Themed Venue Etiquette: What to Know Before You Go to London's Wild Nightlife

When you walk into a themed venue, a nightlife space designed around a specific concept like 90s nostalgia, drag cabaret, or retro karaoke. Also known as themed nightclubs, it’s not just about the music or the drinks—it’s about playing along with the vibe. If you show up in joggers to a glitter-covered 2000s pop night at All Star Lanes, you’re not just underdressed—you’re missing the point. These places aren’t random parties. They’re curated experiences, and the rules? They’re written in glitter, not ink.

Think of dress code, the unspoken but strictly enforced standard of what to wear at a themed London venue. Also known as theme-appropriate attire, it’s your ticket in—and your social currency once you’re inside. A drag bingo night at a Soho bar? Think bold colors, glitter, and heels. A 90s karaoke night at Bar Rumba? Denim, crop tops, and chunky sneakers are welcome. But show up in a business suit to a burlesque show at Haus of Cabaret? You’ll get stares, not smiles. The themed nights London, evening events built around specific aesthetics, music eras, or cultural moments. Also known as costume nights, they thrive on participation. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about showing up with energy. People notice when you lean in. They also notice when you stand there confused, holding a pint like it’s a business meeting.

And it’s not just what you wear. It’s how you act. Recording karaoke without asking? That’s a one-way ticket to being asked to leave—copyright laws in London are real, and venues don’t want fines. Shouting over the music at a quiet wine crawl spot? You’re not being loud, you’re being rude. Themed venues in London are built for connection, not chaos. Whether it’s a women-led cabaret night in Soho or a budget bowling night in Peckham, the best ones feel like a secret club you were invited to—not a place you crashed.

Some venues even have hidden rules you won’t find online. Like how to join preferred guest programs without paying a fee. Or how to book linked venues so your night flows from cocktails to cabaret to late-night ramen without a single awkward wait. These aren’t tricks—they’re normal for people who do this regularly. You don’t need to know them all. But knowing one or two? That’s how you go from being a guest to being someone who gets treated like family.

Below, you’ll find real advice from people who’ve been there—on how to pick the right outfit, what to say when someone asks you to stop recording, how to handle dietary needs at a themed dinner-and-show night, and which venues actually care if you show up in a costume. No fluff. No guesswork. Just what works in London’s wild, wonderful, and sometimes weird nightlife scene.