9
Feb,2026
Where to Go After the Cabaret in London
It’s 11:30 p.m. The lights dim. The final note of a jazz trumpet fades. The crowd claps like they’ve just witnessed something sacred. You’re buzzing, still in your heels, coat half-on, and you need a drink-fast. Not just any drink. Something with character, a little edge, and a crowd that gets it. That’s the magic of London’s cabaret scene. But where do you go after the curtain falls?
If you’re a girl looking for a spot that feels like an extension of the show-where the vibe is alive, the bartenders know your name by the second round, and no one bats an eye at glitter on your jacket-then you’re in the right place. London’s after-show bars near cabaret venues aren’t just places to grab a cocktail. They’re part of the performance.
Why Cabaret After-Show Spots Are Different
Most bars after a show feel like a parking lot for tired people. Not here. The bars near London’s top cabaret spots are curated. They’re owned by performers, designed by stage designers, and staffed by people who’ve been in the wings themselves. You won’t find generic mojitos here. You’ll find drinks named after legendary cabaret stars, served in vintage glassware, with garnishes that match the show’s theme.
Take The Gilded Cage a hidden bar beneath the Soho Theatre, opened in 2022 by former burlesque dancer Lila Voss. It’s lit with hanging lanterns, has velvet booths, and a menu that changes weekly based on the current show.. One night it’s ‘The Velvet Vixen’-a smoky bourbon sour with blackberry syrup and edible gold. The next, it’s ‘The Siren’s Whisper’-a gin-based cocktail with rosewater and a single candied violet. You don’t just drink here. You taste the show.
Top 5 After-Show Bars Near Cabaret Venues
Here’s where to head after your favorite show, sorted by venue. No fluff. Just real spots real girls go to.
- After La Clique at the Hippodrome Casino - Walk two minutes to The Velvet Rabbit a speakeasy-style bar with a rotating cocktail list inspired by circus acts. Their signature is the ‘Trapeze Sour’-tequila, lime, honey, and a float of activated charcoal foam. It’s dark, mysterious, and tastes like midnight.. The DJ spins 80s synth-pop. No loud music. Just enough to keep the energy up.
- After Shimmy at The Old Vic Tunnels - Head to The Velvet Drape a dimly lit lounge with mismatched armchairs, a wall of vintage mirrors, and cocktails served in teacups. Their ‘Chaos Cocktail’-mezcal, elderflower, chili tincture, and a smoked rosemary sprig-is a cult favorite. Staff remember regulars. Bring your glitter..
- After The Pinafore at The Pleasance - Just across the street: The Last Laugh a tiny, no-frills bar with a jukebox full of Dusty Springfield and Nina Simone. They serve cheap wine by the glass and hot buttered rum on Tuesdays. It’s the kind of place where you’ll end up singing along with strangers. Perfect after a musical cabaret..
- After Drag Race Live! at the London Palladium - Cross the street to The Glitter Room a rainbow-lit cocktail bar with a back wall of drag queen portraits. Their ‘Queen’s Crown’-vodka, lychee, elderflower, and a sugar-dusted rim-is served with a mini crown. The bartenders will take your photo. They always do..
- After La Fête at the Southbank Centre - Walk to The Midnight Mélange a French-inspired bar with candlelit tables, live accordion music, and a dessert menu that includes crème brûlée with edible gold leaf. It’s elegant, quiet, and feels like a secret. Ideal if you want to unwind without shouting over music..
What to Wear (Yes, It Matters)
You just spent two hours in a glittery bodysuit or a sequined gown. Do you change? No. You don’t. London’s after-show bars don’t just tolerate the look-they celebrate it. The better the show, the more sparkle you’ll see on the bar stools.
Wear what you wore to the show. If you had a hat, keep it on. If you wore heels, don’t switch to flats. The bar staff will notice. And they’ll respect you for it.
Pro tip: Bring a small clutch with a compact mirror, lipstick, and a safety pin. Glitter doesn’t always stay where you put it.
How to Spot the Right Bar
Not every bar near a cabaret venue is worth it. Here’s how to tell:
- Look for the crowd - If it’s mostly women in evening wear, laughing loudly, and holding cocktails with unusual garnishes, you’re in the right place.
- Check the menu - Real after-show bars name drinks after performers or acts. If it says ‘Classic Gin & Tonic’ or ‘House Red,’ keep walking.
- Listen to the music - Jazz, swing, soul, or vintage pop. No EDM. No Top 40. If you hear a Bruno Mars song, you’re at a generic pub.
- Watch the bartenders - If they smile when you walk in like they’ve seen you before-even if you haven’t been here-trust them.
What to Order
Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations. But if you’re feeling bold, try these:
- The Velvet Vixen - At The Gilded Cage. Perfect if you want something smoky and sweet.
- Chaos Cocktail - At The Velvet Drape. For the adventurous. Spicy, floral, unforgettable.
- Queen’s Crown - At The Glitter Room. For when you want to feel like the star.
- Hot Buttered Rum - At The Last Laugh. For cold nights and deep conversations.
And always, always order a second round. That’s when the real magic happens.
When to Go
Cabaret shows in London usually end between 10:30 and 11:30 p.m. The best bars open at 10 p.m. and get busy 15 minutes after the show ends. Show up too early? You’ll be alone. Too late? The last cocktails are already gone.
Weeknights are quieter. Weekends are electric. If you’re with a group, aim for Thursday or Friday. You’ll get better service, more space, and a longer night.
Why This Matters
Cabaret isn’t just entertainment. It’s an experience that lingers. The music, the costumes, the daring acts-they stay with you. So why rush out into the cold, rainy street to find a generic pub?
These bars are the second act. They’re where stories from the stage turn into memories. Where strangers become friends. Where you don’t have to explain why you’re still wearing your glitter. You just smile, raise your glass, and say: ‘That was incredible, wasn’t it?’
Are these bars safe for solo girls?
Yes. These bars are known for being female-friendly and staffed by people who know their regulars. Most have clear entry policies, well-lit entrances, and security that doesn’t just stand around-they mingle. Solo girls come here often. You’ll see them at the bar, laughing with strangers, and leaving with new friends.
Do I need to book a table?
Not usually. These are standing-room or first-come-first-served spots. But if you’re with four or more people, call ahead. The Velvet Drape and The Glitter Room take small group reservations for after-show nights. No need to book for two or three.
What’s the average drink price?
Cocktails range from £12 to £16. Wine by the glass is £9. The Last Laugh has £7 pints on Tuesdays. No one charges more than £18. You’re not paying for luxury-you’re paying for the experience.
Can I go if I didn’t see the show?
Absolutely. These bars aren’t exclusive. But if you didn’t see the show, don’t pretend you did. The staff will notice. Instead, ask what’s playing tonight. They’ll tell you. And they might even invite you to the next one.
Is there a dress code?
No official dress code. But if you show up in jeans and a hoodie, you’ll stand out. Not in a bad way-but you’ll be the only one. Most girls wear something that matches the show’s vibe: sequins, velvet, a bold red lip, or even just a pair of statement earrings. You’re not dressing up. You’re continuing the party.
What’s Next?
If you loved this, try exploring the cabaret scene during the day. Some venues, like The Old Vic Tunnels and The Pleasance, host afternoon matinees with tea service and mini-performances. Or check out the monthly Cabaret Crawl-a guided tour of five after-show bars with a free cocktail at each stop. Details drop on Instagram @LondonCabaretLife every first Friday of the month.
