When we think of all the good times we had at clubs over the years, the dance floors get all the credit, while the chill-out spaces are the true unsung heroes. A place to relax, have a conversation or meet new dance buddies, it’s often where the real party happens. The East London producer and DJ Rich Nxt knows a thing or two about the best chill-out spaces out there: “There’s nothing like a good chill-out space to take a break from the dance floor. They can make a great club even better. Whether you’re having a chat, making friends, grabbing a smoke, or zoning out to the music in your mind there’s nothing quite like it,” Rich told us. As a matter of fact, it’s all those happy moments at after-hours that informed his debut Know the Score - out now on FUSE London. To celebrate this new release, Rich offered to take us on a [virtual] tour of some of his favorite chill-out spaces worldwide, from Amsterdam to Ibiza. All aboard...

93 Feet East Courtyard - London

Rich Nxt : “The original home of FUSE, 93 Feet East has a wicked courtyard space with plenty of picnic bench seating. It’s warm, inviting, and well-lit so you can always spot your friends if you got split up on the dance floor. As a bonus, it’s also covered and heated all-year-round. It feels both private and secluded due to the fact that it's enclosed by tall buildings and the club itself, so it really feels like an extension of the club. It has low-level music that seeps through from the dance floor and a bar for when it is busy. It’s also located so you can see the point of entrance, meaning it’s always possible to spot makes when they arrive so you can jump up and give them a nice welcome. Of course, you can always see them leaving, in case you wanna persuade them to stay!”

Warehouse Elementenstraat - Amsterdam

Rich Nxt : “This warehouse-style club has hosted several of our ADE events over the years and I have always made time to visit its huge chill-out zone. Often the chill-out area of clubs can be an afterthought and vastly smaller than the dance areas with not much seating. This one however is on par with the dance floors, it feels like it's really been thought through. It’s well-lit, nicely decorated with plants and sofas. It feels like quite a treat to have a chill out in such an arty space.”

Robert Johnson - Offenbach

Rich Nxt : “The legendary Robert Johnson has one of the best sound systems in the world and is renowned for carrying on into the after-party. I remember the first time I went there I was blown away by the intensity of the music and functional yet pleasing aesthetic of the club. It almost felt a bit Art Deco. It also overlooks the River Main and has a massive wrap-around terrace that is bathed in sun from the moment the sun comes up. Sunglasses are highly recommended for those mornings.”

Octan (fka Sankeys) - Ibiza

Rich Nxt : “Just the thought of being under the stars on top of this club in Ibiza makes us want to get on a plane, which sadly isn’t happening this year. But as soon as it is, I will be making that journey up some slightly slippery stairs through the star clothed corridor and emerge into the fresh Ibizan air where you can see the moon, the surrounding buildings, and even some of those famous mountains in the distance. There isn’t much seating so you down generally hang out there too long; it’s more of a stand-up chill-out experience!”

S.A.S.H. (Home) - Australia

Rich Nxt : “Adjacent to the amazing rooftop glass room is this outside space which overlooks the beautiful Darling Harbour. This is one of my favourite places to play in the world and it’s always nice to hang out here, chatting as you take in the views. The club also has a terrace on the other side next to a freeway with cars zipping past, which strangely is also really quite soothing as you take a minute to get some air. Something about the fast pace of the traffic and at that moment you are happy to be relaxed and having fun at your own pace!”

Rich Nxt’s album Know the Score is out now via FUSE London.

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Cover photo : Dan Reid