Best Venues for Girls' Night Out in Shoreditch

Where to Go for a Real Girls’ Night Out in Shoreditch

Shoreditch isn’t just another London neighborhood-it’s where the energy hits different after dark. Think neon signs, live music bleeding out of alleyways, and bars where you don’t have to shout to be heard. But not every spot works for a girls’ night. Some are too loud, too crowded, or just not welcoming. You want somewhere that feels like a party without the chaos. Somewhere you can laugh, dance, and still have a decent cocktail. Here’s where to go in 2025.

1. The Ten Bells

It’s not just a pub. It’s a piece of history with a modern pulse. The Ten Bells has been around since the 1800s, but it’s been quietly updated to feel fresh. Low lighting, wooden booths, and a menu that actually understands what women want-think crisp gin & tonics with house-made tonic, not the watery stuff. The crowd here? Mix of locals, creatives, and groups of friends who know how to have fun without being obnoxious. They play indie pop and 90s R&B on rotation, not the same EDM track on loop. There’s space to move, to talk, to take a breath between drinks. And yes, the toilets are clean. That’s not a given in Shoreditch.

2. The Curtain

If you want to feel like you’ve stepped into a stylish friend’s living room, this is it. The Curtain is part hotel, part bar, part rooftop hangout. The ground-floor bar is cozy, with velvet couches and small tables perfect for four. The cocktail list is thoughtful: try the Spiced Pear Smash-it’s sweet, spicy, and not cloying. The staff actually remember your name after one visit. On weekends, they open the back terrace, where string lights hang over a greenery-filled space. No bouncers checking your outfit. No line to get in. Just good vibes, good music, and a vibe that lets you stay late without feeling rushed.

3. Nightjar

Here’s the secret: Nightjar doesn’t look like a bar from the outside. You’ll walk past it twice before you realize the unmarked door is the entrance. That’s the point. Inside, it’s 1920s speakeasy meets modern mixology. The bartenders know their craft. They don’t just pour-they explain. Ask for the Blackberry Mule or the Smoked Old Fashioned. Both come with a story and a little theatrical flair. The music is jazz or soul, not too loud. The seating? Plenty of it. You can sit at the bar, in a booth, or even on a velvet stool by the window. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth every pound. This is where you go when you want to feel fancy without the pretension.

4. The Old Blue Last

Want to dance? This is your spot. The Old Blue Last is a live music venue that doubles as a bar, and it’s one of the few places in Shoreditch where you can actually move without knocking over someone’s drink. They host local bands every night-indie rock, punk, soul-and the crowd is always mixed, always friendly. The bar runs cheap pints and strong cocktails, and the staff don’t act like they’re doing you a favor by serving you. There’s a small dance floor near the back, and on Friday nights, they throw in free shots at 10:30 p.m. It’s loud, sure, but it’s the kind of loud that makes you forget your worries. Bring your friends, wear your favorite shoes, and just go with it.

5. The Hoxton’s Lobby Bar

It’s not tucked away. It’s right on the corner, and it’s impossible to miss. But don’t let the hotel vibe fool you. The Hoxton’s lobby bar is one of the most relaxed spots in the area. The lighting is warm, the chairs are deep, and the drinks are well-priced for the quality. Their Prosecco Spritz is the go-to-bright, bubbly, and not too sweet. They don’t push table service. You can just grab a drink and sit wherever you like. On weekends, they have a DJ spinning chill house and disco, but it’s never overpowering. It’s the perfect place to start your night before heading somewhere louder, or to end it when you just want to sit and talk without shouting.

6. The Old Vic Tunnels (Seasonal)

Only open in spring and fall, this one’s a hidden gem. Beneath the Old Vic Theatre, a network of Victorian tunnels becomes a pop-up bar and art space. Think candlelit corners, vintage furniture, and DJs spinning vinyl. It’s not a typical bar-it’s an experience. You might find a painter sketching people, a poet reading, or someone playing cello in the corner. The cocktails are themed to the season-think autumn spiced cider martinis or spring floral gin drinks. It’s romantic, unexpected, and perfect for a small group who wants to do something different. Tickets sell out fast, so book ahead.

What to Avoid

Not every place in Shoreditch is worth your time. Skip the clubs that charge £20 entry and play nothing but chart hits. Avoid bars where the staff ignore you until you’ve been standing for five minutes. Stay away from places that look like they’re trying too hard-think giant disco balls, fake plants, and menus with 50 types of mojitos. You want authenticity, not gimmicks. If the vibe feels transactional, it probably is.

Pro Tips for Your Night

• Start early. Most of these places get packed after 9 p.m. Arrive by 7:30 to get good seats.
• Wear something you feel confident in, but skip the heels unless you’re ready to walk on cobblestones.
• Split the bill with your group before you order. No one likes awkward money talks later.
• Book a table if you’re a group of five or more. Especially at Nightjar and The Curtain.
• Use the night bus. Taxis are expensive, and the 343 runs until 3 a.m. from Shoreditch High Street.

Final Thought

A great girls’ night out isn’t about how many places you hit. It’s about the feeling you leave with. Laughing until your stomach hurts. Feeling seen, heard, and free. Shoreditch gives you that-when you pick the right spots. These six places don’t just serve drinks. They serve moments. And that’s what you’re really after.