Thursday, July 11, 2019

8 Things to Do in London at Night

What good would it do to go to the trouble of developing a world-class city only to roll up the pavement and turn out the lights at 5pm? Fortunately, it is not a problem in London. If New York City is the ‘city that never sleeps’, London is the city that takes not sleeping to the next level. There is so much to see and do once the sun goes down that you may never make it to bed!


There is no way we could profile every possibility for evening activity in London without writing numerous volumes. Therefore, we have condensed the list down to some general categories. Here are eight things to do in London at night:


1. Go Clubbing
We have to start with clubbing because London is the birthplace of this exciting night-time activity. So much of what is now considered the electronic dance culture started here, evolved here, and then left here to be exported to other countries. If you are into clubbing, there is no better place to do it than in London. Moreover, one of the best clubs to experience a night of high-energy music and dance is Fabric, a Charterhouse St venue that has been pumping the volume for 16 years. High end club entrance can be gained through who are providers of exclusive guest lists.

2. Hit Some Pop-Ups
The pop-up retail sensation did not get its start in London, but we have managed to take a great concept and make it even better. All over London there are retail pop-ups offering everything from merchandise to seasonal food. Some of the pop-ups return year after year while others are one-offs before they are gone for good. Many of the free entertainment magazines around town keep track of what pop-ups are coming and where they will be found.

3. Live Music, without the Dance
You might be the kind of person that loves live music but cannot stand the bass-driving electronic dance beats. That’s okay because there are plenty of venues around London offering a more laid-back experience. For example, Ronnie Scott’s jazz club is home to some of the smoothest music in the UK. It is a London institution that has been around since 1959. Check out for the latest listings.

4. Check out the House of Barnabas
What used to be the Chapel of St Barnabas is now an entertainment venue and club used to support the charitable work of the House of Barnabas. This quirky club is the place you might find live music on one night, a DJ the night after, and a talk or poetry reading later on in the week. There is always something different happening at the Chapel and other Soho venues.

5. Take in a Musical
One of the most energetic vibes in New York City can be found in the theatre district surrounding Broadway. In London, it is all about the West End. Numerous theatres in the area offer shows such as Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera, The Book of Mormon and Miss Saigon. After the show, why not take in one of the many cafés, restaurants, or pubs supporting the West End? You can make an entire night of it.

6. Laugh with Some Stand-Up
The stand-up comedy craze is not dead in London. In fact, it is alive and well at venues throughout the capital. On the weekends, you will pay a premium price to see the biggest names on the London circuit. However, for a night on the cheap, consider free Stand-Up Mondays at the Theatre Royal Stratford East. You will hear some of the best up-and-coming talent and, on occasion, an already established act or two.

7. Pass the Night at a Pub
Nothing says quintessential London quite like the local pub. There is something uniquely special about lounging with your mates or spouse at a quiet, intimate location tucked away in a dark corner of the city. You might consider Earl Spencer, Angelsea Arms, or the quirky Three Kings of Clerkenwell.

8. Watch a Film under the Stars
Watching a film under the stars is a wonderfully relaxing experience. It combines the refreshing breeze of the cool evening air with an openness you just do not get in the theatre for a perfect evening with family or friends. During the late spring and summer months, the three best venues to catch a film under the stars in London are the Battersea Power Station, the Queen of Hoxton pub (they set up on the roof), and the beautiful Somerset House.

There is something for everyone in London when the sun goes down. So don’t sit at home looking at your four walls and an old ceiling. Get up, get out there, and enjoy everything England’s capital has to offer. Regardless of your age or income level, you will find plenty to experience in what could easily be the world’s most dynamic and entertaining city.

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