Boasting one of the most thriving nightlife ecosystems in the city, South London is home to a stellar range of bars, pubs and clubs ready to show you a great time. From the adult playgrounds of Clapham to the hidden gems of Camberwell and Peckham and Brixton's boisterous club scene, we've chalked up our top reasons for why you should head south of the river.
Last updated on 5th April 2019
Cheap Date - 2 Pizzas and 2 Drinks for £19 and 1 other offer
With its neon signs, bare bricked walls and shelves full of vinyl records, you can practically feel the rock 'n' roll vibes flowing through Clapham Bar, Venn St. Records. Expect an extensive collection of intricate cocktails, friendly staff, regular happy hours and, of course, that all-important eclectic soundtrack. Fun and unpretentious, it's unsurprising that music lovers flock there in droves.
Smuggling a little slice of the historic Empire of China into the heart of Brixton, The Courtesan is one of the area's hidden gems serving up traditional dim sum with modern twists in an opulent setting. Dine in their Royal Court before slipping into the gilded Birdcage Bar to sip on avant-garde tea based 'Liquid Seduction' cocktails. There's even a private room for relaxed games of mah jong. Book your spot now.
Adventure Bar Clapham High Street is a great South London bar complete with top cocktails and a great party vibe. Adventure Bar Clapham High Street also has a kitchen serving up great dishes aiming to be with customers quickly and without any drop in quality. Expect some cracking snack platters and tasty main dishes. Looking for a cracking Clapham alternative? Check out Adventure Bar Clapham Junction.
This huge venue, complete with main bar terrace, basement bar and VIP mezzanine level overlooking all, enjoy the swankiest venue south of the river and get down low to the best in chart topping hits and house tunes on these pulsing packed out dance floors. With regular events such as burlesque performances, fire-eating and special guest DJs, let loose and enjoy the best in southern nights out.
Living life as a local conservative club since the late 1800s before it was reopened early in 2013, Effra Social is retro in the very realist sense of the word. Whilst the old social club still has the feel of a village hall, modern touches and a great entertainment programme have breathed new life into it making it a top destination in Brixton. The drinks are cheap and cheerful and there's even bingo, live music and quizzes to join in on throughout the week.
2- 4- 1 Drinks 3 - 9pm Daily alongside other daily offers and 5 other offers
The Memory Box is the perfect hangout should you ever venture into Croydon. Not only do they serve everything from breakfast to some of your favourite meals like bangers and mash and veg wellington, they also have a mean selection of cocktails for you to enjoy – and a happy hour to boot. So get yourself down and enjoy yourself till the early hours of the morning.
Be at One have a great reputation for bringing brilliantly crafted and executed cocktails to the streets of London and that is no different with their South London branch - Be at One Battersea. There are great happy hours throughout the week and a fun time party vibe to boot. You can also book a mixology class with their cocktail masterclasses, taught by their professional staff and learn all about your favourites while learning more.
Southsider Cocktail bar is a fun time party bar, from the owners of 64th & Social, that styles itself on classy New York Cocktail bars of Manhattan. With a focus on top quality, this place packed with great cocktails. With modern takes on classics, experimental mixing and tailoring to perfection this South London bar is one to watch. Southsider promises the ambience and coolness of a Shoreditch cocktail bar, sans the pretention and sky-high prices.
Head just south of the river and you'll find Omeara, who have a bit of something for everyone. There's a live music venue featuring everyone from world-class acts to rising stars, a terrace offering beautiful views of Southwark Cathedral and the Shard, and there's a cantina delivering tequila, cocktails and light snacks.
A right royal gem of a cocktail bar in the heart of bustling Balham, there's plenty to like about this funky hangout. It's a venue rife with live music, a fun-time party atmosphere and a vast cocktail list that caters for all tastes. Enjoy a minty fresh Red Haired Mojito, a sweet and velvety Candy Bar or get the whole wolfpack down to share an Alice in Wonderland; a mix made for 3-5 people served in a top hat.
The Jam Tree is a great South London bar with plenty on offer. Lookout for the bookshelf and the rest will be left for you to figure out - Upon entering you will discover a fantastic private bar, ping pong table and access to the patio garden. This is a great space to hire for a birthday or celebration. Fridays and Saturdays see great DJs take to the decks and the volume turned up for some serious partying!
A favourite among South London locals, Balham Bowls Club is like a flashback to your village town hall with its retro finished interiors and traditional boozer character. With a rustic heart, you'll find all manner of socialising, drinking and dining going down here where their Sunday Roasts are something pretty special.
Humble Grape is an elegant wine bar in Battersea. This industrial-inspired hangout is oozing with charm, boasting charmingly rugged wooden tables and cork-laced walls. But more than just its delightful interior, Humble Grape stocks a breathtaking selection of the best organic wines too. Vino connoisseurs and the curious alike will be sure to enjoy a glass in this chic venue.
It's not just the taps full of great ale that makes the Spread Eagle one of the best bars in London. It's also that they boast some of the best pies around, homemade with the finest ingredients with twists on traditional recipes. But that's not all, the Grade II listed building is also home to a playhouse, hosting the best in theatre, comedy and film for you entertainment.
Adventure Bar is one of Clapham Junction's best loved haunts for its quirky style of interior decor that makes you feel like you're travelling back in a time machine where 50s diner themes, Victorian finishes and a workshop of cocktail goodies reign supreme. Sup on over 50 different concoctions and grab some delicious Americana influenced foods at this cheeky South London hangout.
64th & Social is one of South London's hottest bars - with a sexy New York City feel inside, join your friends propping up the bar, or snuggle up with someone special in the private high-backed booths with the speciality exotic cocktails towering over you. On Fridays and Saturday nights theDJ cranks up the energy with sets of soulful house music, Breaks, Funk and Nu-Disco classics and of course the odd bit of cheese!
