I am quickly becoming convinced that London is home to some of the most creative night club and bar owners ever, and I say that coming from my past two years of clubbing in NYC. I thought I’d share some of the things I have experienced or have on my to-do list for the next few months:

1. The Stables (also called Proud). This place is actually built in old horse stables. You enter, there’s a large dance floor with a live band, and it’s nothing special. Then you walk back a bit further and discover the stables. There’s hay on the floor, two stalls have been combined to make a huge bar, and each of the other stalls has been turned into a semi-private room that anyone can reserve. Each room complete with a platform and pole, should the fancy (or the alcohol) strike you. Here are some very low-resolution photos I attempted to take, so you can have a vague idea of what I’m talking about:

2. The Breakfast Club. This place is an actual restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. However, there’s also a secret bar in the back. But you can only access it if you know the secret password! Depending on which location you’re at, after you eat, you can ask to “do the dirty dishes” or “do some laundry” and you will be led through the back and into the bar. Free entrance!

3. The World’s End. Okay, a part of the reason I love this place is the nod to Pirate’s of the Caribbean. But, in addition to that, this pub has a great ambiance, lots of open seating, a huge bar, friendly bartenders, and some crafty shots. Ever heard of the hell shot? Tequila, absinthe, and tobasco. It burns good. And after you take a few of those, there’s usually a great crowd hanging around and you can chat with some locals! Supposedly, this is the largest pub in the world, so you can cross that off the bucket list too. And yes, the hell shot actually looks like hell:

4. Addendum to The World’s End; if you want to leave the pub atmosphere behind for more of a nightclub scene, check out Underworld. It’s right next door/somewhat underneath The World’s End. You go down some stairs and enter a dark, hazy club that has a bar, minimal seating, a spacious dance floor and a platform you can shake it on if you’re feeling brave. This place is no-frills, the walls and floor are painted black as far as I can tell, but you can absolutely dance your heart out. There’s a good mix of top 100’s, old school favorites, and DJ mixes to keep the beat turned UP and make it worth the £5.

5. The Jewel Picadilly. Downstairs, a classy restaurant. Upstairs, the Ruby Room is a sweet bar with awesome decor. It reminds me of a Moroccan palace, or what I think a Moroccan place should look like.

Those are my top 5 for now. A side note on the night life here, all ages are welcome, it’s not only the young adults in their twenties going out. It is not unusual to go to a club and encounter multiple people in their 40s, 30s, a few in their 50s. They’ve still got it!

xox,

Lauren