London, Ontario, may not be the first place that comes to mind for clubbing. Still, it has a nightlife scene to explore, especially near Gibbons Park, where you can dance the night away to the best 40 hits, catch live music, or sip craft cocktails in stylish surroundings. Here is a quick guide to start your night out.

1. The Well London

The Well is not your ordinary London nightclub. Tucked away on a cobbled back road, mystery shrouds its unmarked path and attracts a discerning crowd. Forget bright lights and excellent bass.

The amber bathing pool is illuminated, and the exposed brick walls are decorated with vintage finds. Velvet chairs and plush booths provide an intimate corner, perfect for conversation fueled by expertly crafted cocktails.

The sound here is an eclectic mix—think smooth jazz giving way to soulful classics, all spun by DJs known for their impeccable taste. Live music at night with up-and-coming artists adds a touch of sophistication.

Conversation flows as freely here as drinks, attracting an excellent mix of artists, musicians and those looking for a quaint night out. It’s a place to relax, create and discover new sounds– a hidden gem in the heart of London’s vibrant nightlife.

2. Joe Kool’s

Step back and enter Joe Kool, a haven for swingin’ cats and cool vibes. The black and white floor gleamed under the soft glow of antique lights. Purple curtains line the walls, each a scene that could be straight out of a classic movie.

A saxophone wails softly in the background, setting the mood for smooth night jazz and effortless style. The mirror reflects the mood and captures the energy of the dance floor. Here, couples plunge into the ground in perfect harmony, their memorable moves recalling a bygone era.

Others congregate at the bar, sipping classics like the Manhattan Old Fashioned served by bartenders in crisp white vests. The air is thick with expensive cologne and a Chanel No. 5 smell.

Joe Kool doesn’t belong at the club. It’s a place to escape the ordinary, dress up for fun and bask in the timeless beauty of a bygone era. It’s a place where weird meets fun, and every night feels like a setting straight out of a classic jazz movie.

3. The Mockingbird

The Mockingbird was not your ordinary London nightclub. Tucked away in a cobbled back street in Soho, its unassuming exterior hid the city’s artistic underground haven. Inside, the exposed brick walls vibrated with the infectious energy of live jazz or up-and-coming DJs.

The cube hung there, with the smell of cocktails and creative possibilities. Velvet tents provided a haven for conversations fuelled by laughter and cheap drinks. A charismatic singer on stage rebelled out soulful lyrics, or a local poet weaved words into a microphone.

An eclectic mix of artists, students and creatures of the city’s nightlife, the crowd swayed and shouted, united by a desire to escape the norm. Mockingbird was not cute. It thrived on raw talent and a sense of community. It was where dreams were written on napkins, spontaneous collaborations were born, and the night buzzed with unexpected electricity.

4. Tabu Nightclub

London’s vibrant nightlife welcomes you to Tabu, shrouded in excitement. Forget the main characters; Tabu caters to a travel-loving and diverse crowd looking for an experience beyond the exotic.

Step into the dimly lit city gate, and you are transported into a world of vibration and electrifying energy—amazing electronic music, with world-renowned DJs pushing the boundaries of sound and spinning the dance floor.

The smoke-filled air is etched with laser light, revealing intricate fashion details. Self-expression is paramount here, with bar-goers decked out in everything from fancy dresses to fetish accessories.

VIP areas offer an exclusive experience hidden behind velvet ropes, but the real action is on the dance floor. Tabu is not for the faint of heart; It’s a place to lose yourself in the rhythm, embrace the unconventional and feel the electric pulse of London’s underground scene.

5. Barney’s

Barney’s was not for the faint of heart. Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, its black facade gleamed under the city lights. Inside, velvet lines guarded the entrance, and discerning eyes were a hopping porter.

Last time, the wind blew with a potent concoction of cologne and expensive perfume. Crystal chandeliers give a beautiful glow to well-dressed customers. Gift bottles flowed like champagne at a royal wedding, and glittering magnas sat at the VIP table.

World-renowned names cut the hottest house tunes in the raised DJ booth, keeping the energy high. The conversation was brief, punctuated by clinking glasses and rhythmic music.

Connections were discussed over caviar canapés, and fleeting relationships flashed like overhead strobe lights. Barney’s was no place for adventurers. It was a decadent theatre for London’s elite, where they could be seen and known, put on displays of wealth and negotiate as quickly as night.

6. Black Pearl Pub

The Black Pearl Pub was not your typical nightclub. Nestled in the heart of Camden, its lost backyard had peeling paint and Skull and Crossbones flags flapping in the breeze.

Inside, a cacophony of sounds greeted you: the distorted guitar riffs of the punks on stage, the raspy chatter of the raucous crowd, the clanking of axes in the corners and the stiff breeze hanging beer stale, sweaty and a slow sigh of rebellion against its smell.

Wooden tables were makeshift dance floors, twisted bodies in a soaring mosh pit accompanied by music. Punks with shiny hair and ripped clothes, a mosh etiquette of camaraderie amidst the chaos. A group of goths had gathered in a quiet corner, their black garments contrasting with gleaming neon beer signs.

The shaven, heavily tattooed bartender served cheap pints and wry humour with practised skill. Black freedom is not for the posh or the faint of heart. It was a haven for London’s new creative hub, a place to let loose, celebrate individuality and find a community that enjoyed the raw energy of the night.

7. The Club House

Whispers of the past at The Clubhouse, a converted Georgian townhouse in Shoreditch. The worn wooden floors creak under the thumping bass, a constant reminder of the building’s history. Exposed brick walls decorated with mace and faded leaves speak of fairy tale nights.

Nostalgia collides with the weird here. It has a vibrant mix of fans, and the crowd is as diverse as the lineup. One night, celebrity DJs roam the famous house, carrying bodies into the pits with knowing smiles. Other up-and-coming electronic artists push the boundaries with their experimental sounds.

The intimate dance floor vibrates with a shared passion for music, where self-expression reigns supreme. The dimly lit bar in the background is a haven for conversation and networking. Local artists and producers meet to share ideas and build creative relationships.

Here, the distinction between audience and performers blurs, creating a sense of community that extends beyond the club’s walls. The clubhouse is more than just a place to party; it’s the breeding ground for the next generation of London’s vibrant music scene.

8. Poacher’s Arms

The Poacher’s Arms was not fancy. A hidden labyrinth near Ishta Kalen, there were faded pub signs outside and a worn wooden door creaking like a pirate peg leg and in the air hung thick with curry spices and the smell of spilt ale there, a testament to the mix of cultures that call it East London home.

Mismatched furniture – a plush Chesterfield sofa next to a rickety bar stool – created a bohemian atmosphere. Indie bands with names like “The Discount Ginsengs” belted out raw tunes, their sound rivalling the friendly banter of the bar. The crowd, a self-selected mix of artists, students and locals, swayed and held aloft pints of craft beer.

Poacher’s Arms wasn’t about exclusivity; it was about inclusiveness. A chalkboard advertised opening night mics and poetry; anyone brave enough to share their art was always invited. A pint chased dreams here, and the night buzzed with an effortless energy that was more intoxicating than any cocktail.

9. The Ceeps

Ceeps was not your typical nightclub. Tucked away in a forgotten side street, its entrance was a clattering neon maw, the word “creeps” cascading down in spiderweb-like letters, and the wind dried on with surprising force.

A group in steampunk costumes sipped sparkling cocktails next to a man in a bathing suit and slippers, bobbing his head to strange music. The music itself defied definition – swirling electronica, jazz riffs, and what can only be described as technical polkas.

Weirdos were regulars at Ceeps. It was a place where your quirks were celebrated, not judged. There was no mistaking that we were different here—it was the dance floor. So, if you’ve been feeling like an outcast in the vanilla world, the Ceeps might just be your neon-lit sanctuary. Just remember, a healthy amount of weird is a cover fee.

10. The Morrissey House

Morrissey House was not a place for bouncy bodies or Top 40 hits. Tucked away in a back street of Soho, its exterior was understated, marked only by a single exotic orchid hanging over the door. Inside, the vibe was intimate, bathed in warm candlelight and the melancholy croon of Morrissey’s early solo work.

Comfortable velvet chairs were arranged in discussion groups, perfect for breaking down the lyrics of “The Boy with the Thorn in His Side.” The crowd skewed towards the Smiths’ loyal fanbase – a mix of generations united by their love for the mopey maestros.

Here, you won’t just find stylish dresses, a sea of black turtlenecks and quiffs. The conversations flowed like bittersweet poetry, punctuated with witty humour and told Morrissey lines.

Bartenders in Smith T-shirts served cocktails named after Morrissey’s most iconic songs—“Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” martinis and old versions of “Last of the Famous International Playboys.”

Final Words

Whether you’re craving the electrifying energy of live music, the thrill of a panoramic view, or the welcome retreat of a neighbourhood spot, Gibbons Park is convenient for you at an incredible distance.

London’s nightlife caters to all tastes with a variety of offerings. So wear your dancing shoes, check out the club listings, and prepare for a night you’ll never forget!

Last Updated on May 5, 2024 by Khushahal Malakar