Your ultimate guide to the nightlife in London

Find out London’s best pubs, bars and nightclubs so you can take your night out to the next level.

Ivandzhelin

5 minute read

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3 Aug 2023

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Living

With its vibrant culture and limitless options, London offers an unrivalled nightlife experience. But where do you start?

Our guide is here to help you navigate the thriving scene of London’s nightlife. From chic cocktail lounges to lively dance floors and cosy pubs, we've curated the top destinations for unforgettable nights out.

Read on to learn about the exhilarating nightlife in London and find out where you’re going out next Friday.

Yes, London has a dynamic and vibrant nightlife. The city has a variety of nightclubs, bars, live music venues, theatres, and more, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

While it may sound cliché, it's true that every neighbourhood in London offers great nightlife.

For a lively experience, head to Soho and Kings Cross, London's famous party districts.

Immerse yourself in the dynamic atmosphere of Covent Garden, where you can savour your drink, accompanied by music and dance performances from street artists.

Shoreditch, Clapham, and Camden have gained acclaim among the younger crowd due to their trendy bars and lively social scenes.

For a more upscale and sophisticated party experience, neighbourhoods such as Chelsea, Kensington, and Mayfair provide the perfect backdrop to let loose and enjoy yourself.

London pubs are known for their traditional, casual, and community-focused atmosphere, offering a wide selection of beer, ale, and traditional British food. They provide a cosy setting with comfortable seating and a chance to enjoy a delicious dinner alongside your drink.

The Harp: Best pub for ciders in London

Located in Covent Garden, The Harp is a popular traditional British pub offering many ales, beers, and ciders. Known for its cosy ambience and absence of TVs or music, it provides a perfect space for easy conversation. The pub also offers bar snacks, including pork pies and scotch eggs.

Pembury Tavern: Best traditional pub in London

Situated in Hackney, Pembury Tavern's a historic pub that dates back to the mid-1800s when it was a Victorian gin palace. It boasts an impressive selection of ales, craft beers from local and international breweries, and a range of ciders and wines. The pub's relaxed and welcoming atmosphere is complemented by a spacious outdoor area for sunny days.

The Churchill Arms: London’s most colourful pub

Located in Kensington, The Churchill Arms stands out with its abundant flowers and greenery adorning the exterior. Inside, it maintains the typical British pub atmosphere while displaying Churchill family memorabilia, as the Prime Minister's grandparents were regular patrons. The pub offers a classic selection of tap beers and serves delicious Thai cuisine.

The Prince: London’s largest beer garden

Nestled in West Brompton, The Prince boasts the largest beer garden in London. With tables surrounded by vines, trees, and flowers, this enchanting beer garden creates the illusion of an escape from the city. The pub offers diverse drinks and food to satisfy all tastes.

Tip: During the Premier League season, you should swing the best pubs to watch football in London, Peckham Levels, Bar Kick and The Prince's Head (where Ted Lasso was filmed).

London's bar scene has something for everyone, whether you're looking for innovative cocktails, captivating jazz performances, stunning views, LGBTQ+ inclusivity, or a vibrant student experience.

Tayēr + Elementary: Best cocktails bar in London

Situated in Shoreditch, Tayēr + Elementary holds the prestigious title of the 2nd best bar in the world. And rightfully so! The space's divided into 2 parts, each offering a distinct experience. Tayēr features ever-changing recipes that give cocktails a culinary twist, while Elementary offers a more relaxed bar experience with an industrial interior design.

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club: Best jazz bar in London

Founded in 1959 in Soho, Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club is a world-renowned jazz venue. It consists of 2 main areas: the ground-floor Main Jazz Club, where you can immerse yourself in jazz music while enjoying your drink, and Upstairs @ Ronnie's, a 50s speakeasy-style space that offers a more relaxed vibe and live performances.

Netil 360: Best rooftop bar in London

Located in Hackney, Netil 360's one of London’s original rooftop bars. Immerse yourself in the panoramic 360-degree view of the city while savouring local beers, wine or cocktails paired with delicious seafood.

The Glory: Best LGBTQ+ bar in London

Nestled in the heart of East London, The Glory is one of London's best gay bars and LGBTQ+ performance venues. It hosts drag shows, cabarets, and live music, offering a truly inclusive experience. The venue serves a delightful selection of cocktails, craft beers, and pub food to satisfy your cravings as you soak up the lively ambience.

The Roxy: Best student bar in London

Found in Fitzrovia, near Oxford Street, The Roxy is a favoured bar among students. It boasts a fun party atmosphere, affordable drinks, and a diverse crowd. With its retro and alternative vibe, quirky decorations, and vintage furnishings, The Roxy features 2 floors, including a basement club area with a dance floor and DJ booth. So, grabbing a drink at The Roxy you to immerse yourself in London's vibrant nightlife without having to break your student budget in London.

London's nightclub scene offers a vibrant and diverse experience, with multi-floor venues catering to different tastes. Here are the best nightclubs in the city:

fabric: London’s clubbing landmark

Founded in 1999, fabric's one of London’s most famous clubs. With 3 floors, fabric is a playground for electronic music lovers. Open from Friday to Sunday, the venue offers a unique experience each night with music ranging from garage and drum n' bass to disco and techno.

FOLD: Best underground club in London

FOLD London in E16 is a hidden gem for underground electronic music lovers. Housed in a converted printing plant, it offers an intimate and inclusive experience. With diverse programming and top-notch DJs, FOLD guarantees an epic night of sonic exploration. And don't worry if you can't handle those late nights because FOLD's got you covered with their Sunday daytime parties happening twice a month.

Electrowerkz: Best alternative parties in London

Electrowerkz's a go-to venue for the alternative music scene. They host weekly events, including dark scene club nights, raves, sex-positive nights, and queer disco.

Koko: Best live music

With a history of hosting world-famous artists like Prince, Madonna, Lady Gaga, and more, Koko in Camden Theatre is London's go-to venue for live music. Next to live performances, Koko hosts weekly electronic nights and boasts an exclusive members only club at the heart of the building.

Heaven: Best LGBTQ+ club in London

Heaven, located in Charing Cross, is a popular gay nightclub that has become an iconic venue for the LGBTQ+ community.With 3 floors, including the main dance floor, a VIP area, and a lounge bar, Heaven offers a lively atmosphere, world-class DJs, and a history of hosting famous performers like Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Kylie Minogue.

Armed with this knowledge, you’re now the master of London's nightlife. So why not start your search for homes for rent in London by looking for accommodation next to the hotspot that spoke to you most? So go forth and unleash your power to have nights of unlimited fun!

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