Your Weekend Guide to the Best Nightlife in London

Derek Kingsworth

London doesn’t sleep - and neither should you

By 10 p.m. on a Friday, the streets of Shoreditch are buzzing with people in statement coats, laughing as they spill out of basement bars. In Soho, neon signs flicker above hidden speakeasies. In Peckham, a DJ spins Afrobeat under string lights while strangers become friends over cheap cocktails. This isn’t just a night out - it’s a city alive in ways most tourists never see.

If you’re looking for the real London nightlife, skip the tourist traps. You don’t need a fancy ticket or a reservation at a club that costs £50 just to walk in. The best nights here are found in places locals swear by - gritty, glorious, and full of character.

Start in Shoreditch - where the night begins

Shoreditch is the heartbeat of London’s weekend scene. It’s not one place - it’s a whole neighborhood wired for fun. Head to The Ten Bells first. It’s a 19th-century pub with a history of Jack the Ripper lore, but today it’s packed with artists, designers, and late-night creatives sipping craft lagers. The beer list changes weekly, and the jukebox plays everything from punk to house.

Walk five minutes to Boxpark Shoreditch. It’s a maze of shipping containers turned into bars, food stalls, and pop-up clubs. Grab a taco from Wahaca, then head to Bar Shuka for a spicy mezcal cocktail. The walls are covered in street art, and the crowd? Mostly under 30, all dancing like no one’s watching.

Don’t miss Old Blue Last. It’s a dive bar with a secret rooftop. No sign. Just follow the bass. Inside, it’s sticky floors, loud music, and a vibe that feels like a house party your cool friend threw. Open until 3 a.m., and they never turn the lights on.

Soho - the classic, but better

Soho is where London’s nightlife got its swagger. It’s polished, but still wild. Skip the overpriced cocktail lounges with velvet ropes. Instead, find The French House on Dean Street. It’s been open since 1925. The walls are stained with decades of cigarette smoke and laughter. The gin and tonic here costs £7. The conversation? Priceless.

For something newer, try Bar 26. It’s a tiny, unmarked door under a stairwell. You need to text a number for the code - yes, really. Inside, it’s dim, moody, and packed with people who know exactly what they’re doing. The cocktails are made with house-infused spirits. The playlist? 90s R&B and French house.

And if you want to dance? G-A-Y is still the king. It’s not just a gay club - it’s a London institution. Drag shows every night, glitter everywhere, and a dance floor that doesn’t empty until 5 a.m. The bouncers? Friendly. The energy? Electric.

Peckham - the new hotspot no one’s talking about

Most visitors never make it south of the river. That’s their loss. Peckham is where London’s most exciting nightlife is happening right now.

Peckham Levels is a multi-story car park turned creative hub. On weekends, it’s a nightclub, record store, and food market rolled into one. Head to Bar 200 on the top floor. The view of the city skyline is stunning. The drinks? Cheap and strong. The crowd? Diverse, loud, and totally unpretentious.

Downstairs, Club 200 plays everything from garage to techno. No VIP section. No dress code. Just a DJ spinning vinyl, a crowd that moves like one body, and a beer that costs £4. This is where you’ll find people who’ve been coming for years - and the new kids who just discovered it.

Not all clubs are created equal - here’s how to pick the right one

London has over 500 licensed venues. Most are forgettable. Here’s how to find the ones worth your time:

• Look for places that don’t advertise - the best spots rarely have Instagram ads.
• Check the music, not the name - a club called “The Velvet Room” might play Top 40. One called “The Basement” might play deep house.
• Go after midnight - the real vibe starts when the first wave of tourists leaves.
• Avoid chain clubs - like “Hooters” or “Wagamama Nightclub.” They’re designed for tourists, not locals.
• Ask a bartender - if they say, “You should’ve been here last Friday,” you’re on the right track.

Food after midnight? Yes, please

Drinking on an empty stomach is a bad idea. But London’s food scene doesn’t shut down. At 2 a.m., you still have options:

• Waffle & Co in Camden - giant Belgian waffles with Nutella and bacon. Open until 4 a.m.
• Alamein in Soho - the best shawarma in the city. Juicy, spicy, and wrapped in fresh flatbread. Lines form after 1 a.m.
• 24-hour kebab shops in Brixton - the kind with a sign that says “Open All Night” and a smell that pulls you in.

Pro tip: Skip the pizza. Most late-night pizza in London is frozen and microwaved. Go for something that feels made with care.

Transportation - how to get home without getting scammed

London’s night buses run every 30 minutes after midnight. The N29 from Soho to Camden, the N38 from Peckham to Elephant & Castle - they’re reliable and cheap (£1.75 with Oyster).

Uber and Bolt are everywhere, but prices spike after 2 a.m. If you’re going from Shoreditch to Peckham, a cab could cost £35. Take the night bus instead - it takes 45 minutes, but you’ll save £25 and get to see the city lights go quiet.

Never take a taxi from a random person on the street. Only use licensed black cabs or app-based services. There’s still a risk of overcharging - especially near tourist zones.

What to wear - and what to leave at home

London nightlife has no strict dress code - except in a few high-end clubs. But here’s the rule: comfort wins.

• Wear shoes you can dance in. No heels on cobblestones.
• Layer your clothes. Bars are cold. Clubs are hot.
• Leave the designer bag at home. Pickpockets are real in crowded spots.
• A small crossbody bag or waist pack is all you need.

And if you’re worried about looking “cool”? Just be yourself. Londoners don’t care what you wear - they care if you’re having a good time.

Final tip: Don’t rush it

The best nights in London aren’t about hitting five clubs. They’re about staying in one place long enough to talk to someone new. Maybe it’s the bartender who tells you about a secret rooftop in Brixton. Or the stranger who invites you to a house party in Hackney.

London’s nightlife isn’t about being seen. It’s about being there - fully, loudly, joyfully.