Drinking And Dancing In London

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By Marcus Sanigar Food, Drink & Events Copywriter, DesignMyNight 10-year hospitality, travel and events expert, writing for Expedia, Trainline and more. Last updated on 20th March 2026

We get it, one minute you're out with friends sipping G&Ts on some rooftop bar and then someone suggests going out out... Next thing you know you're at the front of a forty-minute queue for an underground hipster haunt, having lost your buzz and already thinking about those post-night-out chips and bed. Whether you're a hip-shaker, bump'n'grinder, or more likely to be found dusting off those moves under the disco ball, read on for London's best spots to drink and dance.  




Northern Soul at the Rivoli Ballroom

Pair your drinks with the sounds of classic Northern Soul at the Rivoli Ballroom, where the cocktails flow and the music keeps your feet moving.

Resident DJ Mr Max, alongside Ian Levine and Val Palmer, spins the best '60s and '70s soul, rarities, and forgotten gems, creating a lively, nostalgic atmosphere perfect for a night of drinking, dancing, and fun.

Exale Brewery

Pints for £4 on selected beers on Thursdays (not bank hols or match days) and 2 other offers

If you're looking for somewhere to let your hair down in East London then hit up Exale Brewery, a characterful converted old furniture factory, only a moment from Blackhorse Road Station. Here you will find DJs spinning tunes 'til late on Fridays and Saturdays, plus a large mix of craft concoctions to sip on underneath pink, puffy cloud lights and neon signage.

Albert's Schloss London

The perfect place for a few steins and a boogie with your mates, Albert's Schloss is the German-themed bar in Soho that's hosting events almost every single night of the week. Whether you're parting under the disco ball to live DJ sets, singing along to their house band or being mesmerised by a cabaret performance, all their sessions are entirely free, with a tasty German menu up for grabs too.

Parasol

Tucked beneath the streets of Dalston, Parasol is a vibrant cocktail bar blending retro glamour with a rebellious edge, inspired by the underground disco scene of 1980s New York. Created by the minds behind Ruby's, The Sun Tavern and Corrochio's, it offers a menu of bold, house-crafted cocktails and a wine list curated by Provisions, all served in a space filled with reclaimed materials and global influences.

Whether you're after a drink somewhere with a great atmosphere or a night of dancing to DJ sets, Parasol delivers a unique, intimate experience that feels like a well-kept East London secret.

UNDR

A restaurant, cocktail bar and nightclub all under one roof, UNDR is a cool, Caribbean-inspired destination in Notting Hill. This place is filled with dark, sultry decor, from the main bar to the balcony - think comfy leather seating, mirror-lined walls and low lighting.

There's a killer drinks menu on offer, alongside tasty plates like pan-fried salt fish fritters, jerk cauliflower wings and slow-roasted pork belly. That's not all though, as live musicians and DJs will be getting you on the dancefloor until late.

Tonight Josephine Waterloo

If you're looking to dance the night away in a luminous pink disco den then Tonight Josephine Waterloo is the bar for you. This fantastic spot plays all the best hits and even hosts themed bottomless brunches dedicated to ABBA. It's open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, and its drinks menu is hard to resist as it packs delicious classics like espresso martinis, along with signature sips like Hot AF, featuring tequila, Cointreau and tabasco. 

The Bootlegger Richmond

HAPPY HOUR 🍸| £8 Cocktails | £4 Bottles of beer | £18 Bottles of wine | £20 Bottles of prosecco

On Hill Street in Richmond, the coolest speakeasy-inspired bar has popped up to keep the Prohibition vibe alive. As a nod to 1920s glitz and glam, The Bootlegger's cocktail menu is carefully whipped up to whisk you back to that time, dishing out a delightful range of classic cocktails mixed by their ace bartenders. If your taste buds sway elsewhere, they've got a top-notch selection of spirits and a tasty assortment of inspired grub to savour while kicking back.

Amazing Grace London Bridge

Happy Hour Tues - Fri 4pm - 7pm

Once a church, Amazing Grace is now a buzzing late night bar and music venue. Still intact with its original alter, it blends old world charm with modern 3D mapping and animated projections. Like its sister venue in Canary Wharf, it's all neon lights, artistic finishes and high energy.

Of course the bar is perfect for pre and post gig drinks. But it's well worth stopping by even if you're not taking in a band. Settle in beneath the stained glass windows for craft beers, signature cocktails, Asian-inspired sides, sharing platters and brilliant burgers.

Caribbean Night at Leonardo City

@ Leonardo Royal Hotel London City on Saturday 28th March 2026 and 2 other Saturdays

For an evening of fantastic food, drink and entertainment, head to Caribbean Night at Leonardo City. This stylish hotel will be filled with vibrant, island-style vibes, promising live entertainment that will have you singing and dancing to all your favourite tunes.

There's a Caribbean buffet until 9.30pm, featuring the likes of jerk chicken, oxtail stew, macaroni cheese and much more. Plus, tickets include a complimentary rum punch or fruit punch on arrival.

Bar Italia Uxbridge

For a lively yet relaxed night out, Bar Italia Uxbridge delivers. With DJs bringing the vibe every Friday and Saturday until 3am, this spot is perfect for good eats, affordable drinks, and catching up with friends.

Indulge in fennel salami pizzas or spicy wings, hit their Saturday bottomless brunch for £25, or enjoy 2-for-1 pizzas on Sunday. It's got it all going on, including signature sips like The Tempest, made with wild berry pink gin. 

The Belle Affair

@ The Royal Bell on Every Saturday

If you're looking for the ultimate girls' night out in South East London, look no further. The Belle Affair is a dazzling supper club experience, bringing together fantastic food, free-flowing drinks and spectacular entertainment.

The night kicks off with 90 minutes of bottomless prosecco and pizza, served to your table while the atmosphere builds. When the entertainment starts, expect an immersive spectacle filled with glamour, music, dance and unforgettable performances. Got more in the tank? Stick around for the after party until 1am.

Aquum

Birthday Package and 3 other offers

With three bars to choose from, keep the drinks flowing and that body popping all night long. Throw funky shapes in the basement bar, get your freak on in the main terrace area or settle down for a sophisticated sip in the split-level VIP lounge. With great entertainment too, you can even enjoy the likes of burlesque performance, guest DJs and fire-eating for a stellar night out on the town.

A Wee Pop-up ceilidh at Small Beer

@ Small Beer on Friday 17th April 2026 and 2 other Fridays

Make your way to Small Beer Brewery in South Bermondsey for a unique night out: Fiddle Paradiddle's pop-up ceilidh. There's a spacious dancefloor to let loose on, with a live ceilidh band leading proceedings.

This roomy venue boasts fresh beer brewed on site, alongside a top choice of wine, cider and spirits. Plus, there are tasty snacks to enjoy in between dances. Plus, they host an event in Balham too.

BASSment Vinyl Club

@ St. Christopher's Inn on Various dates from Friday 3rd April 2026

Every single Friday and Saturday, St Christopher's Inn hosts live music and resident DJs, guaranteed to have you up on your feet. This welcoming pub can be found in London Bridge, promising a buzzing atmosphere across two floors.

Entry is totally free, and there are two different rooms to choose from. Upstairs, expect live music that's guaranteed to have you on your feet, while the lounge room downstairs promises vinyl DJs playing mellow funk and disco classics.

Blind Spot

Nestled in the beating heart of London's Leicester Square, Bling Spot is a smooth, sultry cocktail bar that offers guests a serene location to sit back and unwind with top-notch cocktails. With a flavoursome arsenal of spices, fresh fruits and international spirits, and a stunning line-up of resident DJs filling the air with thudding bass and trembling melodies, you'll struggle to find a better central London venue to dance the night away in.

Silent Sounds Boat Party

@ The Silent Disco Boat on Saturday 11th April 2026 and 5 other Saturdays

Set the stage for an unforgettable night with Silent Sounds. This one-of-a-kind silent disco takes place on The Dutch Master, a two-storey boat cruising down the Thames and passing by London's most famous landmarks, including Big Ben and Tower Bridge. Tickets start at an affordable £27 per person.

Dance to your own beat with three music channels, each offering a different vibe. When it's time for a break, grab a drink at one of the two onboard bars and enjoy the incredible city views. And if you're not ready to call it a night, keep the party alive at Ballie Ballerson's ball pit cocktail bar, where select tickets include free guest list entry.