So you’re tired of hearing all about Tuesdays at Ministry, or the music at Egg isn’t your cup of tea. Maybe, you’ve gone to the AU night three weeks in a row and you’re looking for a different scene. Either way, this list of best (alternative) nights out in London is sure to have something for you (many of them are free, so well worth checking out)!

#1 Roxy

A favourite of the Carr Saunders lot, The Roxy, located in Fitzrovia, is great if you’re looking for something a bit smaller/cosier than Heaven, but with similarly fun pop music. With great throwbacks to the 2000s/2010s, a good drinks deal (pitchers are £10 off during happy hour), and free entry (if you come a bit earlier), it’s well worth the visit. There’s always a photographer going around too – so there’ll be some amusing photos of your night out published on their Facebook a few weeks later.  

#2 Corsica Studios 

Located in Elephant & Castle, Corsica is the place to be for techno/electronic/house music. With its intimate capacity of 500, the club attracts a cool crowd. Especially worth the visit when PuLSE DJs are playing (it’s like the edgy aunt to AU Nights at Sway – you might recognise people from LSE and you get actually good music… what’s not to love?). 

#3 The Victoria 

Located in Dalston, the Victoria’s “Night Fever” club night is sure to be a hit. With Bowie, The Smiths, ABBA, Madonna, etc, playing, it’s perfect for lovers of 80s music. The venue is actually a pub with a dance floor – so if you get tired or need a break, it’s easy to leave the room, grab a drink at the bar and take a beat before going back. What’s more – if you book on DICE (more on this later), it’s completely free!

#4 The Lexington

An Islington bar, which doubles as a club (I recommend White Heat Club – on every Friday), The Lexington is a personal favourite of mine. The crowd is fun, the venue’s cool, and the drinks aren’t extortionate. What’s more, booking in advance can secure you free tickets (though paying at the door is also a possibility if it ends up being a spontaneous visit!). The music here is a broad mix of indie/left-field pop/new wave/ post-punk, with plenty of nostalgic hits, especially as it gets later into the night. 

#5 Jazz night at Night Tales / Night Tales Loft 

While not exactly a club night, for jazz lovers, I cannot recommend Night Tales enough. Located in East London, there are two locations about 15 mins walk from each other which have events on different days (don’t make the same mistake I did…). If you’re a musician, bring along your instrument as it’s an improv night – people go up on stage and tap the performer to “swap them out”. If you (like me) are more of a listener, that’s fine too! The sofas are comfy and, though the drinks are slightly expensive, they’re not necessary to enjoy the night (especially if you pre beforehand!). 

#6 DICE is your best friend

This is less of a specific recommendation and more of a tip. If you download the app DICE, you will be overwhelmed with choice for cool club nights to attend. You can buy tickets directly through the app (or, if on a budget, they have plenty of free nights out too), and also send links easily to your friends. Highly recommended.