London Nightlife Guide

Living in London, the first thing you have to accept is that there are only seven nights in a week. Once you’ve accepted this, throw aside any fears you may have about breaking the bank because after scratching the surface you’ll soon realise that our capital has just what you’re after, without blowing the overdraft. 

north of the river

North London is good for music venues, including the intimate Lexington, Scala and 02 Academy Islington. The East is really where it’s at for affordable nights that so quickly turn to morning. Whitechapel houses favourite underground music venue Rhythm Factory and after a quick bus ride you’ll arrive at Brick Lane and Truman Brewery where you’ll be spoilt for choice. Two beers for £5? Hell yes! To line the stomach the unmentionable number of Indian restaurants will quite happily nurse any rumbles. Full bellies can walk it off on a short trip to Shoreditch. It’s the bustling hub of any east-end evening, offering cocktails (Bar Cocomo has 2 for 1 deals between 4pm-8pm), wine, beer and a hell of a lot of noise pollution. Adverse to Indian? For a small fee the many Vietnamese diners on Shoreditch’s Kingsland Road will have your best interests in mind. Think BYO! 

south of the river

Over the river, New Cross is the place for indie haunts (Gold Smiths, Jam Sessions and New Cross Inn) that offer low-cost beverages and great live acts. West London’s Nottinghill Arts Club is a great place where you can catch local and international bands for next to nothing. Just remember to beat the queue! 

central

If it’s the real live London you have in mind then there’s no place like Central! The trick to a penny savin’ night out? Pick your days. With so many upmarket places about, choosing the correct night will save you a fortune. Start off the week with classy Tiger Tiger (Red Bull Vodka’s only £2.50), then there’s The Social, on Tuesday White Heat at Madame Jojo's and on Wednesday Soho’s Cheap$kates and Covent Garden’s Los Locos will keep you entertained. A hot tip to discounted entry is signing up to mailing lists and joining Facebook pages.

clubbing

Into your clubbing? You’re in the right city. Ministry of Sound is one of the capital’s flagship nightclubs, and one of the biggest dance music brands in the world. In terms of names – think heavyweight. Judge Jules, Ferry Corsten, Laidback Luke and Mauro Picatto are amongst the events lined up at The Ministry. For a full list of events at The Ministry of Sound, check out the Skiddle venue page. 

Another big name in London clubland is the Ewer Street Warehouse – home to many of the coolest underground parties in the capital. Paul Van Dyk? Check.  Drumcode? Check. Warehouse Project? Check. Tickets for sale through Skiddle? Check.