London’s nightlife has a lot to offer, in every respect: from some of Europe’s hottest night clubs, over trendy, stylish bars, to the traditional London pubs. You’ll find exciting places for going out all across town, although most of London’s nightlife revolves around West End, especially Soho, the center of London’s trendsetters and gay and lesbian community.
The legal drinking age is 18. Nearly all clubs have a cover charge which is usually raised after 10 or 11 pm and can be rather high, especially in West End. Dress code depends on the style of the individual club, but it’s safe to say you’d better leave your sneakers at home.
Night clubs usually open at 9 pm, fill up between 11 and midnight, and are open until 3 am on weekdays, 5 am on weekends. Drinking in London is immoderately costly, but prices do vary from pub to pub and club to club. A pint of beer is £2.10 and up, a glass of wine usually starts at £2.50. Drink prices in West End are also outrageously high.
Cafés & Bars
For a traditional English pub, visit the George Inn, the only remaining 17th-century stagecoach bar with balconies. Just around the corner, there is The Anchor, a bar equally popular with Globe Theatre patrons, tourists and neighbors. This 17th-century pub has a very inviting (on London’s few sunny days) terrace overlooking the Thames.
The Crown, 51 New Oxford Street, WC1, in the city center, is also a point of interest which sells many types of beer at the lowest prices in West End.
Yo!Below underneath Yo!Sushi is a great new asset to the Soho scene, where Japanese anime movies are shown, the staff sing karaoke, patrons tap their own beer and even massages are available.
At an altitude of 180 meters, Vertigo is one of the United Kingdom’s highest bars. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a breathtaking view of the city.
The Bell & Crown, located by the Thames in the west of London is a true secret spot with outdoor seating and good pub food.
British pub curfew was made history on November 24, 2005. Pubs all over the UK may now remain open 24 hours, and their owners no longer must ring the “last orders” bell at 11 pm.
Clubs
Although British Garage music is still at the peak of hipness at the moment, the capital’s clubs offer a great variety of musical styles.
The world famous super-club, Ministry of Sound, is still going strong after a decade and has an incredible sound system blasting house and garage.
Its two biggest competitors at the moment are Home and Fabric, both relatively new and gigantic in size. Their success is proof of the strength of London’s club scene.
In the west of London, look for the Notting Hill Arts Club for a truly relaxed atmosphere.
Live music
Artists and bands of international fame perform at the Earls Court Exhibition Centre and Wembley Arena. The giant Wembley Stadium, where world-famous stars used to play, is next door. For the time being, the stadium saw its last performance in November, 2000, because it is now in the midst of a five-year renovation project.
Mainstream pop stars and starlets play at the London Arena. The Astoria and the Brixton Academy are worth a visit for the unique atmosphere alone.
Among the pubs with regular live music is the Bull & Gate. For jazz music, you should swing by Jazz Café or the legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in the heart of Soho.
If you want to check what's up in London, we recommend Time out.
