London has it all when it comes to a night out in the city. Whether you’re a foodie, cocktail connoisseur, live music lover or high roller at the roulette table, the capital caters to all tastes and preferences.
If you’re visiting London for a night or a longer weekend visit, here’s our starter’s guide to the plethora of nightlife activities on offer.
Places to eat
Before heading out, don’t miss your chance to savour a meal at one of London’s fantastic restaurants.
Covent Garden is a prime spot. It’s home to iconic eateries like The Ivy, which serves classic British dishes with flair, or Dishoom, where you can enjoy a twist on traditional Indian cuisine.
For something trendier, head to Shoreditch. Here, you’ll find modern culinary hotspots like Smokestak offering a mouth-watering BBQ experience. Food markets like Borough Market (near London Bridge) are great if you’re looking for a more casual setting. You can enjoy a lively atmosphere with an excellent range of options including Greek, Persian, Spanish and more.
Bars, pubs, and clubs
The bar scene in London is incredibly diverse, from traditional pubs and clubs to extravagant, themed cocktail bars.
If you’re a first-timer, it doesn’t get any better than Soho. It’s the beating heart of the capital’s nightlife, showcasing a vibrant mix of speakeasies, trendy bars and late-night clubs. Bar Swift on Old Compton Street is a great choice for expertly crafted cocktails, while Cahoots offers a quirky 1940s-themed experience if you want something a little different.
If it’s a traditional pub you’re after, you’re spoilt for choice. The Churchill Arms in Kensington is a must-see with its floral displays and classic interior. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street offers a historic feel and cosy vibes and claims to be one of the oldest pubs in the city.
Live music venues and theatres
London boasts some of the best live performance venues in the UK. Brixton Academy has hosted the likes of the Sex Pistols, Bob Dylan, Radiohead, Coldplay and Sam Fender in its grand Art Deco setting.
Camden’s Electric Ballroom and KOKO are also iconic for live music, showcasing everything from rock to indie to electronic. Ronnie Scott’s is a jazz club in Soho ideal for jazz lovers, with live performances every night of the week.
If comedy and theatre are more to your taste, no trip to London is complete without catching a show on the West End. His Majesty’s Theatre, Victoria Palace, Apollo Theatre and others offer a diverse range of performances for you to pick from.
Casinos
Feeling lucky? London has several excellent casinos, as you would expect from such a big city. The Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square has gaming tables, a cabaret theatre and plenty of bars to keep you entertained all night.
For a more exclusive feel, The Palm Beach Casino in Mayfair exudes a more luxurious and sophisticated atmosphere – perfect if you’re in the mood to get dressed up.