Bars
The 6 Best Nightlife in London
Superclubs, queer institutions and Funktion One systems: where London actually goes out after midnight.
In short: our top picks are Fabric, Phonox and KOKO. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
London’s nightlife runs deep and tribal, from Farringdon’s fabric to Brixton’s bass rooms and Vauxhall’s queer mega-clubs. The scene clusters by area as much as by venue: south for sound systems, east for the alternative crowd, Camden for cheaper drinks and grit. These are the clubs that define a proper night out, plus the areas to aim for. Check the line-up, not just the venue, and pace the first few hours.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric | Farringdon | £££ |
| Phonox | Brixton | ££ |
| KOKO | Camden | £££ |
| Ministry of Sound | Elephant and Castle | £££ |
| Dalston Superstore | Dalston | |
| Corsica Studios | Elephant and Castle | ££ |
-
Editor’s choice
Fabric
Why we pick itLondon's most famous nightclub, a Farringdon institution with a body-shaking bass room and world-class DJs.
superclub
-
Phonox
Why we pick itA single-room Brixton club with a four-point Funktion One system and a sharp, DJ-led programme.
club
-
KOKO
Why we pick itA lavishly restored Camden theatre blending old-world grandeur with cutting-edge electronic and live shows.
club and live venue
-
Ministry of Sound
Why we pick itThe globally famous south London superclub, a temple to house with a serious sound system.
superclub
-
Dalston Superstore
Why we pick itA 24-hour queer club-bar at the heart of Dalston's alternative nightlife.
queer club-bar
-
Corsica Studios
Why we pick itA fiercely independent Elephant and Castle club, two arches of leftfield electronic music.
Worth knowingSkip it if you want a polished night out: drinks run £7 to £8, the facilities show their age by closing, and getting home from the arches needs planning.
independent club
Before you book
Most serious clubs run Friday and Saturday into the early hours, with some, like fabric, going through to Sunday; check set times and buy advance tickets for big names. Brixton, Vauxhall, Dalston and Shoreditch are the areas to base a night around. Night Tube and buses cover the main lines, but plan a way home for the after-hours end.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Fabric is our editor's choice: London's most famous nightclub, a Farringdon institution with a body-shaking bass room and world-class DJs. Fabric, Phonox and KOKO lead the guide, with 6 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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