The London Lowdown
Where do we start? Forget capital of the UK, London is one of the capitals of the world! The city holds some of the craziest clubs and bars around. Alongside its history and attractions are some of the most unique spots around. Yep, of course you could always do the tourist stuff; Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and London Eye. But if dodging tourists and taking bus tours isn’t you idea of fun, there’s still loads on offer. Alongside the greenish-brown water of the Thames and endless changing of the guard, London is home to Europe’s hottest clubs and bars.
If you find yourself wandering the streets, in search of a good night and cold drink, all you have to do is keep walking; you’re bound to find somewhere awesome to spend your hard-earned cash. But if, like us here at Licklist, you prefer a clearly planned night out, have no fear. We’ve got the guide to your unforgettable night out in London. Whether you fancy partying like a royal or just simply want somewhere to have a few drinks and enjoy your night, we’ve got everything you’ll need to know.
Start the night off right
London is bursting full of trendy bars, each offering a different experience. Known for the wonderful and weird, chalk and cheese doesn’t seem so bad here.
Why not try Ping in Earls Court. Combining great cocktails and Ping Pong, competitiveness takes on a whole different meaning here. Alongside their incredible drinks is their even better food menu. Their kitchen produces some of the most delicious pizzas around for a reasonable price. So why not fuel your body before taking part in a gruelling, mojito-induced Ping Pong battle to the end. On Tuesdays, prizes are to be won on their weekly tournament night. Even if you don’t fancy playing, it’s always fun watching people in fluorescent headbands sweat litres over a Ping Pong table.
Be advised, this is an extremely popular bar. To ensure you get a chance to show-off your skills, book a table online; slots are available for an hour. Once booked, you can either play Ping-Pong or, if you’re in a large group and feel a bit bold, play a round of beer pong. Either way, you’re guaranteed a fantastic night.
If you’re partying on a budget, there’s always the Revolution bars. With six bars scattered across the metropolis, Vodka Revolution provides the perfect place to sip a cocktail, try the best that eastern Europe has to offer and dance the night away, all for a reasonable price. Usually full of students, their cocktail list is as diverse as they get. The prefect place to start your epic night out!
Alternatively, there’s always Brewdog. Founded in Edinburgh by two mates, Brewdog has expanded to London in recent years and offer a wide assortment of different beers. Like a wine bar, their staff offer you the chance to try their home brewed beers, starting at 3% alcohol and going all the way up to 10%. The Scottish Craft beer pioneers have opened bars in Shoreditch, Camden and Shepherds Bush. Take it from us, Brewdog is definitely worth a visit.
Clubbing in the Capital
After sinking a few drinks in one of London’s bars, you’ll definitely want to keep going. Whatever mood you may be in, there’s a spot in London for you.
A personal favourite of ours here at Licklist is Love and Liquor. Located on Kilburn High Road, there’s no place better to hear your favourite hip-hop and RnB tunes. On Fridays’ Love and Liquor throw caution to the wind with Flash Back Fridays. The likes of Ben Cain and Kiss FM’s Charlie will be on the decks, playing some of the biggest and best old skool Hip Hop, RnB and Garage tracks.
Another favourite of ours is Guanabara, London’s hottest Brazilian club. Located in Mayfair, this Brazilian haven brings Rio right to our doorstep. A clubs that combines the sun and sea of Copacabana beach with the flair and flavour of hillside favela life. Samba music is of course a given. With a happy hour between 5-8pm, where the 2-4-1 cocktail rule applies, Guanabara is the perfect place to taste Brazilian life without having to get any painful injections!
If you feel like partying like a royal, why not try Cirque Le Soir, the most wonderfully weird club in London. Hidden behind an innocent black door in Piccadilly, Cirque combines everything awesome about being a kid with all the guilty pleasures of being an adult. With bearded women, acrobats and magicians, this place is truly unique. On Monday nights, they pull off the weirdest fancy dress party around, while on Fridays, the likes of Nina Kraviz grace the decks, playing some of your favourite songs. Be warned, Cirque is not for party-lovers on a budget. That said, if you do feel like spending a bit more cash, it’s definitely worth going here. With regulars including Dicaprio and Usher, they definitely know how to treat you like a V.I.P.
Likewise, there’s always Mahiki. Combining traditional Tiki lifestyle with the metropolitan vibe of West London, Mahiki has played host to some of the world’s most famous artists and celebrities. Often frequented by the Arsenal team, it offers one of London’s most exclusive club nights. Who knows, you could end up giving Arsene Wenger a few tips!
So what are you waiting for?
Always expanding, with a diverse history and brilliant nightlife, London has it all. Whether you just want a quiet drink or fancy a crazy night, you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for in this fantastic city. Grab an Oyster card, put on your best frock and prepare for a night you won’t forget.
By Gurjot Thind