London Nightlife Savings: How to save at pubs, clubs and culture
London has some of the best nightlife in the world—from pubs and clubs, to theatre and culture, all interests are catered to. The difficulty is more likely to be deciding what to do, rather than finding something to do!
But warning: Without proper planning, you could easily blow your entire budget on a couple of nights out on the town. But you don’t need to spend a lot to have a fun and memorable night. To prove it, we’ve compiled this Cheapo guide to some of our long-standing, wallet-friendly favorite nights out in London.
London transport at night
Transport needs to be factored into any night out in London as, sadly for late-night revelers, the Underground closes relatively early. The exact time varies, but last tube trains are generally between midnight to 12:30 a.m. (check in the tube station for the exact time of its last train).
A highly-anticipated “Night Tube” was meant to start this past September, but the project has been postponed, leaving the huge network of night buses as the cheapest way to get home after the Tube closes. You can check out Central London routes here. Use your Oyster card to travel at night, as you would during the day. If you’re using a day travel card, it’s valid until the Tube starts running again the following morning.
Related: London Public Transport: How to save on Tube and bus tickets
London’s famous black cabs are expensive, though you might save as a group by booking a licensed mini-cab in advance. And, as with other cities, many Londoners are dedicated Uber users.
Yo Olde Cheshire Cheese is a classic, and yes, very old London pub. Photo: George Rex
Drinking: Pubs, bars and coffee shops
You’ll find places to drink all over London (navigate your way around a London local with our pub guide), although areas with a reputation for the best nightlife include Soho and Shoreditch. Further afield—and likely to be slightly cheaper—Brixton and Dalston both have great reputations for their bar scenes.
Pubs
• City wide, Samuel Smith and Wetherspoons pubs both offer cheaper than average drinks. The former are especially worth checking out for their historic interiors.
• Other traditional pubs that won’t break the bank include the wonderfully named Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street—dating back to the 17th century and boasting an amazing history.
• Also check out the Jerusalem Tavern in Clerkenwell.
Cocktail bars
Fancy something a little more fancy than a pint? Seek out some of the capital’s finest happy hours.
• The Barrio chain—with four branches around London—has daily £5 cocktail Amigo Hours (times vary between branches).
• The fun London Cocktail Club venues host regular discounts on their delicious drinks, too.
Cafes and coffee houses
London is somewhat lacking when it comes to evening drinking options that aren’t alcohol-focused. However, for a late-night coffee you could try Soho’s legendary cafe Bar Italia, which serves up the black stuff 24 hours a day.
Waterloo’s cute Scooter Caffe—open until midnight on weekends—puts as much emphasis on its coffee as its beer (if not more), as does Shoreditch’s The Bridge Coffee House and Lounge, another late-night favorite.
There’s usually free admission to the fun blues bar Ain’t Nothin’ But. Photo: Vlad
Nightlife: Clubs and live music
London has something for all tastes and budgets. The nightlife scene is constantly changing, so pick up a free copy of Time Out magazine for the up-to-the minute latest.
Clubs
While London’s dance clubs are so diverse that it’s hard to state hard and fast rules about them, in general you’ll probably pay less if you get to the venue early. Look out for fliers or try to get on the guest list online for cheaper entry fees. Here are some favorite clubs:
• For central London cheesy music, you could try The Roxy (take note of their happy hours).
• Heaven is one of London’s most famous gay clubs. Note that it’s worth making a pre-club outing to the G-A-Y bar to try and pick up free entry fliers first.
• Shoreditch’s Catch, meanwhile, is a late night DJ bar/club. As they describe themselves on their website, it’s “always free, always fun!”
Live Music
Larger concert venues tend to sell out well in advance, but there are a few last-minute options:
• King Cross’ Lexington and Shoreditch’s Old Blue Last are both pubs that specialize in hosting the best new guitar bands.
• Ain’t Nothin’ But is an atmospheric and lively blues bar, found near Carnaby Street. It offers free admission most nights, and is free before 8:30 p.m. on weekends.
• Jazz more your thing? Take a look at Soho Jazz Wednesdays—sign up on the website for discounts and special offers on some of London’s best jazz joints.
Snag a cheap ticket to a show at the Old Vic. Photo: Peter Morgan
Entertainment: Theater and culture
London is filled with evening culture options. From the big shows in the West End theatres to late nights at museums, you’re certain to find something culturally rich to do in London once the sun goes down.
Theater, cinema and comedy clubs
Free (or at least seriously cheap) theater tickets? Yes, it’s true. Score yourself free and cheap theater tickets with our guide to free tickets. (And don’t forget, if buying tickets to a big West End musical or play, head straight for the official TKTS discount theatre booth at Leicester Square — and not from the dealers surrounding it!)
We’ve also got some invaluable money saving tips on cinema going in the capital.
Or chortle your way through an evening at one of Angel Comedy’s impressive array of free events, or the New Act Night at the Comedy Café. That also costs nothing, and who knows what up-and-coming talent you’ll spot?
Museums and galleries
First of all, remember that national museums are open for free to visitors. To enjoy them after-hours, attend a Museum Late—evening openings at the museum, often with music and additional talks, tours and workshops.
Arty types will also enjoy First Thursdays, where over 150 east London galleries open their doors for free events and private views.
Something different
And for something completely different, check out the range of activities at Drink, Shop and Do. You can take part in evenings involving everything from making Lego robots to adult coloring in—many for free when you buy a drink.
And, after all that craftiness, be sure to round off your night by hitting their downstairs dance floor!
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