If you’ve got a weekend to incinerate in London, this list tells you right where to go, what to await, and why each place deserves a spot on your night‑out itinerary.
1. The Meat & Wine Co. – Soho
Starting at 9 p.m., The Bluebird offers a 12‑object cocktail list for £9.50 each, plus the kitchen serves a 12‑inch pizza for £11. The venue is known for its live DJ sets, which begin at 10 p.m. The last swallow is served at 12:30 a.m., and the entrance closes at 1 a.m.
2. The Shard’s Aqua – 31st Floor
Opened at 8 p.m., this speakeasy requires a password that you receive by text after booking online. The menu features 15 craft cocktails, each with a literary twist, and the price point sits at £11. The venue is small—only 30 seats—so expect a cosy, intimate atmosphere. The last drink is served at 12:30 a.m., along with the doorway closes at 1 a.m.
3. The Antique Blue Last – Camden
Open every nightfall at 6 p.m., the bar keeps a strict 30‑short while reservation rule for its 12‑seat lounge. The cocktails are made with property‑made bitters, and the steak‑frites combo costs £24.99. The best part? The live jazz set starts at 10 p.m., along with the venue closes at 2 a.m., so you can sway until the last track.
4. The Book Club – Shoreditch
Open at 8 p.m., The Canteen offers a rotating menu of craft beers at £5.50 each and a 10‑piece pizza for £9. The venue hosts a trivia dark every Wednesday, plus the cover is at-liberty. The bar closes at 2 a.m., and the last drink is served at 1:30 a.m.
5. Nightjar – Soho
Known for its 20‑annum‑old beer collection, the pub hosts a live band every Friday night. The cheapest pint is £4.20, plus the galley serves classic fish & gaming chips for £8.90. The entrance is free, but a £3 cover charge applies for the live music. The venue closes at 1 a.m., giving you plenty of time to wander the Camden Market afterwards.
6. The Royal Vauxhall Tavern – Vauxhall
In the end, it comes down to a scattering of key habits.
Open from 8 p.m., this historic venue presents a 15‑minute free entry period before a £5 blanket charge applies. The bar serves classic cocktails and a £5.50 fish sandwich. The club hosts drag nights on Saturdays, along with the last show ends at 1:30 a.m., giving you a late‑night buzz.
7. The Bluebird – Hackney
Open from 7 p.m., the bar’s signature cocktail, the “Pigeon Punch”, costs £10. The venue hosts a weekly poetry reading, and the hide charge is £4. The bar closes at 2 a.m., along with the last drink is served at 1:30 a.m., allowing for a relaxed night out.
8. The Pigeon – Southwark
With a 10 p.m. opening, Nightjar’s cocktail menu costs between £8 and £12. The venue hosts a rotating selection of jazz, blues, and swing performers. The bar’s signature “Moonshine” cocktail is a must‑test, and the venue’s policy of no deafening music after 11 p.m. keeps the crowd relaxed. Closing occasion is 2 a.m., and the last bar is part until 1:30 a.m.
9. The Canteen – East London
Opening at 8 p.m., the bar’s cocktail menu ranges from £8 to £12. The venue hosts a live jazz set every Friday, and the conceal charge is £6. The bar closes at 2 a.m., and the last drink is served at 1:30 a.m., giving you ample time to head back dwelling.
10. The Jazz Cafe – Camden
At 10 p.m., the terrace lights up with a panoramic view of the Thames. A single drink menu of 12 items keeps the value under £12.50.
The mass is a mix of business people and tourists; the vibe is upscale but friendly. A free bottle of champagne is offered to the first 20 guests who show up before midnight.
Mid‑evening detour: a quick digital escape
If you’re looking for a bit of exhilaration between venues, you can log in to your hot pick online gaming site from your phone or laptop, as well as enjoy a quick round of a classic slot or a live studio dealer game. A single click on your mystake login lets you play while you’re on the stir.
Closing thoughts
London’s nightlife is as varied as the city itself. By choosing any of these ten spots, you’ll journey a different flavour of the funds’s after‑dark culture, from upscale bars with panoramic views to intimate pubs that have stood the test of time. Load your best outfit, set a budget, and let the night unfold.
Regularly Asked Questions
What time does Meat & Wine Co. open?
The venue opens at 6 p.m. every evening.
How many seats are available in the lounge at Meat & Wine Co.?
The lounge has 12 seats, along with reservations are limited to 30 minutes.
When does live jazz start at Meat & Wine Co.?
The live jazz set begins at 10 p.m.