There are still clubs here where the music’s loud, the lights stay on past midnight, and the bar doesn’t call time before you’ve had a proper dance.
From warehouse raves to cocktail lounges with late-night energy, this side of the river still knows how to put on a night out.
That said, closures are hitting venues across the UK including Pryzm in Kingston which is one of the latest to go – with one final party on July 12.
Over 37 per cent of clubs nationwide have shut since 2020, according to the Night Time Industries Association.
Their message is simple: nightlife matters.
So if you’re heading out this weekend, why not support one of the places still doing it properly?
Here’s where to find a late-night dance in south east London.
Cocktail Akademia, Bromley
Four floors to explore. A speakeasy lounge upstairs, a full-throttle basement club below, and even a private bar with a projector and its own bartender.
Big atmosphere and plenty of space to lose a night.
29A Widmore Road, BR1 1RWO
Venue MOT Unit 18, South Bermondsey
Warehouse club in a business park with serious sound. Dark, loud, and well-respected by DJs and promoters.
Big names have played here, but it still feels underground.
Surrey Canal Road, SE14 5RT
The Carpet Shop, Peckham
Small, sweaty and full of energy. This former warehouse is one of the liveliest spaces in SE15, with nights ranging from house to hard trance.
It’s rough around the edges in the best way.
115 Rye Lane, SE15 4ST
Ministry of Sound, Elephant and Castle
A name everyone knows. Four rooms, a custom-built sound system and queues around the block.
If you want a classic night out with a big crowd and even bigger bass, Ministry delivers.
103 Gaunt Street, SE1 6DP
The Hatch Club, New Cross
Hip hop, bashment, afrobeats and a high-energy crowd.
It’s smaller than some, but the sound, lighting and atmosphere more than make up for it.
23 Lewisham Way, SE14 6PP
Ormside Projects, South Bermondsey
Independent, creative and always late. This spot hosts experimental club nights and community events that pull in a crowd.
A proper south east venue with plenty of edge.
32 Ormside Street, SE15 1TR
Cocktail Embassy, Crystal Palace
Upstairs you’ll find cocktails and low lighting. Downstairs there’s a dancefloor that doesn’t stop until morning.
Perfect for groups, birthdays or just a night that starts with a happy hour and ends with a banger.
76 Westow Hill, SE19 1SE
Corsica Studios, Elephant and Castle
One of the best for people who care about music. Housed in two railway arches, it’s known for sharp programming and a loyal crowd.
Always feels like a proper night out.
4/5 Elephant Road, SE17 1LB
Arcadia Lounge Bar and Club, Bexleyheath
Chart tunes, booths, cocktails and a summer garden. This one brings the full package without needing to head into town.
Often packed, especially for themed nights.
247 Broadway, DA6 8DB
The Bunker, Deptford
Dark, minimal, and full of bass. It’s not flash, and that’s exactly the point.
A favourite with students and anyone who wants a stripped-back rave space.
46 Deptford Broadway, SE8 4PH
CQ Lounge, Woolwich
Part club, part cocktail bar, part shisha lounge. Known for afrobeats, RnB and long nights.
There’s room to dance, space to chill, and always a good crowd.
9 Warspite Road, SE18 5NU
These venues are still open, still busy and still making nights out worth having. If you’re heading out this weekend, this is where to do it.
