Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey, there’s plenty to see and do in London by day. It’s a town made for tourists.
But when night falls, the capital doesn’t draw its curtains and say goodnight. There’s no time for sleep, it’s time to enjoy the ultimate night out in London…
Watch
There are over 200 theatres in London. Head to one of the big boys and you’re likely to witness a polished performance or celebrity-fuelled musical. But how about getting off the beaten track and visiting a more intimate space? Based in Earl’s Court, above a traditional pub, the Finborough Theatre showcases provocative plays by new writers and introduces patrons to overlooked works from the 19th and 20th centuries. Grab a pint and settle in for a thought-provoking performance.
Eat
Whether it is dinner at 8pm, supper at 10pm or a case of the munchies at 3am, Duck & Waffle will sort you out. A vibrant 24/7 restaurant on the 40th floor of Bishopsgate — one of London’s tallest buildings, the views are almost as good as the food.
You can expect traditional British fare with a hint of European flavour. Don’t forget to sample a cocktail or three while eating, it would be rude not to.
Drink
Do you miss those whimsical days at school, when responsibilities took a back seat? Leave behind the bills, the job and the chores for a couple of hours and mosey down to The Schoolhouse. Situated in Battersea, the staff all dress in school uniforms, and the cocktails are creatively mixed in the science lab (where else)?
Another popular spot is Swift on Old Compton Street. The venue is split in two with a busy ground floor bar and a more chilled basement area. There’s live music, over 300 types of whisky, and of course the obligatory cocktails. Swift recently bagged the runner-up spot during an award ceremony ranking the top 50 cocktail bars, held at One Records, London.
Play
Between the element of chance and the thrill of a possible win, it is no wonder that casinos are a popular destination for a night out. The Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square has entertained guests for over a century with its six bars, steak house and three full floors of slot machines and exhilarating games.
Casinos can prove pricy for some, but now you can join in the fun from home, the local pub or anywhere else you fancy. There’s a multitude of online casinos offering the opportunity to have a big night out while you stay in! It’s worth doing your homework to find the best online casino reviews the UK has to offer. Whether you’re a fan of betting or casino games, you should find something entertaining.
Walk
Are you brave enough to embark on a night-time guided tour in the footsteps of the infamous serial killer, Jack the Ripper? Leave the comfort of your home or hotel and roam East London to learn the grisly facts surrounding the unsolved murders of 1888. Pleasant dreams!
Ride
The famous sights and landmarks are just as awe-inspiring by night. You might have tried out the London Eye during the day but riding it during the evening offers a different perspective of the city. Climb aboard the big wheel to see the bright lights of London from above as you gawp at the Shard, London Bridge and other icons.
Browse
A renowned shopping mecca, it only seems fitting that you can browse and buy by night and not just by day. Many of the stores on Oxford Street stay open until around 9 pm during the week, and plenty of smaller shops keep their doors open throughout the evening. There’s a great night market at Brixton which usually opens each weekend towards the end of the month. Artists and vendors congregate from 5 pm until 11 pm and there’s a buzzing vibe — along with tasty street food to enjoy.
Dance
Vogue Fabrics or VFD as it’s also known, is an achingly hip dance club that resides in a Dalston basement. The fabulous club nights, such as Sassitude, are renowned and dressing up is the norm. The LGBTQ+ crew flock here and all are welcome, the place may be modish, but it’s got a fun streak too. Don’t take my word for it, check out the risqué mural on the wall in the loo!
London calling
What are you waiting for? Kick off your slippers, put down your cocoa and turn off the television – London is waiting for you.
