From Pubs to Clubs: Exploring London's Nightlife Scene

Because of how big London is, there are almost endless spots to spend your night out. It can sometimes seem a little bit daunting to try and find the best pubs or nightclubs in the city, especially as a tourist who wants to visit the places the locals go to. Check out our guide for ideas - from pubs to techno warehouses. Hopefully, you'll find something here that appeals to you!

Remember, though - if you're a tourist and have bags and luggage, many venues won't allow you to take bags, even into the cloakroom. There are options for London temporary luggage storage, though. We recommend Nannybag as the cheapest and most secure option. Anyway, onto our list of some of the best nightlife places in London.

The Prince

Located in Earl's Court, The Prince is one of our favorite West London nightlife spots. It's a multi-story building containing 3 bars, with varying levels of liveliness or coziness (so you'll find what you want), and four restaurants. These serve casual food-truck style food, all delicious and a great accompaniment to a few drinks.

At the back is a lovely beer garden with a retractable roof in the summer that looks like you've walked into the garden of Eden with all its plants and flowers. This trendy new place is full of surprises and worth a visit!

George Tavern

The George Tavern is a famous pub in Stepney, East London, that merges the old and the new. Located in a beautiful old Grade II listed building, there are elements of the old-fashioned London pub, with traditional decor and pub grub.

However, look around, and you'll see signs of the more modern elements - the menu will serve some vegan options, the (usually fantastic) live music will be less folk and more modern rock, and young people will frequent the pretty smoking area. If you're looking for a chilled night out with great music in a lovely pub, the George Tavern is the one for you!

Fabric

Fabric is one of London's most iconic and well-respected clubs, renowned for its cutting-edge electronic music, immersive atmosphere, and unparalleled sound system. It's located in the heart of Farringdon and has been a fixture of the city's nightlife scene for over 20 years.

The club features three enormous main rooms, each with its unique vibe, a chill-out area, and an outdoor terrace. Fabric attracts a diverse crowd of music lovers and party-goers and has hosted some of the world's most renowned DJs and producers. It's a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience the best of London's clubbing scene.

KOKO

Koko Club is a historic music venue in the heart of Camden, one of the best London nightlife areas. Initially opened in 1900 as a theatre, it was later transformed into a cinema and a music venue in the 1970s. Over the years, the club has hosted numerous famous artists, such as Madonna, Coldplay, and Prince.

`The building is beautiful, with ornate balconies and a grand staircase leading up to the main performance space. Koko Club is known for its eclectic programming, featuring a mix of up-and-coming artists and established acts. It's a great place to catch a show and soak up the unique atmosphere of Camden's vibrant music scene. There's also an adjacent cocktail bar and pizza spot, Café Koko, which might be an excellent place to enjoy before a big night!

The Beams

One of London's most famous and beloved nightclubs was Printworks, an iconic long warehouse venue showcasing the world's best electronic music, which has recently closed as of June 2023, much to the sadness of its many fans. However, the crew behind Printworks have now thrown their weight behind a brand new club.

The Beams is located in a vast old warehouse in the dock area of Canning Town and has received rave reviews (no pun intended) so far. The Beams is set to be one of the most vibrant and vital venues for top-quality electronic music in London in the coming years, so why not come down and check out this exciting new spot?

Hootananny

The Hootananny Club is a fantastic music venue in London, in the Brixton area of south London, known for its Afro-Caribbean population. It's a trendy live music destination, especially for those into reggae, world music, or folk.

The club has a big main room where the stage is, with plenty of space for dancing, a few bars, and even a mezzanine level with a great view of the stage. Some famous musicians have played there over the years, but they're also perfect for showcasing new talent. They also host DJ nights and other events too! It's a spot you don't want to miss if you're in London and are into reggae, afrobeat, or world music.

Xoyo

XOYO is a popular nightclub in the heart of London's Shoreditch neighborhood. It's known for hosting various electronic music events and attracting a young, lively crowd. The venue boasts a state-of-the-art sound system, a spacious dance floor, and a separate bar area for those looking to take a break from dancing.

XOYO has played host to some of the biggest names in electronic music, as well as up-and-coming DJs and producers. It's a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience London's vibrant nightlife scene.

Village Underground

The Village Underground is another great club in the same neighborhood as XOYO, Shoreditch, one of the best nightlife areas in London. What makes Village Underground is housed in a former warehouse and boasts a truly unique atmosphere. The venue features a large outdoor courtyard area and multiple rooms inside, each with its distinct vibe.

Village Underground hosts various events, including live music, club nights, and art exhibitions. It's known for its eclectic programming and commitment to showcasing emerging artists and underground talent. If you're looking for a unique nightlife experience in London, Village Underground is worth checking out, and you never know what type of gig or night you'll stumble into!