Margot Robbie’s Shocking Night Out: Ejected from Infamous London Club Infernos
Margot Robbie, the acclaimed Australian actress who has captivated audiences worldwide, has revealed an unexpected chapter from her time living in London: being unceremoniously kicked out of Infernos, the notoriously vibrant nightclub in Clapham. While Robbie is now set to portray a literary icon in an upcoming adaptation, a decade ago, her immersion into British culture took a rather wild turn, culminating in an ejection from a venue famed for its seemingly impenetrable party atmosphere.
Robbie, who rose to prominence on the Australian soap opera Neighbours before making her mark in Hollywood, relocated to London in 2014 after a stint in the US. She has often spoken of her fondness for the South London neighbourhood of Clapham and its beloved nightclub, Infernos. This establishment, a fixture since 1985, has long been a popular haunt for Australians and New Zealanders seeking a memorable night out.
However, during an appearance on the Table Manners podcast with hosts Jessie and Lennie Ware, Robbie confessed that her experience at Infernos was far from seamless. She recounted how her housemates had previously described the club as a place where it was “impossible to get kicked out.”
A “Paradise” That Lasted 15 Minutes
Robbie explained that she first heard about Infernos from friends she met while working on a job in Belgium. They painted a vivid picture of the venue, emphasizing its fun atmosphere and the seemingly unshakable rule: “You can’t get kicked out of there, you can do anything in Infernos, and you can’t get kicked out.” Intrigued by this description of a “paradise,” Robbie and her friends made a beeline for the club during a weekend visit to London after their work concluded. To their surprise, their visit was cut dramatically short.
“We went to Infernos, and within about 15 minutes, we got kicked out,” Robbie admitted. As security was escorting them out, she distinctly remembers exclaiming, “But this is Infernos, you can’t get kicked out of Infernos.” The bouncer’s response, however, was firm. He explained that while the club generally allowed a wide range of behaviour, a specific, undisclosed action by one of her friends crossed the line, leading to their expulsion. Robbie conceded, “And I was like, ‘okay, fair enough!’”
A Pattern of Clapham Club Ejections
When questioned by Jessie Ware about her history of being ejected from clubs, Robbie candidly revealed that her Infernos experience was not an isolated incident. She confessed to having been “booted out of most of the clubs in Clapham.” She added with a laugh, “Yeah, for a while we were banned at a number of places!”
This period in London marked a significant chapter for Robbie. The same group of friends she met in Belgium decided to move in together, with Robbie readily agreeing to relocate despite not initially living in the city. Their decision to settle in Clapham was, in part, influenced by their newfound affection for Infernos, with the proximity to the club being a key factor in signing their lease.
“The Manor”: A Hub of Friendship and Early Romance
Robbie’s London life at this time was characterized by communal living. She shared a house with six other individuals, including her now-husband Tom Ackerley, and her future production company co-founders, Sophia Kerr and Josey McNamara. This share house, affectionately dubbed “The Manor,” was reportedly a vibrant environment where the housemates even considered getting matching “house tattoos.”
Looking back, Robbie has suggested that her first year living in London could even be the subject of a film, reflecting on the unique experiences of that time. Despite her burgeoning fame from films like The Wolf of Wall Street, she embraced a more “student life” in Clapham, valuing simplicity and comfort. She described these days as “the best days of my life,” finding Clapham to be an unassuming place that allowed her to simply “get on with who [she] are.”
Her The Legend of Tarzan co-star, Alexander Skarsgard, also painted a picture of Robbie’s down-to-earth lifestyle during this period, noting her living in a “frat-house vibe” and opting for youth hostels or tents at music festivals rather than luxurious accommodations.
It was within the walls of “The Manor” that Robbie’s relationship with Tom Ackerley began to blossom. They initially kept their romance a secret, but it eventually became known to their housemates, leading to a brief period of upheaval. However, as Robbie recalled, “the dust settled, and it was all good.” The couple eventually moved into their own place in West London before relocating to Los Angeles in 2017. They married in Australia a year earlier and welcomed a son in 2024.
The Enduring Allure of Infernos for Antipodeans
Infernos holds a special place in the hearts of many Australians and New Zealanders in London. The club’s unique ambiance, featuring carpeted floors, a “kissing corner,” a “confession booth,” and even a temporary fish tank, has made it a memorable destination. Its appearance in The Inbetweeners Movie further cemented its cult status.
The strong connection between Infernos and Antipodeans remains somewhat of a mystery, but it’s often justified with a simple sentiment: “If it’s good enough for Margot, it’s obviously good enough for us.” The club has even embraced its most famous attendee, installing a “Clapham Heritage” plaque honouring Robbie.
The club has also become a hub for official Australian and Kiwi events. During one such event, a bizarre Australian ritual involving trousers being dropped while dancing to Daddy Cool’s “Eagle Rock” reportedly caused a stir among security staff, highlighting the club’s capacity for uniquely memorable moments.
Frugality and Friendship: Robbie’s London Philosophy
Robbie’s approach to life in London was marked by a sense of frugality and a desire for authentic experiences. She spoke of her enjoyment of local pubs and her preference for not spending excessively on material possessions. Her lifestyle, she suggested, would remain largely the same even if she were working a different job, emphasizing the importance of her social circle and familiar surroundings.
Her interactions with the owners of her local off-licence, Johnny and Neil, further illustrate her down-to-earth nature. Despite her growing fame, she invited them to a premiere of her film Focus with Will Smith. However, they initially didn’t believe her, even when she showed them a photo of herself with the Hollywood star. They eventually came to understand her profession, and she still visits them when she’s in the area.
Robbie’s time in London, particularly her experiences in Clapham and her infamous night at Infernos, offers a glimpse into the life of a global superstar who values genuine connections and memorable experiences, even if they occasionally involve being escorted out of a nightclub. Her fondness for British culture, from Harry Potter to Love Island, further cements her affection for the UK.
