Wiggle Strip Club Southampton
BackLocated at 186-188 Above Bar Street, Wiggle Strip Club is a prominent fixture in Southampton's late-night scene, operating as a bar, nightclub, and a hub for adult entertainment. The venue stays open until 4:00 AM on weekdays and extends its hours to 5:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, catering to a clientele seeking entertainment well into the early morning. While the club's own promotion promises an upscale experience with captivating performers, an analysis of customer feedback and the club's operational reality reveals a deeply divided picture. For potential patrons, a visit to Wiggle could result in a highly memorable night for the right reasons, or a deeply regrettable one for the wrong ones.
The Performer Experience: A Spectrum of Satisfaction
The core attraction of any gentlemen's club is, without question, the quality and engagement of its performers. At Wiggle, the experience can be exceptionally good. Patrons have singled out specific dancers, such as Aurora and Mya, describing them as "amazing" and recommending them personally. Another customer highlighted the efforts of a dancer named Paige and another performer, suggesting that genuine and engaging interactions are certainly possible. This positive feedback points to a roster of talented strippers who can provide the exciting and enjoyable experience customers are looking for. Indeed, an article in the Daily Echo featured performers who described Wiggle as a safe and empowering place to work, with one dancer with four years of experience calling it the "safest" club she has worked in compared to others in London and even Norway. This suggests a professional environment behind the scenes that can translate into high-quality, confident performances.
However, the consistency of this experience is a significant point of contention. The very same customers who praise some dancers have reported starkly different encounters with others. One visitor recounted a mixed evening, feeling that while some performers made a real effort, others, like a dancer named Tiffany, were perceived as being solely focused on money. A more pointed criticism was levelled at a dancer named Natalie, who allegedly provided a dance lasting for only "two songs if lucky" for a £60 fee that was meant to cover ten minutes. This inconsistency suggests that a customer's enjoyment can be highly dependent on which performer they interact with, creating a gamble that not all patrons will appreciate.
A Critical Examination of Financial Practices
The most alarming feedback surrounding Wiggle Strip Club relates to its financial transactions. Several deeply negative reviews contain serious allegations of financial misconduct that go beyond simple dissatisfaction with prices. One customer, Samuel Jope, made the grave claim that after being told his card payments were declined, the club's staff processed five transactions from his account anyway. He alleges his card details were effectively stolen and used fraudulently, and stated his intention to involve the police. This is not an isolated incident of financial grievance. Another patron, Akshay Akshu, reported a classic bait-and-switch scenario, where he and a friend were quoted £50 each for a dance but were ultimately charged £120. He further alleged that the dance lasted less than two minutes, a far cry from the 15-20 minutes he was promised. This customer claimed to have been defrauded of £520 in total and also threatened legal action, citing a voice recording as evidence of the initial agreement.
These accounts paint a disturbing picture of the club's payment processes. While many establishments in the adult entertainment industry operate on a cash-preferred basis, the severity of these card-related allegations is a major red flag for any potential visitor. The recurring theme is a discrepancy between agreed-upon prices for a private dance and the final amount charged, coupled with questionable card handling procedures. Patrons considering a visit should be exceptionally cautious. It would be wise to clarify the exact cost and, more importantly, the precise duration of any dance upfront. Given the nature of these complaints, using cash instead of a card for transactions might be a prudent measure to avoid potential disputes and unauthorised charges.
Atmosphere, Staff, and Venue
The overall ambience of a club is crucial, and here too, Wiggle receives mixed reviews. Some visitors have praised the venue's decor, calling it an "upmarket bar" and one of the "nicer places in Southampton". The club underwent a significant refurbishment project, reportedly costing around £250,000, which doubled its size and modernised the interior. However, this positive impression is not universally shared. One customer described the venue as "boring," with "terrible loud music" and, critically, a lack of on-stage entertainment, noting that the dancers were simply sitting around. This suggests the energy and atmosphere can vary significantly, potentially depending on the night of the week or the number of customers present.
The club's staff also elicit a mixed response. Bar staff have been described as faultless, and some reviews specifically praise the friendly and welcoming nature of the doormen who explain the house rules to put new guests at ease. Conversely, one patron found the door staff to be initially "abrupt," though they later warmed up. The same review described the manager as helpful in one respect but "pushy" in another, particularly when encouraging customers to finish drinks near closing time, even when the venue was quiet. This inconsistency in service contributes to the unpredictable nature of an evening at Wiggle.
Planning a Visit: What to Expect
Wiggle Strip Club is undoubtedly a popular choice for group outings, positioning itself as a prime stag do venue. Its late hours and central location make it a convenient final stop on a night out. The club operates a smart casual dress code, with tracksuits not permitted, and enforces an 18+ only entry policy with valid ID required.
Based on customer feedback, the key to a successful visit appears to be careful management of expectations and finances.
- Be Clear on Costs: Before agreeing to any lap dancing or private dance, confirm the price and the exact duration with the performer.
- Consider Using Cash: Given the serious allegations regarding card payments, using cash for dances and drinks could prevent potential billing issues.
- Manage Expectations: The quality of entertainment and atmosphere can vary. While some dancers are highly praised, the overall experience may differ from one night to the next.
Wiggle Strip Club presents a complex proposition. It has the capacity to deliver a fantastic night of adult entertainment, with skilled performers and a modern setting. Positive reviews and favourable press from its own dancers attest to its potential. However, this potential is severely undermined by credible and serious customer complaints regarding financial integrity and inconsistent service. The risk of being overcharged, receiving less time than paid for, or even facing alleged fraudulent transactions is significant enough that any potential customer should proceed with a high degree of caution. While the highs can be high, the reported lows are concerningly low.