London Nightlife
Nightlife in London is geared towards drinking and dancing, although the wealth of different pubs, bars and clubs in the capital do make it possible to find something to suit all types, whether you fancy a pint of bitter over a plate of British 'pub grub' or dancing until six in the morning.
For many foreign tourists, Leicester Square, and the West End in general, is seen as the definitive destination for a night out in London. The area is packed with tourists on Saturday and Friday nights, although the dearth of native Londoners in certain areas should advise you against restricting all your nighttime exploring to the West End. That is not to disparage Soho, however, as the area does have a fantastic selection of pubs, bars and restaurants. Bar Rumba in Leicester Square is worth investigating if you are planning on making a long night of it, while G.A.Y. at the Astoria on Charing Cross road is widely regarded as London's premier night club, boasting cheesy dance music and live sets from some of the biggest names in pop. The End on West Central Street is also worth checking out, particularly on a Monday for the regular Trash night, playing a mix of punk, 80s electronica, soul and glam music.
Moving north, Upper Street in Islington has one of the largest collection of bars and restaurants outside of central London and with the added benefit of fewer tourists and marginally more realistic pricing. The area between Angel and Highbury and Islington tube stations boasts over 100 bars, restaurants and pubs, ranging from cheap and cheerful chains, such as Walkabout, to the more individual offering. Staying in north London, KOKOS in Camden is a good alternative nightspot for after-hours dancing. Formally known as the Camden Palace, the venue has been revamped as a club and live music venue, offering DJ sets leaning towards the alternative spectrum and live music from a host of established bands.
Those in search of some more authentic London night live are well advised to head east and check out the bars and clubs around Shoreditch and Brick Lane. The area has fast established itself as the area of choice for trendy London twenty-somethings, with a wealth of clubs offering something for all music tastes. 333 on Old Street is often credited with starting the "Hoxton Revolution", which saw the area take off as a trendy hangout. 93 Feet East on Brick Lane is also an East End stable, with a friendly atmosphere and eclectic music policy.
Finally, London does offer some nighttime activities beyond the bar and club scene. Sightseers can take a nighttime bus tour aboard one of the capital's iconic red double decker buses. The two hour tour takes in many of the city's most famous sites, from the West End, to the House of Parliament and across to the Tower of London and St Paul's.
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Nightlife
