As the sun sets over the city of London, the fun really begins! The city pulses with energetic nightclubs, enthralling theatre performances and rip-roaringly funny comedy nights.
Theatre, Cinema and West End Musicals
There’s a range of entertainment to be found in London’s West End, with edgy plays, classic musicals and the latest cinema summer blockbusters. Try the Savoy Theatre, where “Let It Be” is showing, a fascinating rock biopic that delves into the Beatles’ meteoric rise to fame.
Classicists might enjoy a visit to the Globe Theatre to indulge in “Macbeth,” one of Shakespeare’s most iconic works, in the historically accurate reproduction building.
There are plenty of modern cinemas in the city, but for an eclectic mix of the latest films and obscure art-house explorations, try The Electric Cinema in Notting Hill. The historic building hails back a hundred years, with leather armchairs for viewing and there’s even a bar in the back.
Dance Clubs
Camden Town’s Koko is a high-energy music venue and dance club that promises memorable live acts from its intimate stage and city views from its refreshing rooftop garden. Musical genres include anything from indie to club music and the excellent acoustical properties of the historic theatre it’s housed in add to the overall excellence. Drinks are reasonable here, as is the entrance fee.
There are an abundance of clubs in London catering to all musical tastes and the Ministry of Sound’s funky neon-lit interior is the perfect backdrop for the techno and electronica sounds enthusiastically engineered by DJs or played by live acts. Visitors can book tickets online to save a few pounds or purchase them at the door when they arrive.
Bars and Pubs
Icebar London maintains a permanent interior temperature of only -5 degrees Celsius to keep the furniture from melting, but thanks to complementary gloves, capes and imaginative cocktails, the bar’s vibe is warm and welcoming. Try some of their inventive fusion cuisine or just admire the way the colored spotlights play off of the crystalline ice glasses and frozen tables.
The Craft Beer Co. is old-school brewing at its very best. With more than 36 different kinds of beer, there’s a little something for everyone. Enjoy an old favourite or try one of the deliciously unique recipes such as raspberry cider.
Jazz Clubs
Ronnie Scott’s hosts some of the finest Jazz artists around and the sumptuous music is balanced by the casual elegance of the decor and the interesting and decidedly unpretentious menu.
Pizza Express Jazz Club offers superb music in an intimate setting highlighted by good food and a relaxed ambiance. Enjoy a three-course Italian-inspired meal and be transported back to the era of the Jazz greats. Visitors can reserve a table online for an experience almost as smooth as the music itself.
Comedy Clubs
The Comedy Store in Piccadilly offers a seriously funny way to unwind with a daily dose of stand-up for the laughter-deprived. Food and drink prices are reasonable and the talent is top-shelf.
The Soho Comedy Club deals out fresh laughs from its Leicester Square casino location. Enjoy the acts and have a drink in the club’s own bar or from the bar upstairs. There’s a two-for-one drink voucher offered to guests at the end of the evening and the venue gets converted after the show into a disco for visitors to dance the rest of the night away.
