The Brewers, Manchester
If you're on the hunt for drinking destinations, check out The Brewers. Along with 2 for 1 cocktails, quirky cabaret and a bustling dancefloor, the venue has a plethora of cool events including DJ nights on the weekends.
Discover some of the best places for drinking and dancing with our guide to DJ bars in London. The city is filled with buzzing little venues with killer playlists and a hedonistic late-night spirit that offer a great alternative to the more notorious super-clubs.
We’ve selflessly been out to experience some of the best places for DJ nights in London; read on for our recommended picks.
Find out more about how we created our guide in our Editorial Policy.
If you're on the hunt for drinking destinations, check out The Brewers. Along with 2 for 1 cocktails, quirky cabaret and a bustling dancefloor, the venue has a plethora of cool events including DJ nights on the weekends.
We know that cocktails taste so much better when they are served with music. Head along to Supermax in King's Cross for some delicious vermouth-based concoctions, and 70s-style interiors in their cool basement space.
Sister venue of the iconic Ministry of Sound, The Ministry is a cool members' club in Borough. You can buy day passes or monthly memberships, allowing you to experience all the events going on there.
Their ground floor bar and lounge is a lively space where you'll often find live DJs playing, alongside musicians, stand-up comedy and more. Plus, there's a relaxed terrace where you can sip cocktails under the stars.
Probably best known for their marathon happy hours and kitsch interiors, the Simmons gang also know a thing or two about slipping on their dancing shoes to go long and big into the night. Get stuck into some of their very reasonably priced drinks, then hang about into the evening as DJs play a mish-mash of party classics at their venues across London.
For those of you after a first-class DJ bar, then venture to Covent Garden's Stereo. At this music-fuelled venue, you'll get to watch some of London's best performers on the stage, alongside live sets into the night. Worked up an appetite? Check out the menus.
Bringing all things Cuban to Kings Road, this Chelsea hot spot is a great little place to satisfy your dancing needs. Enjoy a fun festival atmosphere and DJ sets that mash only the best in hot off the charts music hits with top quality hip hop, RnB and dance music classics.
The perfect escape from the noise of the city, 26 Curtain Road is a super cool Shoreditch hangout. Boasting a sick selection of drinks, with killer cocktails, tasty nibbles and craft beers from all over the world, as well as sick beats headlined by a rotating selection of resident and special DJs, grab your crew and head down for a night to remember.
Located high above the station, London Bridge Rooftop is an elevated destination that offers views of The Shard, St Paul's Cathedral and the London Eye, among other landmarks. Here, you'll find a regular lineup of DJs playing house, disco, garage and party tunes.
That's not all though, as they're also whipping up affordable cocktails, paired with gourmet burgers and sides. Even better? They host DJ-led bottomless brunches on Saturdays.
In the heart of South Woodford is Ohana, a lively, chic bar with a vibrant atmosphere. Expect bespoke, carefully crafted cocktails, a wide range of spirits and a resident DJ spinning rhythmic tunes. There's even a second room where music takes centre stage until 2am on weekends.
One of Shoreditch's most popular DJ bars, this venue is a haven for quirky coolness. Gigi's consists of a ground floor bar, which eventually turns into a dancefloor and a basement bar attracting the city's free-thinkers, making it a great place to dance to electro beats.
One of the liveliest venues in Stratford and Covent Garden, Bat & Ball boasts two floors of ping pong and pool tables, as well as a DJ bringing the vibes in high supply. While you enjoy the tunes, feast on Neapolitan-style slices and sip tasty cocktails.
Looking for a gorgeous spot to party in this weekend? Then head to Peckham Riviera, a tropical oasis underneath the arches of Peckham Rye station. They host resident DJs every single weekend, which you can party to on the dancefloor, under a glittering disco ball.
Their greenhouse-style space is filled with plants and pretty fairy lights, with both indoor and outdoor spaces available. Sip refreshing cocktails while you're at it, and there are New York-style pizzas if you're feeling peckish.
Chanelling the glamour of the 1970s, Nancy's is a go-to spot for a drink and dance in the heart of the city. Up on the roof, you can groove to epic DJ sets, sip on something special and stare out across the city skyline.
Inspired by Borough Market and the makers around London Bridge, the mixologists here only pour the finest market-to-glass cocktails packed with the freshest of ingredients. Before you leave, be sure to try the vodka, caramel, passionfruit and coconut sake soaked Miloco.
Have a sexy Spanish party in the city's hottest joint. With cocktails galore, vibrant furniture, brightly coloured walls and a sense of all things tropical, get down to some top hits, some salsa sensations and some sassy Shakira and Sean Paul on a dance floor that loves to see you shake those saucy hips to the best in exotic sounds.
Boasting regular DJ sets in the evenings, Eighteen Sky Bar in Greenwich sits 18 floors up, boasting remarkable sights over Canary Wharf, The O2 and London's skyline. From the outdoor terrace to the floor-to-ceiling windows, you can soak up the amazing views while grooving to the tunes.
Choose from a range of imaginative drinks, whether it's one of their many cocktails or a premium wine. If you're hungry, there are also light food options such as Exmoor caviar and olives with mushrooms and garlic.
Samba Brunch: Bottomless Food and Drinks. and 6 other offers
Head over to Paddington every Thursday, Friday and Saturday and you'll find Ayllu serving up funky tunes and mouthwatering fare. The Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant and bar will be playing host to a number of DJs to keep the tempo high and help you welcome in the weekend.
As part of the legendary Strongroom recording complex, The Strongroom Bar & Kitchen has music at its heart. Consequently, it's become one of the best DJ bars in London, with a focus on eclectic, independent acts and emerging selectors.
Three Colts Tavern is what happens when you combine a classic boozer with a party bar. This Bethnal Green spot hosts weekly DJ sets on Friday Saturday nights, showcasing everything from Afrobeats to disco and funk, with 14 taps of beer and cask ale or an extensive cocktail and wine list to keep you fuelled. They've even got karaoke machines if you feel like providing your very own tunes.
One of the best DJ bars in Peckham, Grove House Tavern is home to everything from banging music nights to relaxed weekend lunches. Head to the pretty Camberwell Grove location to enjoy all of the pub's unique events as well as a selection of mouthwatering refreshments.
Central London's Soho Residence boasts a seriously cool Festival Bar, which features a DJ thumping out cracking tunes on the regular. It also has a floor devoted to botanical cocktails, with someone on the decks playing bangers until 3am.
Two venues in one, The Crown and Half Crown is a long-standing Hackney favourite. If you're in search of somewhere to dance, pay a visit to the Half Crown.
Modern and high energy, it's gained a reputation for its legendary DJ sets. Need to recoup between visits to the dancefloor? Wander through to the traditional pub surrounds of The Crown for a perfectly poured pint.
Want to dance high above the city? Get on over to CÉ LA VI London. Crowning the top two floors of Paddington Square, this place is West London's highest rooftop restaurant.
Whether you're here for a bite, fizz or cocktails, DJs are behind the decks to set the mood. With the city as your backdrop, you can boogie all the way into the early hours.
If you're looking for DJ bars in Holborn, then NYX Hotel London Holborn & Sabine Holborn is the place to be. Fronting artwork based on pop culture, music and fashion, the venue also has a killer menu. Choose from over 20 mezcal options or tuck into a delish burger.
Inspired by the speakeasies of the 1930s, 135 Bar & Lounge is an intimate venue found between Stepney and Bethnal Green. Relax among vintage furnishings and Art Deco interiors, dimly lit to create an intimate atmosphere, while sipping bespoke cocktails made with fresh ingredients and premium spirits.
You can pair these sips with tasty small plates, such as artisanal cheeses and cured meats. And on weekends, you'll find live music from local and international artists alongside resident DJ sets.
An award-winning Soho cocktail bar, Thirteen is well known around these parts for its late night adventures. Get down here to dance and the DJs will take you on a trip through soul, funk and disco.
There's plenty to keep you entertained along the way. We talking signature cocktails and sensational small plates like gyoza, poke bowls and crispy chicken inside out rolls.
2 4 1 Signature Cockltail from 12pm until 5pm and 3 other offers
The Marylebone Bar is one of the most exciting, no-cover DJ bars in Central London for weekend party-goers. While the outside gives off the charm of a classic neighbourhood establishment, the inside completely transforms from Thursday through Saturday night into a bass-heavy, dance-floor-ready sanctuary.
Their resident DJs spin energetic, crowd-pleasing open-format sets all night long, drawing in a trendy, lively crowd that loves a brilliant cocktail as much as a great rhythm.
There aren't many DJ bars like Two Tribes Brewery & Campfire Taproom. As this King's Cross hotspot is boasting a beer garden with a cosy fully heated and covered outdoor area for the top-notch sets to take place every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Oh, yes.
Promising a lineup of weekly events that cost just £1 per person to enter, Azura London is a fun party bar in Camden. Their resident DJs play a mix of amapiano, Afrohouse and Persian music, with a great vibe guaranteed throughout.
Between 3 and 7pm on Thursdays, you can nab cracking drinks deals like 50% off wine and free beers with any other food or drink purchase. As for the menu, expect grilled ribeye steak, chicken souvlaki, truffle arancini and more.
The Cardinal Bar & Kitchen in Aldgate is a lively hangout known for its creative cocktails, premium spirits and curated wine list, all served in a vibrant, art-filled space. Whether you're after a classic with a twist or something totally new, the drinks menu delivers with flair.
Every Wednesday and Thursday from 2pm to 6pm, a live DJ brings the beats, making it the perfect midweek spot for laid-back drinks and good vibes.
Thirst is a glamorous bar in Soho spread over two floors, with a basement club for DJ nights. Equipped with leather booths, disco balls and sultry lighting, it's the ideal spot to visit when you're both in the mood for a party or just want to have a couple and dance. Expect to be getting down to the hottest tunes with tipples like cosmopolitan, mojitos and Palomas in hand, which are only £7 a pop during the venue's 'stupid hour'.
Welcome to Blues Kitchen, where you'll likely find all kinds of characters pulling out their most inventive dance moves as the night goes on. A hub for Texan BBQ and punchy cocktails throughout the day, this place moves things through the gears once the plates are cleared away as talented DJs and live bands take over.
Expect to hear all the very best of blues, soul and funk on stage. Plus, they host a bottomless brunch on Saturdays that promises non-stop hip hop and RnB hits.
In the mood to throw some shapes? Then head to Ballie Ballerson in Shoreditch. Every Friday, this best-loved kids' playground will be home to live DJs who will be spinning some of the best tracks of the decades in the quirky space. If you're thirsty, opt for a nostalgic cocktail.
Be sure to check out their Big Mood Saturdays too, where DJ Theo Stay Hungry will be playing the very best of house, hip hop, Afrobeats and more.
Experience the weird and the wild at Albert's Schloss, situated in the West End. The German bar hosts live entertainment almost every single night of the week, from mesmerising cabaret performances to house bands. You'll often find resident DJs here too, spinning dancefloor-filling tunes, and it's always completely free to enter. What's more, you can sip all kinds of Bavarian beer while you're here too.
One of the best gay bars in Soho, Rupert Street is known for its rowdy DJ nights every Friday and Saturday. Situated in the heart of the city, the venue comes alive at the weekends as a beautiful crowd of revellers drop by to take advantage of the great cocktail deals and pulsating party atmosphere.
Everyone's favourite cocktail bar isn't just the place for casual after-work drinks. Experience another side to Dirty Martini by staying late for roof-raising DJ sets that will have you dancing well into the night. Fuel your evening with fruity concoctions courtesy of the expert mixologists behind the bar.
Run by mixologist João Silva and chef Kemal Demirasal, Under The Counter is a late-night listening bar nestled underneath its sister restaurant The Counter in Soho. Ideal for a classy evening, you can expect a cool, immersive soundscape here.
They serve up a huge selection of spirits and wines, as well as a menu of Turkish-style small plates. Think white crab orzo, sirloin steaks or fries with caviar mayonnaise.
Head down to The Knox, a not-so-secret speakeasy on Sloane Square for a night of old school glitz and glamour. Under the glow of its neon bar signs, resident DJs spin deep cuts and plenty of classics spanning soul, funk and disco from across the decades.
If you need some fuel for the dancefloor, take a break in its plush velvet booths to work you way through its signature cocktail menu or sample chef specials, from the traditional Cuban sanguich to the South American favourite, arepa.
Promising a lineup of resident DJs and guest performers throughout the week, Gambit Bar is a sultry speakeasy in Fitzrovia. Inspired by the Vorticist movement, it features sleek, dark interiors and striking chandeliers.
They serve a killer selection of signature cocktails, alongside local craft beer and high-end spirits. Plus, there are delicious bar snacks if you get hungry.
Soundtracked by DJs playing heady 1980s disco, Parasol is a hidden cocktail bar in Dalston by Andy Kerr and Tom Gibson - known for cult venues like Discount Suit Company, The Sun Tavern, Ruby's and Corrochio's. Expect cutting-edge cocktails from homemade ingredients, alongside a curated wine list and bar snacks menu from Provisions Wine & Cheese.
There's a great atmosphere in this inviting space until late, making it the perfect place to drink.
Located on Brixton Hill, The White Horse is a true gem for those in search of great food, friendly service, and a laid-back atmosphere. This popular boozer offers tasty homemade dishes, available seven days a week at prices that won't break the bank.
The real charm, though, is in the pub's welcoming vibe and its dual courtyards - ideal for any season. When the weekend rolls around, the place turns into a hotspot with DJs from Friday through Sunday, and late-night fun until 3am.
Regularly boasting a range of top notch DJs throughout the week, Trapeze in Shoreditch is the place to be to hear some incredible music. Head down to their basement club for some deep house tunes that'll keep you going until late. With the lively crowds it attracts, you'll have a great time at this DJ bar in London.
Bourne & Hollingsworth Bar brings the party to Rathbone Place with its haunt inspired by the spirit of excess. It's eclectically decorated with old murals featuring those living a life of leisure, red leather sofas (which you can dance on if you please) and golden lamps in its living room-style basement. Expect DJs spinning tunes until late here, and eccentric cocktails made with tea-infused gin and sometimes served with marshmallows.
Sitting comfortably on Battersea Park Road, Lost Society is a versatile restaurant and bar that's become a favourite among locals in South London. Better still, the venue completely transforms itself after dark, where the resident DJs create a party atmosphere throughout.
If you're on the hunt for DJ bars, you can throw all kinds of shapes at The Lucky Pig in Fitzrovia. Get stuck into delicious cocktails, wine or beer while hitting the dancefloor. Afterward, fuel yourself with pizza as you settle into a cosy cubby hole.
The Garden Bar in Bromley is bringing more than delicious classic cocktails and street food to South London. They also have live DJs every Thursday to Sunday that promise to bring epic music that you can dance all night to.
Lucy Wong is a stunning cocktail bar inspired by 1950s Hong Kong, bringing Cantonese small plates, cocktails with Chinese twists and more to Rathbone Place. Plus, you can expect DJs 'til the early hours on Friday and Saturday nights.
Want to boogie with beautiful views of the Thames? Get on over to Sonny's Riverside. With a stunning sun terrace and rooftop bar, there's plenty of places for you to party.
As the evening unfolds, the atmosphere builds and DJs get behind the decks to take you into the early hours. To fuel your dancing feet, there's all kinds of creative cocktails, perfectly poured pints and worldly wines up for grabs.
With live DJs, late-night vibes, and a rooftop setting, AND THEN TOOTING is one of London's hottest DJ bars. Whether you're starting the night with cocktails on the rooftop or ending it on the dancefloor, this Tooting gem is all about good music, great drinks, and even better company. Expect a killer happy hour, tasty eats from Honest Burgers, and DJs keeping the beats going 'til the early hours.
Head over to Waterloo where you'll find a fabulous Caribbean haven of sandy floors and palm trees awaiting you. Limin Southbank will also be joined by a DJ who'll be spinning summertime tunes as you sip on rum cocktails and tuck into Trinidadian street food.
Looking for your next epic night out? Belushi's is where the party starts and never stops. Boasting multi-level spaces in both London Bridge and Shepherd's Bush, we are the go-to destination for live music, heavy-hitting DJ sets, and a killer happy hour. From their statement wrap-around bars to private cage booths perfect for your friends, the energy here is unmatched.
Sip on quality cocktails, soak up the electric atmosphere, and dance late into the night. Planning a massive celebration? Ask about their private and semi-private hire options to lock in your own VIP space.
Hidden in the bustle of Chinatown, Experimental Cocktail Club offers a stylish escape with rich textures, low lighting and a distinctly cosmopolitan feel. Its standout feature is a cocktail list that champions creativity - think twists on timeless favourites alongside bold, original concoctions.
With an intimate atmosphere and expert bartenders, it's the ultimate spot for those who take their drinks seriously.
Not only does BAM Karaoke Box offer you the chance to sing some pop classics in one of 22 individually designed, bright pink rooms, but it also invites you down to party at one of its late-night DJ sets which are a free way to keep the party going after you've finished your very own set. This gorgeous, vibrant venue spans 10,000 square feet, making it the largest of its kind in Europe. It's decked out with velvet furnishings and statement artwork, plus serves some seriously moreish European cuisine that be ordered straight to your room.
GA KingsX fuses modern restaurant dining with a late-night bar vibe, serving up bold, theatrical drinks like Sexiberry - described by the team as 'dessert, danger, and a dance floor all in one.'
With mood lighting, plush seating, and curated cocktail concoctions infused with unique ingredients like tobacco liqueur or absinthe swirls, the energy rises as the night progresses, making it an ideal spot for those seeking drinks and a weekend pulse.
With fun-time DJ sets that will have you going onto till the lights go up, The Star In Shoreditch is the place to go for some late-night fun. An eclectic mix of house, disco and more commercial tunes on both floors turns this bar into a party every Friday and Saturday until 5am.
Fired up for a party in London but looking for the DJ antics to match? Grab your favourite fun-time folk and bowl on down to The Cocktail Club as these bar are not only coming on strong with some of the best cocktails in the industry, their resident DJs bring it home every night with slick beats and late-night anthems.
Occupying a former car park in Peckham, MULTI STORY is one of the coolest bars in South London. It retains its concrete interiors, decorated with pretty plants and glitter balls, and it even has its very own pool tables, karaoke room and photobooth.
Their custom-built sound system is perfect for DJ sets, and they host regular events here. Plus, there are a selection of cocktails, craft beers and natural wines on offer.
Permission Lounge serves up amazing atmosphere and artistry in the heart of the West End. After acoustic and instrumental sets to start the event, resident DJs take to the decks to see in the early hours with elegant mixes and refined, rhythmic sets.
To keep you in the party spirit, there's a long and intriguing list of seasonal signature cocktails, fine wine and top-tier champagne. Whatever your tipple, there's no shortage of cosy spots, elegant booths and velvet-draped hideaways in which to savour it.
Known for being one of East London's best nights out, The Lighthouse ropes a cool line up of DJs and selectors ready to blow the roof off each weekend. From house and hip hop to whole evenings dedicated to commercial classics and trap blowouts - there's a little something different going on every day.
Fronting bar games, live vinyl DJs on Saturdays, and a three-piece live jazz band from Thursday to Friday, Players Social definitely isn't leaving you hanging in the entertainment department. And for when you get thirsty? Quench it with craft beers and a big cocktail list.
If you're looking to get your groove on in South London, then check out Simul Place in Earlsfield. This is an independent members' lounge that combines a cocktail bar, co-working space and clubhouse all in one venue.
You'll find a range of great DJs here on a regular basis, with themed nights on offer too. Plus, they serve a whole load of creative drinks at the bar.
Playing the best in chart toppers and house music, these special guest DJs are helping you let loose and drop it down low on the swankiest dance floor south of the river. Get your freak on and, while you're at it, enjoy the best in burlesque performances and even fire eating at a huge venue that will give you a killer night to remember.
Located in the heart of Soho, Zum Barbarossa is a speakeasy-style basement bar that comes from Amsterdam. The hidden space is found under a Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse, featuring historical vault arches, red lighting and plush velvet seating.
They host a lineup of world-class DJs throughout the week, with a focus on deep house music. There's a bespoke cocktail menu to try out, as well as tasty dishes like Jersey oysters and mixed seafood platters.
Jazu is the place to be if your perfect night out involves killer tunes and sensational cocktails. While the DJ sets the mood from the booth, you can pitch up at the bar or boogie under the disco ball until the wee small hours.
Expect laid-back vibes with a super-cool touch of sophistication. Over on the drinks list, there's plenty to keep you sipping all night long, from agave martinis to mezcal mules.
Hausu is on a mission to bring great food, drinks and music together. Whether you're stopping by for a glass of vino or settling in for lunch, painstakingly curated playlists soundtrack every visit.
While the tunes play through its vintage hi‑fidelity sound system, you can taste your way through classic cocktails, signature serves and a world of wine. Crowd favourites include the sour apple mezcal margarita and the buttered rum espresso martini.
Hosting some of the funnest cocktail parties in London, head to this great London DJ bar for one of their Frequency events, featuring some of the very best in local, national and international talent taking to the decks to soundtrack your evening.
Over in Whetstone, Maya Lounge is a gorgeous hangout that's ideal for all your eating, drinking and relaxing needs. Whether you pop over for a delicious Lebanese meal, kick back with a couple of carefully curated cocktails or fancy relaxing with a bit of shisha, this is the spot for you.
For nights when the soundtrack matters, Jumbi delivers. Resident DJs and guest selectors spin an eclectic mix of reggae, dub, jazz, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms, transforming the Peckham bar into a DJ-led destination for music aficionados.
The laid-back, vinyl-lined interior sets the scene while rum-forward cocktails, natural wines, and small plates keep you well fed and watered.
With vinyl-lined walls and a vintage sound system, All My Friends takes its sounds as seriously as its signature serves. Pull up a pew here and you can expect to hear curated playlists packing in everything from rare groove to world disco.
As you tap your toe to the tunes, you can make your way through an excitingly intriguing drinks list. It packs in everything from craft beer and natural wine to smoky cocktails and coffee-infused shots.
If you're on the hunt for fun DJ bars in London, The Scotch of St James is quite the stunner. Boasting a LED dancefloor and plush seating, it's fab shout for date night - especially because it's the backdrop for John Lennon and Yoko Ono's first encounter.
Offering a packed event schedule with regular music nights, The Old Joinery is one of the best DJ bars in London. Head to the Greenwich pub for the chance to have a boogie, drink cocktails and graze on street food at this fun spot.
A DJ bar is similar to a nightclub but generally smaller, with a bigger area for sitting, drinking and conversation alongside the dancefloor. The music is still DJ-led, but the atmosphere is more relaxed. Nightclubs, by contrast, are built around the dancefloor first, with louder sound systems, stricter door policies, and a more intense atmosphere.
Most DJ bars in London operate a smart casual dress code — trainers and jeans are usually fine, but overly casual or sportswear-heavy outfits may be turned away on busier nights. Dress codes tend to be stricter at more upscale or central London venues, and on Friday and Saturday nights. It's always worth checking the venue's website or social media before you head out, as policies can vary significantly from one bar to the next.
Yes — plenty of London's DJ bars are free to enter, particularly earlier in the evening or on weekdays. Many venues on this list are free before a certain time on weekends, so it's worth checking ahead if budget is a factor. Arriving earlier in the evening is usually the best way to guarantee free entry before any door charge kicks in.