Did you know that London’s more than merely history, statues, galleries and museums? Well, surely, you did, right? Unless you’ve been living under a rock. Renowned as an absolutely vibrant world-city, it’s the place to be to experience that British reserve drop away from the locals and UK visitors alike, as day turns to evening and all and sundry head out for an awesome night out.
Indeed, it’s a destination particularly famed for its high-class clubs, globally-known theatres, trendy bars and down-to-earth urban pubs. No question; you’re definitely spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying an evening out in the UK capital – what with Shoreditch, Camden and Soho among the very finest districts for a top night out.
But don’t take our word for it – go on, go right ahead and book yourself a stay in the Big Smoke at the likes of our comfortable but affordable Park Grand Kensington hotel and enjoy a night out on the tiles. Where to head to, though? What venue to base your evening around? Well, you might want to note down any of the following as possibilities for an unforgettable night of awesome memories…
Nightclubs
- Fabric – this place is undoubtedly among the finest venues for clubbers in the whole city (in its time, it’s even been rated the third best club on the planet); why? Well, for one thing its dancefloor boasts more than 400 bass inducers, delivering, then, dubstep, house and techno beats – and then some!/ Head to: 77A Charterhouse St, EC1M 6HJ
- Egg – boasting five rooms big enough to squeeze in 1,000 clubbers, each(!), Egg is definitely one of the city’s largest nightspots and offers eager punters terrific, trippy electronica/ Head to: 200 York Way, N7 9AX
- Cargo – beat those weekday blues at the disused-railway-yard-housed Cargo (you may even be lucky; there’s been free-entry on Monday nights before now), with some of the finest R&B around, as well as hip-hop, pop and funky house/ Head to: 83 Rivington St, EC2A 3AY
- XOYO – disco and techno are the order of the day (or, rather, night) at XOYO, where DJs such as The 2 Bears, Jack Bears, Skream and Bicep have all graced its pretty much legendary decks/ Head to: 32-37 Cowper St, EC2A 4AP
- Ministry of Sound – yes, the legendary West End club that seems to have been going forever is still with us (indeed, this place remains the flagship venue of the Ministry of Sound brand); it’s still where to go for the best in house and trance/ Head to: 103 Gaunt St, SE1 6DP.
Pubs and bars
- The Spaniard’s Inn – no stay at 4 star hotels in Kensington London is complete without sampling a proper city pub and you really can’t beat this place, not least because it’s been a watering hole serving locals since at least the 17th Century (yes, really!); utterly iconic, then, you can’t beat supping on any of its cask ales, craft beer and artisan spirits/ Head to: Spaniards Rd, NW3 7JJ
- Opium – funky’s the word at this cultural clash that seeks to marry dim sum with cosmopolitan London cocktails; the Chinese stylings somehow seem perfectly at home here in the centre of the Big Smoke, especially until 3am – closing time – on Friday and Saturday nights/ Head to: 15-16, Gerrard St, W1D 6JE
- Famous Three Kings – the ideal place to catch that big football match, F1 Grand Prix or tennis final, this voluminous sports bar is where to go if you couldn’t secure a ticket for that *big* London sporting occasion, what with its three big, big screens and 11 plasma screens (count ’em!)/ Head to: 171 N End Rd, W14 9NL
- London’s Cocktail Clubs – doffing its cap to the style of Saville Row’s world-famous tailors and giving off irresistible ’70s vibes, this East London establishment delivers a vibrant yet laidback atmos and very cool background beats, along with a – you guessed it – cocktail menu that’ll make the trek out east (from hotels near Hogarth Road) well worth the effort/ Head to: 2B Eastcheap, EC3M 1AB.
Entertainment venues
- Soho Theatre – located slap-bang in the West End, this theatre may be surrounded by (what many may deem) more illustrious and certainly older playhouse siblings, yet it’s a rather cool, stylish and, well, very ‘Soho’ venue; offering, as it does, new and thought-provoking plays and stage shows, terrific stand-up comedy and sensational cabaret nights/ Head to: 21 Dean St, W1D 3NE
- The Comedy Store – speaking of comedy, this place is the absolute king of venues for stand-up in the capital (and, frankly, the entire country); its rosters are packed with the very best up-and-comers on the circuit as well as many of the well-known greats, too, having hosted legends down through the decades like Paul Merton, Sean Lock, Bill Bailey, Josie Lawrence and oh-so many more/ Head to: 1a Oxendon St, SW1Y 4EE
- Hippodrome Casino – free to enter, 24/7 (yes, really; all day and all night), this Leicester Square venue may just be the biggest and best casino in the UK; it offers not just every casino game under the sun but also some awesome entertainment, boasting live music acts and cabaret stage shows/ Head to: Cranbourn Street, WC2H 7JH.
Finally, how about making your own fun!
- An evening stroll along the Thames – fancy a cheaper (nay, free!) night out in the centre of town? Well, if you’re on a budget and looking to save some pennies after one or two nights out on London’s neon-tinged tiles already, then simply take a walk along the Thames, especially along the South Bank, from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge; passing the likes of the National Theatre, Waterloo Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tate Modern and the bustling London Bridge, all along the way (tip: it’s absolutely ideal for romantic couples staying at the likes of Park Grand Kensington accommodation)/ Head to: Westminster for the South Bank
- Catch the sunset at Primrose Hill – alternatively, head slightly out of Central London and slightly north for the grassy environs of the splendid Primrose Hill; take a picnic with you in the afternoon, find a spot and while away some lazy, leisurely hours with friends/ family as you take in the view of the city below, waiting for that awesome, Instagrammable sunset. Blissful’s the word, all right!
