London is renowned across the world for its vibrant and eclectic nightlife scene. As one of the most multicultural cities on Earth, London has something to offer everyone when the sun goes down. From historic old pubs to glitzy cocktail bars and massive dance clubs, the options are endless. In this article we talk about Nightlife in London In 2024-Best Bars, Pubs, and Clubs.
Wherever your tastes lie, you’re sure to find the perfect watering hole in London. Read on as we cover the hottest spots to drink and dance the night away.
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Historic Pubs
For a quintessentially British experience, you can’t beat London’s old pubs. Many of these atmospheric boozers have been around for centuries. Expect wood-paneled walls, open fireplaces, cask ales, and a warm welcome.
Some of London’s best historic pubs include:
The Grenadier – This tiny pub next to Hyde Park has been serving pints since 1720, making it London’s oldest pub in its original location. Soak up the history and enjoy the excellent beer garden out back.
The Grapes – Located along the Thames riverfront, this lovely little pub dates back to 1583. It once had Charles Dickens as a regular. Enjoy riverside drinks under the sloping ceilings.
The Princess Louise – Opulent Victorian elegance abounds in this Holborn pub. Don’t miss the spectacular glasswork and wood carvings inside while you sip on craft beers and gastropub fare.
Ye Olde Mitre Tavern – Hidden down a small alleyway, locals have been frequenting this charismatic pub since 1546. The low beams, roaring fires, and real ales make for a charmingly old-fashioned pub experience.
Cocktail Bars
For sophisticated sippers and spirit aficionados, it’s got to be cocktails. Many of the world’s best mixologists ply their trade in London, concocting incredible elixirs for your drinking pleasure.
Some of the top cocktail bars in London include:
Mr Fogg’s – Inspired by the Jules Verne novel Around the World in 80 Days, this bar takes you on a global cocktail adventure across five uniquely themed rooms like a colonial explorer’s club or opium den.
Nightjar – An award-winning speakeasy bar serving seriously creative cocktails without any menus or ingredients lists. Just tell the expert bartenders your flavour preferences and let them surprise you.
Swift – Located within the glitzy South Kensington hotel, this trendy spot crafts unique takes on classic cocktails inside an Instagram-worthy space.
Dandelyan – Before closing in 2018, Dandelyan earned the title of World’s Best Bar. Now reopened as Lyaness, it continues to push boundaries under the same legendary mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana.
The American Bar – Modern takes on iconic American cocktails are served at this glamorous Mayfair bar inside the Stafford Hotel. With over 1,000 different spirits and liqueurs, the possibilities are endless.
Wine Bars
For wine aficionados, London has a fantastic array of bars pouring stellar vintages by the glass or bottle. Many also offer gourmet small plates to perfectly complement your wine.
Some of London’s best wine bars include:
Gordon’s Wine Bar – This atmospheric cellar bar near Embankment Station takes you back in time with its rustic, cavern-like interior. With over 60 different wines and sherries to choose from, it’s a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike.
Sager + Wilde – Michelin-star levels of wine knowledge meet a laidback East London vibe. With over 250 labels to choose from, you’re sure to find new favourites.
Bubbledogs – Here you can enjoy an ever-changing list of sparkling wines alongside gourmet hot dogs. It’s an unexpected but delightful combo in a hip underground setting.
Vivat Bacchus – This cosy Farringdon spot has one of the city’s best wine selections with over 450 labels to choose from. Their epic happy hour deals make it a great value choice too.
Dance Clubs
Of course, no guide to London nightlife would be complete without a look at its legendary dance club scene. Many of the world’s top DJs spin here on a regular basis. Whether you’re into pounding techno beats, vintage disco nights or chart-topping pop, London has a club for you.
Some of the most iconic London dance clubs include:
Fabric – This cavernous converted meatpacking plant is considered one of the world’s best techno clubs. On the decks you’ll find both underground and big name house and techno DJs pumping out beats well into sunrise.
Ministry of Sound – Opened in 1991, Ministry is synonymous with London’s club scene. Spread over five rooms playing everything from EDM to R&B, it still stands strong despite its veteran status.
Egg London – Housed inside a converted Victorian warehouse, Egg boasts a massive sound system spreading pounding beats across three rooms. Lineups lean towards house, techno, breaks and bass.
XOYO – With a wildly eclectic roster of resident and guest DJs, this intimate 2-room club in the heart of Shoreditch is always buzzing. The focus is on house, disco and techno.
Plastic People – Now closed but forever legendary, this tiny basement hotspot fostered the UK bass and dubstep scene in the 2000s. Though its doors are now shut, its influence still echoes.
LGBTQ+ Bars and Clubs
London stands as a beacon for the global LGBTQ+ community. The city offers a wealth of queer-friendly nightlife spanning cool bars, saucy cabarets and vibrant club nights.
Top LGBTQ+ spots in London include:
Heaven – Running for over 40 years, Heaven is an iconic London gay club. Expect flashy themed nights, cabaret performers and renowned DJs spinning pop, disco and house.
The Glory – Quirky queer cabaret and bingo nights meet drag kings and queens in this wildly popular East London pub. Enjoy themed cocktails while you watch unique acts on stage.
Royal Vauxhall Tavern – This historic LGBTQ+ venue has been hosting raucous drag shows, cabarets and club nights since 1863, making it the oldest gay bar in the UK.
She Soho – Billing itself as a queer bar for “girls who like girls”, She Soho offers a laidback lounge space plus weekly club nights devoted to pop, hip hop and rock.
The Yard – Considered one of the best lesbian bars in London, the Yard in Soho hosts acclaimed club nights like Clam Jam and Manic Panic for the girls.
So whether you’re looking for a cosy historic pub, a sophisticated cocktail lounge or a pounding megaclub, London has you covered. The diversity of venues spread across the city makes for an unbeatable nightlife scene. Just pace yourself – with so much to explore across London after dark, you’ll need your energy. I sincerely hope you find this “Nightlife in London In 2024-Best Bars, Pubs, and Clubs” article helpful.
With over 5 years of experience exploring London’s diverse neighborhoods and a background in urban studies, our author brings a blend of expert knowledge and personal insights to alondonlist.com. Passionate about uncovering the city’s hidden gems and cultural hotspots, they offer readers practical tips and authentic experiences for making the most of London. Follow their adventures on Instagram.
