DILF London Fridays return to RAE’S this week, bringing queer men together for another late-night party beneath the railway arches near London Bridge.
Two parties into its new weekly residency, DILF is already finding its rhythm. After launching on Friday 2 October and returning the following week, the party comes back to RAE’S on Friday 16 October for its third instalment.
For anyone unfamiliar with the name, DILF has been bringing queer men together for 11 years, with parties across nine UK cities and almost 500 events behind it. Founder James Hurrel decided that London was ready for a permanent weekly night after two years of successful monthly parties in the capital.
The result is a regular Friday night for gay and bisexual men to dance, flirt, socialise and meet people in a space built around their community.
Multiple rooms, one very good reason to go out
RAE’S, formerly O’Meara, is a fitting home for the party. The multi-room venue beneath the railway arches offers plenty to explore, with DJs bringing different sounds and musical perspectives to each week’s line-up.
DILF isn’t relying on the same formula every Friday. Changing DJs and fresh talent should keep the night moving, while the organisers are also placing real emphasis on the atmosphere beyond the dancefloor.
Capacity is deliberately controlled, with the experience taking priority over packing in as many people as possible. That focus on connection and belonging will appeal to anyone who has ever found London nightlife a little too anonymous.
This week’s party runs from 10.30pm until 5am. Future dates include DJ ABSOLUTE on 23 October and a Dark Rites Masquerade Halloween Edition on 30 October, with more parties scheduled through November and December. A new happy hour is also on the way, featuring 2-for-1 cocktails and £5 pints.
Free membership, minimal clothing
DILF membership is free and includes access to member-priced tickets, a personalised digital membership card and further perks in the pipeline.
The night is strictly 21+, and guests must bring physical photographic ID matching their membership details. There’s no formal dress code, although a jockstrap is the minimum requirement.
Digital lockers can be booked in advance for a queue-free cloakroom experience. DILF also encourages guests to use its easy-peel stickers over their phone cameras. Non-consensual photography is prohibited, although selfies with consenting friends are welcome.
With limited capacity, booking ahead makes sense. Friday nights in London have a new regular, and DILF is clearly planning to stick around.
DILF London runs on Friday 16 October, 10.30pm to 5am, at RAE’S, 6 O’Meara Street, London Bridge, London SE1 1TE (nearest stations: London Bridge and Southwark). Free membership and tickets are available.
Plan your next outing through the Gay London Life Events Diary.
