Since the callous demon of gentrification has swept across England like a bad smell, its capital and the venues that make it one of the best clubbing cities in Europe has faced the rough and tumble.

However, it is not all doom and gloom! Though venue owners may now walk on egg shells, the underground scene has reached.a new high. For every club closure, another two hidden gems pop up. Whether it is a grimy sweat box in the depths of Hackney, or a neon-lit LGBT friendly bar beneath Soho’s Ann Summers – London has it all.

We have compiled a list of both London’s hard-hitters and dark-horses of venues that we think deserve a mention, so buckle in and kiss your “I’m not going out this weekend” goodbye.

The list could – unsurprisingly – go on for years, with London being one of the best places in Europe to let loose and spend your Saturday nights. To avoid being too overwhelmed with choice, the above are some serious contenders for London’s night life. It’s safe to say that we’re still pulling new tricks out the bag when it comes to our city venues.

Redon, Bethnal Green

This best kept secret is part of the arches crew (believe it or not). Redon is a social chameleon. Whilst sticking to its guns with a trail of candles, taxidermy and canned beer, it also morphs for each of its unique events. Thursday nights have been a certified safe-haven for the  LGBT+ community, with gay cabaret and drag king showcases.  Weekends in this wonderful paradise have seen the likes of Cederic Woo spin records as well as a shed load of bands blow the roof off. A must boogie.

Friendly Society, Soho

This gem of a bar sits beneath an erotic shop, just off of China Town. Follow the disco ball and you will find a maze of dolls and foliage. We will not give away too much, but the Friendly Society is quite possibly one of the most mesmerising gay bars in town. Take a walk in the shoes of Alice in wonderland.

Studio 338, Greenwich 

This Greenwich hot spot is the place for Electronica. If you are partial yo minimal techno then HOME London is your event.  Dance in the giant green house as the sun peeps over into morning, linger long enough after and you might just get an invitation to an afters. Hackney bound.  You are getting the cab fair, right?

93 Feet East, Brick Lane

Brick Lane is the place to be on the weekend and 93 Feet East is the intimate venue to be after boosting about. Sundays is the day to troop over to the venue and, with an offer a free party and usually with an insane roster of DJ’s, how could one say no?

Proud Caberet City, Liverpool Street

If you hadn’t already figured, this bar is one of the quirkiest burlesque/cabaret themed yet. With an impressive array of wines and multiple explosive shows, this central London after-hours joint is the perfect place to take visitors. Go on, show off your London knowledge and impress your guests.

The Dublin Castle, Camden

No round up is right without a Camden punk-hub. The Dublin Castle is a serious pub for those with taste. It’s red leather seats, dim lighting and intimate stage for upcoming bands is the epitome of Camden Town. Choosing a favourite pub for rock lovers is a difficult task when it comes to Camden, but the Dublin Castle is a no-brainier.