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Updated by Julius Honnor
There isn’t a London nightlife scene—there are lots of them. As long as there are crowds for obscure teenage rock bands, Dickensian-style pubs, comedy cabarets, and “bodysonic” dance nights, someone will create clubs and venues for them in London. The result? London has become a veritable utopia for excitement junkies, culture fiends, and those who—simply put—like to party.
Nearly everyone who visits London these days will be mesmerized by the city’s energy, which reveals itself in layers. Whether you prefer rhythm and blues with fine French food, the gritty guitar-riff music of Camden Town, the boutique beers of East London, a pint and gourmet pizza at a local gastropub, or swanky cocktails and sushi at London’s sexiest lair, London is sure to feed your fancy.
Planning
Getting Around
If you’re out past 12:30 am, the best way to get home is by taxi (the Tube stops running around 12:30 am Monday–Saturday and midnight on Sunday), though the city’s night buses are largely safe and reliable. The best place to hail a taxi is at the front door of one of the major hotels; you can also have the staff at your last stop of the evening call one for you. Avoid unlicensed taxis that tout for business around closing time.
Liquor and Smoking Laws
Laws now allow London drinking establishments to extend their opening hours beyond the traditional 11 pm closing, and smoking is banned. Most pubs and bars still close by midnight or a few short hours later, and, in general, you’ll find yourself drinking in environs that are healthier and more pleasant than was the case in the past.
Can I Take My Kids to the Pub?
As pubs increasingly emphasize what’s coming out of the kitchen alongside what’s flowing from the tap, bringing the kids is more of an option. The law dictates that children 14 to 17 may enter a pub but are not permitted to purchase or drink alcohol, and children under 14 are not permitted in the bar area of a pub unless the pub has a “Children’s Certificate” and they are accompanied by an adult. Some pubs have a section set aside for families, especially during the day, but many don’t allow children in the evening.
What to Wear
As a general rule, you won’t see too many people in the upscale London nightspots wearing jeans and sneakers. People are more likely to dress down than up for an evening in the pub.
Find Out What’s Playing Where
Because today’s cool spot is often tomorrow’s forgotten or closed venue, check out the weekly listings in of the Evening Standard (www.thisislondon.co.uk), and, especially, Time Out (www.timeout.com/london). Other websites to consult are www.londontown.com, | www.allinlondon.co.uk, and www.viewlondon.co.uk. Although many clubs are for under-thirties, there are plenty of others that are popular with patrons of all ages and types.
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