East London's nightlife is a vibrant fusion of eclectic bars, clubs, and cultural hubs, making it a hotspot for those seeking diverse and trendy experiences.

Callooh Calley

1.Callooh Callay: Named after a line from Lewis Carroll’s ‘Jabberwocky’, The intriguingly titled Gorilla Panic catches the eye, whilst the Saint Hellier looks strong enough to take down a Bandersnatch.

• You’ll find it at 65 Rivington Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 3AY.
• Nearest station is Old Street.

2. The Last Tuesday Society: Hidden within Viktor Wynd’s Museum of Curiosities, this cocktail bar has a magical menu of weird and wonderful drinks, each inspired by a strange artefact that can be found inside the fascinating museum.

• You’ll find it at 11 Mare Street, Hackney, E8 4RP.
• Nearest stations are Cambridge Heath and London Fields.

3. Looking Glass Cocktail Club: an Alice in Wonderland-themed Club bills itself as a “haven of debauchery”. To enter, you’ll have to step through a looking glass (i.e. a big mirror) and you’re likely to be there until the early hours, cocktail in tow.

• You’ll find it at 49 Hackney Road, E2 7NX.
•  Nearest station is Hoxton.

4. Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town: Make your way to The Breakfast Club on Artillery Lane and inform a member of staff that you are “here to see the Mayor”. They will then direct you to the normal-seeming Smeg fridge, which you’ll have to walk through to enter the dingy, candlelit speakeasy. The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town is filled with vintage furniture and bizarre wall art, while the cocktail menu is brimming with weird and wonderful drinks.

• You’ll find it beneath The Breakfast Club, 12-16 Artillery Lane, E1 7LS.
•  Nearest station is Liverpool Street.

5. TT Liquor: Set within an old Victorian police station, converted into a three-storey haven dedicated entirely to high-quality liquor and great cocktails. If you were just walking past, you’d probably mistake it for a humble old liquor store but, if you had just popped in and made your way downstairs… TT Liquor is more than just a store or a bar, it’s a bit of history and a whole lot of fun.

• You’ll find it at 17B Kingsland Road, E2 8AA.
•  Nearest station is Hoxton.

6. Nightjar: a speakeasy-style cocktail bar nestled in the heart of London. Located in Shoreditch, it's known for its intimate, vintage atmosphere that harks back to the clandestine bars of the Prohibition era. The venue exudes a cozy, retro vibe with its low lighting, jazz music, and eclectic décor. Its intimate setting, complete with vintage paraphernalia, sets the stage for an exclusive and secretive ambiance.

• You’ll find it at 129 City Rd, London EC1V 1JB
• Nearest station is Old Street Station (Northern line)

7. Cahoots: a Whimsical and immersive cocktail bar tucked away in London's Soho district. The bar is themed around a 1940s underground station, evoking the spirit of post-war London. Upon entering, guests step into a nostalgic world designed to resemble an old tube station. The décor includes vintage train paraphernalia, antique seating, and staff dressed in period costumes, contributing to the authentic retro vibe.

• You’ll find it at 13 Kingly Court, Carnaby, London W1B 5PG
• Nearest station is Oxford Circus Station (Bakerloo, Central, Victoria lines)

8. Draughts Board Game Café: Offers a unique social experience blending board games with great food and drinks. The space is designed for socializing, gaming, and enjoying food and beverages in a relaxed setting.The café boasts a vast collection of board games, from classics like Monopoly and Scrabble to modern favorites and niche, lesser-known games. Visitors pay a cover charge for unlimited access to the library.

• You’ll find it at 337 Acton Mews, Hackney, London E8 4EA
• Nearest station is Haggerston Station (Overground)

9. Skylight Rooftop Bar: Located in the heart of London at Tobacco Dock, offers a unique rooftop experience with exciting entertainment. Skylight offers panoramic views of London's skyline, including iconic landmarks. The rooftop space is expansive, featuring both indoor and outdoor areas.

• You’ll find it at Tobacco Dock, Pennington St entrance, St Katharine's & Wapping, London E1W 2SF
• Nearest station is Shadwell Station (DLR, Overground)

10. Bounce Ping Pong: Bounce combines high-quality ping pong facilities with a vibrant bar and restaurant setting, offering a unique social experience. The venue reimagines the classic game by blending it with an energetic nightlife atmosphere.

• You’ll find it at 241 Old St, London EC1V 9EY
• Nearest station is Old Street Station (Northern line)

These spots offer a unique and eclectic range of experiences, from secret cocktail bars to game-themed cafes and trendy rooftop venues, all easily accessible from nearby train stations in East London.