15 Places Where You Can Go On Your Night Out In London

In you are looking for a club night out, you’ll scroll through quickly. Although you’ll see some interesting recommendations for clubs and bars, this list goes beyond your traditional night out events. If you want to try something new, experience London’s variety of events and have a different night out, then keep on reading.

These events will, hopefully, cater to a wide range of audiences, so even if you don’t consider yourself much of a night out person, some of these suggestions might make you reconsider.

1. Soane Lates

You can explore the Sir John Soane’s Museum after hours on one of their candlelit Soane Lates. Candlelight really flatters this Museum. You get to explore the space with a guided tour, which reveals all the secrets behind the collection. Also included in most tours is a gin and tonic or a glass of wine. It will definitely be a special night.

There is a different Late each month exploring a different theme of the collection. You can check out what’s currently on offer here.

2. Bussey Building

The Bussey Building in Peckham is an amazing multi-storey building, housing arts and fitness studios, a community theatre and a rooftop cinema, which hosts free film nights. There’s a nightclub, which hosts awesome DJs. There is an amazing view of London from the rooftop and there will definitely be a lot of opportunities for photos throughout the building. A great atmosphere and an even better experience. There’s loads to do throughout the whole day.

3. Who Killed Bambi? at The Boogaloo

Who Killed Bambi? is the longest running and possibly best music quiz in London. It covers music, TV, Film, Pop Culture and, of course, the question that has been on everyone’s minds: Who killed Bambi?. Gather a team of 4 to 5 of your most cultured friends and get ready to win some great prizes. Read some more here.

4. Top Secret Comedy Club

If you are into stand up comedy… or a cheap night out, why not visit the Top Secret Comedy Club. They host some of the best acts on the London live comedy circuit with a lot of celebrity comedians dropping in from around the UK and beyond. They also have the best value bar in the West End. The cheap drinks will definitely get you in the mood for some comedy.

5. The Sky Garden

If you are looking for something interesting to explore, why not book The Sky Garden. The Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street is a unique public space that spans three storeys and offers 360 degree uninterrupted views across the City of London. You can wander around the gardens, observations desks and an open air terrace and experience what it’s like being on top of one of the tallest buildings in London (and definitely the tallest public garden)

You’ll need to book your visit online in advance as there is a restriction on the number of visitors. But the entry is free. You can plan your visit here.

6. Late At Tate

Late at Tate is one of the best events anyone interested in art, music, film and overall creative learning can go. There are drop-in workshops, talks, artworks, drinks and food. There’s two lates you can try out ‘Late at Tate Britain’ and ‘Late at Tate Modern’ (also known as ‘Uniqlo Tate Lates’). Entry is free and the experience is well worth it.

7. Shit-faced Shakespeare

Shit-faced plays are a spectacle, that is, if you don’t mind watching actors screw up on stage, go off scrips, skip lines, overreact, break character, forget a monologue halfway through and all that jazz.

There is a theatre company dedicated to Shit-faced Shakespeare plays and you can check their events here. However, the idea for shit-faced Shakespeare or shit-faced plays in general can be seen in other places too. Who knows, there might be one happening at your local pub. I’ve seen a couple by the Goldsmiths drama students, so you might be able to catch them too.

8. Vogue Fabrics (VFD)

VFD also known as Vogue Fabric is an originator and incubator of queer arts and entertainment. It’s located in Dalston (and it’s very easy to find). It’s a place of all kinds of performance, dancing and music. They also do private events, such as queer engagement parties – cute! If you are looking for an inclusive space where you can dance the night away or support some queer creatives, this is a place to put on your list. Check out their calendar here

9. Club de Fromage

In case the name doesn’t give it away, this is the cheesiest party out there. They play all the cheesiest hits from the 80s, 90s, 00s and now from pop, rock, indie, disco, classic r ‘n’ b and dance, while their Discount Disco Dollies entertain you on stage with hula hooping, air guitar and general on stage mayhem. You can check them out on Facebook here.

10. Cine-Real

Ciné-Real is the only film club in the UK to exclusively play films in 16 mm format. The film night is run by Director Liam Saint-Pierre and Projectionist, Ümit Mesut, of Ümit & son. The story of how it all began is amazing and you can read the full version on their website. All I’m gonna say is that it starts with a projector in bin. It is now one of the most unique experiences you can get on a night out. They also have really cool photoshopped posters to promote their screenings, such as the one bellow.

11. Royal Vauxhall Tavern

Royal Vauxhall Tavern is one of London’s most iconic award-winning cabaret, performance and club night venues. It is open 7 nights a week and recognised on a global scale for it’s fun, safe, secure and welcoming environment. The RVT also has one of the most diverse What’s On programme of events in London. Worth checking out if you you are looking for a fun, inclusive night out.

12. Junkyard Golf

Junkyard Golf is going to make for one fun and engaging night out. It’s like mini golf on steroids. The courses are super fun and they are basically made from junk – bathtubs, dodgems, scrapyard slides.

They also have a bar at the halfway point of every course to keep you hydrated and or give you some extra strength and/or confidence. It’s a really fun venue which is open till 11pm Monday to Saturday and till 10 pm on Sunday. The opening times vary so be sure to visit their website, you can also book a time slot in advance.

13. Ballie Ballerson

Another very cool night out, which you may have already heard of as it was quite trendy online for some time. Bring out your inner child and dive in a colourful ball pit. There’s going to be swimming, jumping, submerging and most importantly – ball-pit fights.

Ballie began as a “one month only” pop up in Dalston in November 2016. The blend of cool cocktails and childhood nostalgia was a hit and they were acclaimed as one of the best places to go in London. And well, it still is. The cocktails are just as much of a spectacle as the ball-pits so do give them a try. If you are going for a special occasion you can also book a ball-pit just for you. Learn some more on their website.

14. Literary Death Match

Literary Death Match marries the literary and performative aspect of Def Poetry Jam, TV style judging (without the meanness) and the hilarity of Double Dar. They have a lot of events in London, although the idea initiated in the US. Keep track of new events popping up around the city.

Each episode of this competitive, humor-centric reading series features a thrilling mix of four famous and emerging authors (all representing a literary publication, press or concern — online, in print or live) who perform their most electric writing in seven minutes or less before a lively audience and a panel of three all-star judges. After each pair of readings, the judges — focused on literary merit, performance and intangibles — take turns spouting hilarious, off-the-wall commentary about each story, then select their favourite to advance to the finals, where they FIGHT TO THE DEATH… okay, not that dramatic. They compete in the finale to determine who will take the trophy home.

15.Bounce

Bounce makes for another fun and engaging night out. Much like junkyard gold and Ballie Ballerson, Bounce spices up your night out with a fun activity – table tennis. Music, drinks and a little competition. Bounce is Europe’s largest purpose-built ‘Social Ping Pong Club’ and it’s probably one of the most fun destinations in the city. So you’d better head there some night.