The Most Instagrammable Nightlife Spots in London

London’s nightlife isn’t just about dancing or drinking-it’s about the vibe you capture before you even take your first sip.

If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram and wondered why certain London bars look like they’re lit by magic, you’re not imagining it. The city’s best nightlife spots have been carefully curated-by designers, bartenders, and influencers alike-to look as good as they taste. These aren’t just places to party. They’re stages. And every corner is built for a photo that stops the scroll.

1. The Araki (Mayfair)

Don’t let the quiet entrance fool you. Inside The Araki, a Michelin-starred sushi bar tucked away in Mayfair, the lighting is soft, the wood is warm, and the plates look like edible art. The bar’s minimalist design-dark walnut, hand-thrown ceramics, and single stems of white orchids-creates a quiet luxury that screams "I’m here for the experience, not just the drink."

Pro tip: Sit at the counter. The chef’s hands moving over fresh fish make for a cinematic close-up. The only thing better than the tuna tartare? The photo of it, backlit by a single spotlight, resting on a slate plate. No filters needed.

2. The Rooftop at The Standard (King’s Cross)

This isn’t just another rooftop bar. It’s a 360-degree postcard of London. Floor-to-ceiling windows, hanging lanterns, and a glowing infinity pool that mirrors the city skyline make this spot the go-to for golden hour and midnight shots alike.

At dusk, the Shard glows like a diamond. The London Eye spins slowly in the distance. And the crowd? Mostly dressed in neutrals-cream coats, black boots, silver earrings-so the lights do all the talking. Bring a friend with good camera settings. The reflections on the water at night? Pure magic.

3. The Lock Tavern (Shoreditch)

Shoreditch has no shortage of bars, but The Lock Tavern stands out because it doesn’t try too hard. It’s a 19th-century pub turned into a neon-drenched wonderland. Think pink flamingos, disco balls, and walls covered in vintage posters and graffiti that changes every month.

There’s a hidden back room with a mural of a giant cat wearing sunglasses. It’s the most photographed spot in East London. People come just to stand in front of it, hold a cocktail, and pretend they’re in a music video. The staff don’t mind. They’ve seen it a thousand times.

4. Nightjar (Shoreditch)

Step into Nightjar and you’re transported to 1920s prohibition-era Chicago. The entrance is disguised as a phone booth. Inside, velvet booths, dim brass lamps, and jazz records spinning on a vintage turntable set the tone. The cocktails? Named after jazz legends. The Old Fashioned? Called "Billie"-served in a coupe glass with a smoked rosemary sprig.

Photography here is all about mood. The low light, the smoke from the dry ice in the cocktails, the way the bartender’s hands move as they shake a martini-it’s all cinematic. Skip the selfie stick. Let your phone’s portrait mode do the work.

5. The Dairy (Notting Hill)

This one’s easy to miss. Tucked into a quiet Notting Hill street, The Dairy looks like someone’s cozy living room-until you realize the walls are covered in hand-painted murals of tropical birds and giant daisies. The lighting? Warm, yellow, and glowing from every corner.

The drinks come in vintage glassware, and the cocktails are named after flowers: "Peony Fizz," "Tulip Sour." The bar’s signature dish? A deconstructed tiramisu served in a mason jar with edible gold flakes. It’s the kind of place you post with the caption: "Didn’t know this existed until I found it."

6. Printworks (Rotherhithe)

Forget sleek and polished. Printworks is raw. A converted 1970s printing factory turned into a warehouse club with industrial ceilings, exposed pipes, and walls covered in spray-paint murals. The sound system? One of the best in Europe. The vibe? Unapologetically gritty.

But here’s the catch: the lighting. Strobe lights cut through the haze. Laser beams slice across the crowd. And the dance floor? A sea of people in neon bodysuits and metallic boots. If you want a photo that looks like a rave scene from a sci-fi movie, this is your spot. Just don’t expect quiet. You’ll need to shoot in burst mode.

7. The Ivy Asia (Covent Garden)

Think of The Ivy Asia as a luxury temple to Asian flavors and aesthetics. Gold leaf ceilings, hanging lanterns, and walls lined with silk panels in deep red and emerald green make this feel like a palace. The cocktails? Served in hand-blown glass with edible flowers and dragonfruit ice cubes.

The best shot? Sitting at the bar, watching the bartender pour a flaming cocktail into a coconut shell. The fire reflects off the gold trim. The steam rises. The background? A wall of orchids and bamboo. It’s Instagram gold-and it’s real. No edits required.

Why These Spots Work So Well for Photos

It’s not luck. These places are designed with photography in mind. They use:

• Layered lighting-mix of ambient, accent, and colored lights to create depth
• Textured backdrops-brick, velvet, wood, metal-to add visual interest
• Signature props-unique glassware, neon signs, murals, or floral arrangements
• Controlled crowds-not too packed, not too empty, just right for a clean shot

Most of these spots also have a "hero shot"-a single angle that’s been perfected over years of Instagram posts. Find it. Stand where others have stood. The light hits the same way. The background stays clean. You’ll get the same vibe, without the guesswork.

What to Wear

You don’t need to dress like a model, but you do need to think about color. Dark backgrounds? Wear something bright. Neon walls? Go neutral. Velvet booths? A silk blouse or metallic jacket pops. Avoid white shirts-they reflect too much light and wash you out. And skip the bulky bags. They ruin the frame.

Best Times to Visit for Photos

• Golden hour (5-7 PM): Best for rooftop bars and windows. Soft, warm light. Fewer people.
• 9-11 PM: The crowd is in, lights are fully on, drinks are flowing. Perfect for energy shots.
• After midnight: Only for places like Printworks or Nightjar. The vibe is wilder, the lighting more dramatic.

What to Avoid

Don’t show up with a ring light. These places are already lit perfectly. You’ll look out of place. Skip the selfie stick-it blocks the view. And don’t spend 20 minutes posing. The staff notice. The moment passes. Capture it, then move on.

Final Tip: Go Early, Stay Late

The best photos aren’t taken when the place is packed. They’re taken right after opening, or just before closing. That’s when the lights are fresh, the tables are clean, and the bar is quiet enough to get the shot without strangers in the background. Be the one who shows up when others are still at dinner. You’ll get the best angle-and the best story.