When you’re planning a girls night out in London, you don’t want to end up at the same place everyone else does. You want somewhere with good drinks, great vibes, and enough energy to keep the night going-without the hassle of long queues, overpriced cocktails, or awkward silence at the table. The best girls night out in London isn’t about being the loudest or the most expensive. It’s about finding the right mix of fun, comfort, and a little bit of magic.

Start with the Right Vibe

Not every night calls for a rooftop bar with a view. Sometimes, you just want to laugh until your cheeks hurt over sticky floors and karaoke. Other nights, you’re dressed up and ready for something sleek, dimly lit, and full of jazz. London has both-and more. The key is matching the vibe to the group.

If you’ve got six friends who love dancing and don’t mind a little chaos, head to The Windmill in Brixton. It’s a no-frills, no-cover, all-night party spot with a packed dance floor, cheap pints, and a crowd that’s there to have fun-not to be seen. The playlist jumps from 90s R&B to garage house, and the staff don’t care if you’re wearing sneakers or heels.

For something more polished, try The Ivy Asia in Soho. It’s not cheap, but the cocktails are art. The lychee martini comes with edible gold flakes, and the dim sum is so good you’ll forget you’re in London. The lighting is soft, the music is low, and the tables are big enough for everyone to chat without shouting. It’s perfect for a birthday, anniversary, or just because you deserve it.

Where to Drink Without Getting Ripped Off

London’s cocktail prices can be brutal. A gin and tonic at a trendy bar in Mayfair? £18. At a pub in Peckham? £6. You don’t have to sacrifice quality to save money.

The Bar at The Hoxton, Shoreditch is one of the best-kept secrets. The cocktails are crafted by award-winning mixologists, but the prices stay under £12. They have a rotating menu based on the season-right now, it’s all about spiced pear and black pepper gin. The bar is cozy, not crowded, and the staff remember your name after one drink.

For something even more budget-friendly, try Bar 57 in Camden. It’s tucked away behind a bookshop, and you won’t find it on Google Maps unless you know the address. They serve £5 house wines, £6 cocktails, and the playlist is pure 2000s pop. It’s the kind of place where strangers end up dancing together by 11 p.m.

Food That Won’t Ruin the Night

You don’t need a full dinner before the club. But skipping food entirely? Bad idea. Hungry girls get cranky. Cranky girls leave early.

Padella in Borough Market is the go-to for pasta lovers. The tagliatelle al ragù is rich, slow-cooked, and served in a portion big enough to share. No reservations? No problem. Just show up at 6 p.m. and grab a stool at the counter. The line moves fast, and the vibe is pure Italian kitchen energy.

If you’re in the mood for something spicy and fun, Yum Yum in Soho does Korean fried chicken with a side of glittery cocktails. The chicken comes in buckets, you eat with your hands, and the sauce is sweet, sticky, and dangerously addictive. It’s messy. It’s loud. It’s perfect.

Bars That Actually Know How to Host a Girls Night

Some places treat girls night out like an afterthought. Others plan for it.

Bar Termini in Soho has been doing this since 2015. They offer a Girls Night Set Menu every Thursday: three cocktails for £25, a shared plate of arancini, and a dessert that changes weekly. They even have a playlist curated by local female DJs. No gimmicks. No pressure. Just good drinks and good company.

In East London, St. Agnes in Peckham is a wine bar that feels like your friend’s living room. They serve natural wines by the glass, have board games on the table, and the owner, Anna, will often join your table to talk about the wine she just discovered in Slovenia. It’s quiet, warm, and the kind of place you’ll want to come back to every month.

What to Avoid

Not every place that looks good on Instagram is worth the wait.

Stay away from The Box in Soho if you’re looking for a real night out. It’s expensive, loud, and the staff treat you like a tourist with a credit card. Same goes for most rooftop bars on a Friday night-unless you booked six months ahead, you’ll be standing in line for an hour just to get a drink that costs more than your bus fare home.

Also skip the clubs that charge £20 just to get in. If the DJ isn’t worth it, the line isn’t worth it. Look for places that don’t have a door policy-or better yet, ones that let you in for free before 11 p.m.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Night

• Book ahead for dinner-not for drinks. Restaurants fill up fast. Bars? You can usually walk in.
• Split the bill evenly. No one wants to calculate who drank three more cocktails. Use Splitwise or just hand over your card and say, “I’ve got this round.”
• Wear comfy shoes. You’ll be walking. A lot. Even if you change into heels later, bring flats.
• Start early. 8 p.m. is the sweet spot. You get dinner, drinks, and still have time to hit a second spot before midnight.
• Have a backup plan. If the first place is full, have a second spot ready. A good one: Bar Americano in Fitzrovia. It’s small, stylish, and never crowded.

What Makes a Girls Night Out Last?

It’s not the venue. It’s not the drinks. It’s the moments in between.

The laugh when someone spills their cocktail. The impromptu dance in the alley behind the bar. The way someone pulls out their phone and says, “Wait, look at this meme-remember when we did that?”

The best girls night out in London isn’t the one with the most Instagram likes. It’s the one where you leave with sore cheeks, a full heart, and the quiet certainty that you’ll do it again next month.