London’s nightlife isn’t just about drinking or dancing-it’s about being seen, captured, and shared. If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram and wondered where people are having the time of their lives under glowing neon lights or surrounded by velvet curtains and vintage chandeliers, you’re not alone. The city’s most Instagrammable spots aren’t just popular because they serve good cocktails. They’re designed to be photographed. Every corner, every wall, every light fixture is curated for the perfect shot.
The Artesian at The Langham
Step into The Artesian and you’re not just entering a bar-you’re walking into a sensory experience. This award-winning cocktail lounge on the ground floor of The Langham hotel feels like a secret garden crossed with a 1920s Parisian salon. Dark wood, emerald green velvet booths, and ceiling-to-floor mirrors make every angle look like a magazine spread. The cocktails? They’re served in hand-blown glassware with edible flowers, smoke, or gold leaf. The "Blackout"-a gin-based drink with activated charcoal and blackberry-isn’t just a drink, it’s a visual event. One sip, one photo, and you’ve got the kind of post that gets double-taps from strangers.
Skylight London
When you want to be above it all-literally-Skylight is your spot. Perched on the roof of the Truman Brewery in Shoreditch, this open-air venue has a glass-domed ceiling that opens to the sky. During the day, it’s all greenery and natural light. At night, it transforms. String lights, lanterns, and ambient projections turn the space into a floating dreamscape. The DJ spins house and disco, but the real show is the view: Tower Bridge, The Shard, and the City skyline glow behind you. Bring a friend with a good camera. The reflection of the city in the glass dome? That’s the shot everyone’s after.
The Curtain Club
Don’t let the unassuming entrance fool you. Behind the plain black door in Shoreditch lies The Curtain Club, a venue that feels like a Hollywood set from a 1970s disco film. Think mirrored ceilings, velvet ropes, and walls covered in vintage posters. The lighting shifts with the music-deep purples, electric blues, and warm ambers-so every time you move, your outfit changes color. The bar serves classic cocktails with a twist: think Old Fashioneds with smoked ice or Negronis with lavender bitters. But the real magic? The dance floor. It’s small, crowded, and always full of people moving in sync. A well-timed photo here, mid-dance, with the mirrored ceiling reflecting a hundred glittering faces? That’s the kind of image that goes viral.
Nightjar
Nightjar is the kind of place you find by accident-and then never want to leave. Hidden down a narrow alley in Clerkenwell, it’s easy to miss. But once you’re inside, you’re in a speakeasy that feels like it’s been there since Prohibition. The decor is all brass, leather, and dim amber lighting. The cocktails are named after jazz standards: "Lady in Red," "Blue Moon," "Take Five." The bartenders mix drinks with precision, using house-made syrups and rare spirits. But the real draw? The vintage microphones on the walls and the live jazz trio that plays every night. Snap a photo of the saxophonist bathed in a single spotlight, and you’ve got a shot that looks like it belongs in a black-and-white film.
The Box Soho
If you want drama, spectacle, and a little bit of chaos, The Box Soho is your stage. This isn’t just a bar-it’s a cabaret, a burlesque show, and a party all rolled into one. The interior is a riot of red velvet, crystal chandeliers, and gilded mirrors. Performers in feathers, corsets, and glitter move through the crowd, dancing on tables, kissing guests, and handing out champagne. The lighting is always changing: one minute it’s moody crimson, the next it’s blinding white. The drinks are strong, the music is loud, and the energy is electric. A photo here isn’t just a memory-it’s a story. Someone in a feather boa holding a cocktail with one hand and a stranger’s hand with the other? That’s The Box.
Darkroom
Darkroom is a hidden gem in the heart of Soho, and it’s built for the camera. The entire space is a black-and-white photography studio turned bar. Walls are covered in iconic black-and-white portraits of musicians, artists, and actors from the 20th century. The lighting is low, the tables are marble, and the cocktails are served in vintage glassware. The bar’s signature drink, "The Film Reel," is a gin-based concoction with edible silver dust and a twist of orange peel. But the real attraction? The photo wall. It’s a curated collection of black-and-white shots taken by guests over the years. You can snap your own photo against the wall and have it printed and added to the collection. It’s Instagram meets art gallery, and it’s the only place in London where your photo becomes part of the exhibit.
El Vino
El Vino isn’t flashy. It doesn’t have neon lights or velvet curtains. But it’s one of the most photographed spots in London-and for good reason. Founded in 1820, it’s the oldest wine bar in the city. The interior is timeless: wooden shelves lined with bottles, marble countertops, and a long bar that looks like it hasn’t changed since the 19th century. The lighting is soft, golden, and warm. People come here for the wine, but they stay for the atmosphere. A photo of a glass of natural wine, a book open beside it, and the reflection of the old mirrors behind you? That’s the quiet luxury of London nightlife. It’s not about being loud. It’s about being timeless.
Why These Spots Work for Instagram
What makes these places different from every other bar in London? It’s not just the drinks. It’s the intention. Every detail-from the shape of the glass to the angle of the light-is chosen to create a moment that looks good in 1080p. The lighting is layered: ambient, accent, and dramatic. The colors are bold but intentional. The textures-velvet, brass, glass, wood-are rich and tactile. And the people? They’re part of the scene, not just visitors. These spots don’t just attract crowds-they attract storytellers.
Forget filters. The best Instagram photos here are taken with natural light, a steady hand, and a sense of timing. Arrive early to beat the rush. Bring a friend who knows how to shoot. Don’t just take a selfie-capture the vibe. A wide shot of the room. A close-up of the drink. A candid of someone laughing under a chandelier. These are the images that stick.
What to Wear
You don’t need to dress up to the nines, but you do need to think about how you’ll look in the light. Dark colors pop under neon. Metallics catch the glow. Bold accessories-earrings, rings, a statement coat-add contrast. Avoid white shirts in dimly lit places; they wash you out. Stick to deep reds, blacks, emerald greens, or metallics. They’ll make you stand out without trying too hard.
Best Times to Visit
For the best photos, go between 8:30 PM and 10:30 PM. That’s when the lights are on, the crowd is just starting to build, and the staff is still fresh. After 11 PM, it gets too crowded, and the lighting often shifts to match the music-making it harder to get a clean shot. Weeknights are quieter, weekends are livelier. Choose based on whether you want space to move or energy to capture.
Pro Tip: Ask for the Best Spot
Don’t be shy. Ask the bartender or host, "Where’s the best place to take a photo?" Most of these places have a designated photo zone-sometimes it’s behind the bar, sometimes it’s under a specific light. Staff know the angles. They’ve seen hundreds of shots. They’ll point you to the one that works.
Are these spots expensive?
Prices vary. The Artesian and The Box Soho are on the higher end, with cocktails starting at £18. Nightjar and El Vino are more moderate, with drinks around £12-£16. Skylight and The Curtain Club fall in the middle. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get the photo-you just need to be there at the right time.
Can I take photos with a phone?
Absolutely. Most of these spots look amazing on iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S24. Use portrait mode for depth, turn on HDR, and avoid flash. Natural light and low angles work best. A tripod isn’t necessary, but a steady hand and a little patience make all the difference.
Do I need a reservation?
For The Artesian, The Box Soho, and Skylight, yes-book ahead, especially on weekends. Nightjar and El Vino are first-come, first-served, but arrive before 9 PM to guarantee a seat. The Curtain Club doesn’t take reservations, but lines move fast.
Are these places safe at night?
Yes. All these spots are in well-lit, central areas with high foot traffic. Security is present, and staff are trained to handle crowds. Stick to well-known areas like Soho, Shoreditch, and Clerkenwell. Avoid walking alone through quiet side streets after midnight-use Uber or the night bus.
What’s the best time of year to visit?
Spring and autumn are ideal. The weather is mild, and outdoor spots like Skylight are comfortable. Summer is busy but vibrant. Winter brings cozy lighting and holiday decorations-perfect for warm-toned photos. Avoid major holidays like New Year’s Eve unless you want crowds.
Where to Go Next
If you’ve hit all these spots and still want more, try The Libertine in Covent Garden for its mirrored ceiling and jazz nights. Or head to The Punch Bowl in Camden for its vintage fairground vibe. London’s nightlife is endless. But these seven? They’re the ones that turn a night out into a visual story you’ll want to keep.