second floor, and private rooms and a dungeon on the newly refurbished third floor. It’s clean, warm and well looked after throughout.
Is Curious Club good for beginners?
Yes. The owners welcome you at the door, the staff are friendly, and there’s plenty of social space to settle in. Nobody has to do anything they don’t want to.
Does Curious Club have a bar?
Yes. It’s reasonably priced and you can run a tab. Ours was £70 for the whole night, cocktails included.
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