Festival Routes in London

When you’re planning a night out in London, festival routes, planned sequences of venues tied to a theme, event, or vibe. Also known as night out circuits, these aren’t just random bar hops—they’re carefully timed journeys that turn a regular evening into something unforgettable. Think of them like a playlist for your feet: start with cocktails, move to live music, end with dancing—all without waiting in three different lines.

These routes aren’t just about drinking. They’re about rhythm. A good festival route in London connects a wine bar with a drag brunch, then a queer dance floor, then a late-night taco spot—all within walking distance or a short Tube ride. You’ll find these paths in Soho, Shoreditch, and East London, where venues work together, even if they don’t admit it. Some are unofficial but widely known: the Soho drag crawl that starts at 7 PM and ends at Freedom Bar at 2 AM. Others are newer, like the sustainable bar loop in Peckham that pairs zero-waste cocktails with vinyl sets. These routes work because they respect time, mood, and safety. You don’t want to be stuck in a rain-soaked alley at 1 AM looking for the next spot.

What makes a festival route stick? It’s not just the venues—it’s the flow. You need places that open late, staff who know your name by the third stop, and enough space to breathe between crowds. That’s why the best routes include covered rooftops for when it rains, escape rooms for a quick reset, and rage rooms if the night gets too emotional. Women-led bars are leading this shift—not just because they’re stylish, but because they plan for real nights out. They know you don’t want to choose between a good cocktail and a safe walk home.

And it’s not just for LGBTQ+ crowds. These routes are for anyone who wants more than a single club experience. Whether you’re into wine tastings, cabaret, or techno at Fabric, there’s a route built for you. You just need to know where to look. Below, you’ll find real guides that map out these paths—no guesswork, no tourist traps. Just clear steps, trusted venues, and the kind of night that sticks with you long after the last drink.