Discover a Different Side of the City – From Your Native Base
As the sun sets, London transforms. Street corners glow with string lights, rooftops hum with conversation, and music spills from tucked-away venues. It’s a city that doesn’t end when the working day does – it simply changes tempo.
For those staying in one of Native’s centrally located aparthotels, London after dark is more than accessible – it’s a natural extension of your surroundings. Whether you’re seeking something social or something scenic, this guide reveals the best of London by night, all within easy reach of your Native base.
Late-Night Markets Worth Staying Up For
London’s after-hours food scene is a treasure trove of international flavours, buzzing atmospheres, and neighbourhood charm. These markets are more than somewhere to grab a bite – they’re a destination in their own right.
KERB Seven Dials Market, Covent Garden
Located inside a converted banana warehouse, Seven Dials Market brings together street food traders under one roof. From Taiwanese bao to vegan tacos and locally roasted coffee, there’s something for every palate. The market stays open until 11pm on weekends and 10pm during the week, making it an ideal post-theatre or post-shopping stop in central London.
Mercato Metropolitano, Elephant & Castle
A community-led hub for food and sustainability, Mercato Metropolitano is open seven days a week and stays buzzing into the evening. Expect wood-fired pizza, Turkish mezze, and natural wines served in a vast indoor-outdoor space that often features live music, film screenings and pop-up events.
Where to Stay
Guests at Native Bankside can walk to both Borough Market by day and Southbank’s night-time food scene with ease. The aparthotel, set in a restored tea warehouse, offers an elegant retreat close to culinary culture.
Historic Venues and Iconic Gigs
Whether your tastes lean towards jazz, soul, indie, or experimental, London offers a rich tapestry of live music venues, many steeped in history.
The Jazz Cafe, Camden
A North London institution, The Jazz Cafe has hosted legendary artists such as Amy Winehouse and Gil Scott-Heron. It continues to be a cornerstone for soul, funk, hip-hop, and R&B. The balcony-level dining and standing-room main floor offer flexibility, depending on how you prefer to enjoy your night.
Ronnie Scott’s, Soho
Since 1959, Ronnie Scott’s has been synonymous with London jazz. The intimate venue is renowned globally and offers nightly shows plus the Late Late Show, ideal for those wanting to extend their evening past midnight in true Soho style.
Village Underground, Shoreditch
An architectural gem with a roof made from reclaimed Tube carriages, Village Underground is known for its gritty, underground feel. It’s a go-to for electronic, alternative and independent artists, all set within a converted warehouse in East London.
Where to Stay
For a central location with easy access to all the hotspots of London, Native Mayfair or Native The Marlo offer modern, design-led apartments that are a perfect base for music fans and culture-seekers wanting a stylish place to return to after a late night out.
Spoken Word and Open Mic Energy
If you prefer thought-provoking poetry or spontaneous storytelling to structured concerts, London’s spoken word and open mic nights create a more personal and often powerful experience.
Spoken Word London at VFD, Dalston
This non-profit, non-hierarchical event is one of London’s longest-running open mic nights. Held at VFD in Dalston, Spoken Word London welcomes all voices, backgrounds and styles. There’s no judgment and no gatekeeping – just honest expression.
Wordplay at The Book Club, Shoreditch
Combining poetry, hip-hop, and freestyle sessions, Wordplay at The Book Club provides a relaxed space for audiences who want edge, rhythm, and community. Expect standing-room energy and an eclectic, youthful crowd.
Open Mic Mondays at Apples and Pears, Brick Lane
This intimate cocktail bar hosts relaxed acoustic sessions every Monday night. Tucked behind Brick Lane, Apples and Pears brings in both emerging and established talent across music and spoken word, creating an unpretentious start to the week.
Where to Stay
Located nearby in the City, Native Fenchurch makes it easy to enjoy East London’s creative scene by night and recover in a quiet, spacious apartment by day.
Rooftop Bars and Late-Night Views
London’s skyline is as mesmerising by night as it is by day—and its rooftop bars provide the best front-row seats.
Seabird, The Hoxton Southwark
Seabird boasts the longest oyster list in London, a curated seafood menu, and panoramic views of the city. The rooftop terrace makes for a memorable dinner or drinks setting, with views that stretch from The Shard to St Paul’s.
Queen of Hoxton, Shoreditch
Known for its seasonal rooftop themes (think Moroccan medina or ski chalet), the Queen of Hoxton offers a playful alternative to more polished rooftops. Expect themed cocktails, quirky décor and a young, vibrant crowd.
Bar Elba, Waterloo
Bar Elba is a colourful, high-energy rooftop bar that doubles as a summer cinema and party venue. Set just opposite Waterloo Station, it’s convenient for visitors and packed with post-work locals enjoying music and skyline views.
Where to Stay
From Native Waterloo or Native Bankside, it’s a short walk to many of these venues, ideal for unwinding with a view and then retreating to your own space.
Why Native Makes the Perfect Nightlife Base
Native’s London aparthotels are built for how people really travel and live. Offering fully furnished, design-led apartments with kitchens, workspaces, and flexible stays, each property provides the independence of an apartment with the ease of a hotel.
With locations across the capital – Bankside, Fenchurch, Waterloo, Mayfair and more – Native allows guests to live like a local, by day or by night.
FAQs: What You Need to Know About London Nights
Is London safe at night for visitors?
Yes. Most central areas like Shoreditch, Camden, Southbank, and Covent Garden are well-lit and busy late into the evening. As in any major city, use licensed transport and stay aware of your surroundings.
Does the Tube run late at night?
Yes. The Night Tube runs on Fridays and Saturdays on the Victoria, Central, Jubilee, Northern, and Piccadilly lines. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt also operate 24/7.
Do you need to book in advance for bars and venues?
For popular rooftops and music venues, booking ahead is advised—especially on weekends. Some markets and open mic nights remain walk-in only.
Can I stay long-term with Native?
Absolutely. Native’s aparthotels offer short and extended stay options with everything needed for longer visits—from full kitchens to weekly housekeeping.
