London nightlife doesn’t have to cost a fortune
You don’t need to spend £50 on a cocktail to have a great night out in London. The city’s real nightlife magic happens in hidden pubs, basement bars, and free-entry clubs where the music is loud, the drinks are cheap, and the vibe is unbeatable. Forget the tourist traps in Soho and Covent Garden-those places charge you for the view, not the experience. Here’s where locals go when they want fun without the bill.
Shoreditch: The heart of cheap drinks and live music
Shoreditch is where London’s budget nightlife thrives. Start at The Ten Bells, a 19th-century pub with £4 pints and zero pretension. It’s got a back room that turns into a punk gig spot on Thursdays, and no one checks your ID unless you look like you’re 14. Walk five minutes to Rich Mix, where you can catch underground DJs, spoken word nights, or indie film screenings for under £8. Many events here are free before 11 p.m., and the bar serves £3.50 lagers.
Camden: Punk history, cheap beer, and open mic nights
Camden isn’t just about the market. Head to The Dublin Castle, a tiny pub that’s hosted bands like Amy Winehouse and The Clash. They have £3.80 pints on weekdays and free live music every night from 8 p.m. onward. If you’re into comedy or poetry, Camden Head runs open mic nights with no cover charge and £4 house ales. You’ll hear more talent here than at any paid gig in West London.
Peckham: The secret hotspot no one talks about
Peckham’s nightlife scene exploded quietly over the last few years. The Bussey Building is a converted warehouse with multiple rooms: one for jazz, one for hip-hop, one for karaoke. Entry is free until 10 p.m., and drinks start at £3.90. The bar staff are friendly, the crowd is diverse, and you won’t see a single tourist. On Fridays, they host £5 vinyl-only dance parties that go until 2 a.m. No fancy bottle service. Just good beats and people dancing like no one’s watching.
Walthamstow: The new wave of local bars
Walthamstow used to be a quiet suburb. Now it’s home to St. Mary’s Church Hall, a community space turned bar that hosts weekly DJ sets and live bands. Drinks are £3.50 for a pint, and entry is always free. The crowd? Students, artists, and people who moved out of central London because they couldn’t afford the rent. It’s the kind of place where you’ll make friends before your first drink. And yes, they serve proper pub food for £6.
Free entry clubs and late-night spots
Most clubs in London charge £10-£15 just to walk in. But a few still let you in for free if you arrive early. The Jazz Cafe in Camden offers free entry before 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with £5 cocktails and live soul bands. Mojo Club in Dalston has £4 gin and tonics and no cover until 11 p.m. on weekends. Even better-Canvas in Bethnal Green throws free raves on Sundays with local producers. No VIP lists. No dress code. Just music and movement.
How to stretch your pound further
- Drink before 8 p.m. - many pubs offer happy hour deals until 8, with half-price drinks and snacks.
- Use the London Pass for free entry to some events - it’s not just for museums.
- Walk between venues - most budget spots are within 15 minutes of each other on the Overground or bus.
- Bring a water bottle - you’ll save £2-£3 per refill at bars that charge for tap water.
- Check Facebook Events - free gigs and pop-ups are posted there days in advance, not on Instagram.
What to avoid if you’re on a budget
Stay away from places that advertise "premium cocktails" or "VIP tables." These are designed to make you spend more than you planned. Also skip the big-name clubs in Mayfair or Knightsbridge. Even if they have a "student night," the cover charge is usually £15-£20, and drinks are £12+. You’ll get the same energy, better music, and cheaper drinks in Peckham or Walthamstow.
Real people, real nights out
Last month, a group of four friends from South London hit five spots in one night: The Ten Bells, Rich Mix, The Dublin Castle, The Bussey Building, and Canvas. Total spent? £62 for food, drinks, and bus fare. That’s less than half what they’d have paid if they’d gone to a club in Soho. They didn’t see a celebrity. They didn’t take selfies with a bouncer. But they danced until 3 a.m., met a drummer from a band they now follow, and ate chips at 2 a.m. from a van that’s been there since 1997.
Final tip: Go early, stay late
The best budget nights in London start when the tourists go home. Bars open at 5 p.m. Clubs don’t fill up until after 10 p.m. If you show up at 8, you’ll get the best seats, the cheapest drinks, and the friendliest staff. Stay until closing, and you might even catch a surprise guest DJ or a free slice of pizza someone brought in. That’s the London nightlife secret: it’s not about the price tag. It’s about who you’re with and what’s playing.
What’s the cheapest place to drink in London?
The cheapest pints in London are usually found in local pubs outside the tourist zones. In places like Walthamstow, Peckham, and parts of Shoreditch, you can get a pint for £3.50-£4. The Ten Bells in Shoreditch and The Dublin Castle in Camden are known for consistent low prices and no cover charges.
Are there any free clubs in London?
Yes. Many venues offer free entry before 10 or 11 p.m. Canvas in Bethnal Green, The Jazz Cafe in Camden, and Mojo Club in Dalston all have free entry windows. Some host free raves on Sundays or open mic nights with no charge at all. Always check their Facebook pages for updates-Instagram rarely lists these deals.
Can you have a good night out in London without spending over £20?
Absolutely. With smart planning, you can enjoy three drinks, a snack, and entry to two venues for under £20. Hit a happy hour pub, catch a free live set, then move to a late-night spot with cheap drinks. Many locals do this every weekend. The key is avoiding tourist areas and focusing on local hubs like Peckham, Walthamstow, and North London.
What time do budget nightlife spots close?
Most pubs in London close at 11 p.m., but venues with late licenses-like The Bussey Building, Canvas, and The Jazz Cafe-stay open until 2 or 3 a.m. Some even serve food until 4 a.m. Always check the venue’s website or social media, as closing times can change based on the event.
Is public transport safe at night for budget nightlife?
Yes. London’s Night Tube runs on Fridays and Saturdays on the Central, Victoria, Jubilee, Northern, and Piccadilly lines. Buses also run 24/7 on major routes. The safest option is to stick to well-lit, busy areas and use the official TfL app to track real-time service. Most budget nightlife spots are near Overground or bus stops, so you won’t need to walk far.