Things to do in London this Friday

Friday night in the pub isn't exactly groundbreaking, we know. But why not look beyond your local (or whatever pricy dive is nearest your office) and go to a genuinely nice boozer? Turn Friday into Fry-day with a trip to Haggerston’s beautiful historic pub The Virgin Queen for a filling portion of fish and chips. Pride of Spitalfields boasts a charming selection of British ales for a top-tier sesh. Or discover your new favourite haunt with our round up of favourite pubs here.

Reckon it'll turn into a late one? Here’s our pick of the best late-night bars in London.

Free nights out don't get much better than Tate Modern's Lates, held on the last Friday of each month. They're often themed around current exhibitions, with hands on workshops where you can learn new skills, 10-minute talks so you can feel brainy without too much effort, film screenings, and DJ sets so you can party next to art. 

Still, Tate Modern's far from the only arty night out in town. National Gallery is open til 9pm every Friday, with free talks, drawing sessions and music performances to enjoy. London Transport Museum, Design Museum, British Museum, V&A and Barbican also offer regular Friday night seshes: check their websites for dates and deets.

Why go home and scour streaming services for something you actually want to watch when you could make a night out of it? London's full of gorgeous cinemas that are almost certainly nicer than your living room, from the indie neighbourhood spot ArtHouse in Crouch End to Everyman’s sleek King's Cross spot. And if you're looking for a Friday night special, make for Shoreditch’s Rich Mix, which often holds Q&As or festivals, or hunker down for one of Prince Charles Cinema’s legendary movie marathon nights. 

There’s nowhere quite like London’s West End on a Friday night, with mega-budget musicals like The Lion King, SIX, Hamilton, or Matilda The Musical to choose from. But tickets don't always come cheap. So if you want to see something that'll tickle your braincells without draining your bank account, head to classy producing theatres like the Almeida, Kiln, or Orange Tree for a stellar night out. Not sure where to start? Check out the best new plays on in London right now. 

Friday nights don’t get much better than ones spent in a sweaty rave or a cheesy ‘80s disco and we've certainly been missing those. FabricLive, the legendary Friday night at Fabric, are known for pulsing bass and electrifying dubstep. If you’re looking for some queer nightlife in London, Friday nights at Dalston Superstore always have something on, including bi soiree ‘Fast and Bi-Furious’ and strip galore 'Harpies. 

If a quiet drink at the pub turns into plans for an all-nighter, check out our round-up of the best clubs in London.

Craving some good, clean (albeit competitive) fun this Friday night? Bowling has had a glam makeover in the last decade, and London’s now home to a strike-ing number of alleys that make for a hugely enjoyable night out. Embrace your inner teenager at legendary, sticky-floored fun palace Rowan's. Or go upmarket at chic Bloomsbury Lanes, which offers an American-style diner and karaoke for afters. If you want to turn things up a notch (or five), Queens offers bowling with a side of ice skating.

Not a fan of the shoes? Check out London’s best crazy golf and bingo nights too.

From intimate folk gigs to sticky-floored rock clubs, there’s certainly no shortage of places for music buffs to hang out on a Friday night. Head to legendary jazz club Ronnie Scott’s in Soho – all the greats have graced this stage, and the place emanates history. If you’re in the mood for something more edgy, Friday nights at Shoreditch’s XOYO promise pumping residencies, with upcoming DJs easing you into the weekend.

Discover the best music in London right now. 

Your evening activities have wound down and your rumbling stomach is making itself known but rest assured, dinner is still very much on the table - whether it's a quick bite or a blowout couple of courses. If you find yourself hankering for a tasty cheap steak at 10pm, make your way over to Flat Iron - you'll find eight across London. On the hunt for a kebab to soak up the evidence of your Friday night shenanigans? Pop into Gökyüzü in Haringey, Walthamstow, Finchley or Chingford before 12am for all the lamb shish, lahmacun and meze your heart desires.

Still peckish? How about one of these superb late night spots in London.