Comedy clubs are an well-loved part of London’s cultural offerings. They’re havens where you can have a few drinks, (hopefully) have a laugh, and forget about what’s going on in your own life for a bit. With that being something we could all do with, here’s our rundown of the best comedy clubs in London that will have you laughing your bloody socks off:
1. Top Stand Up Comedy at the Seven Dials Club
Kicking off this list of the best comedy clubs in London is a real humdinger. Think globally recognised comedians (e.g. Jack Whitehall, Sara Pascoe) and a top location (the Seven Dials Club in Covent Garden), minus the top price tag! Just two minutes from Covent Garden station you can grab a drink in their lively bar, and take a pew for a night of belly laughs with tickets starting at just 16 quid. Now you can’t say fairer that right? Cop your tickets here.
2. Soho Comedy Factory at The Blue Posts
In partnership with the acclaimed Soho Comedy Factory, eclectic venue The Blue Posts hosts a surprise, stellar lineup of comedians for your chuckling pleasure every Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday. See some of the finest talent that British comedy has to offer in action, as well as the stars of tomorrow. Previous shows have included acts seen on ‘Live at the Apollo‘, ‘Mock the Week‘, ‘The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan‘, ITV’s ‘The Stand Up Sketch Show‘, and many more. Get your tickets here.
3. Comedy Carnival at Covent Garden Studios
It won’t be the first time you’ve seen many of the faces you will see on stage at Comedy Carnival, with award-winning, international comedians performing every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. While the comedians will eventually have to call it a night, you certainly won’t, as you’re just a stone’s throw away from some epic bars and clubs. Cheers to that! You can find out more here.
4. The Comedy Store, West End
A firm West End favourite, The Comedy Store sees over 3,500 people pass through its doors every single week. They’ve come a long way since they first opened their doors in 1979 (comics no longer have to change in a cupboard or wee in a sink like they did at the Gargoyle Club). From topical news-based comedy on Tuesdays, to improv on Wednesdays and Sundays, all the way to the best stand-up Thursday to Saturday (and the odd open mic talent night on a Monday). Whatever kind of humour tickles you, The Comedy Store offers something for everyone’s taste! You can find out more here.
5. Backyard Comedy Club, Bethnal Green
“The Backyard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green – if there’s a better comedy club in the world I don’t know where it is“. If the words of Russell Howard don’t speak for themselves, we don’t know whose will! Enjoy pool, table football, and ping-pong at one of the largest professional, purpose-built comedy clubs in London, which has been the home of comedy in the East End for the past 20 years. Harry Hill, Dara O’Brien, Jo Brand, Alan Carr, Rhod Gilbert… quite frankly, the list is endless, so check it out for yourself.
6. Angel Comedy Club, Angel & Camden
A comedian-run, crowd-funded comedy club that encompasses Angel’s The Bill Burray, and the Camden Comedy Club: ‘2 venues. 7 nights a week. 100% funny.’ This club is in a pub and doubles up as a hub (we may not be humorous but we certainly are poetic). If you’re feeling funny, The Bill Murray provides a creative space for comedians to meet, write, rehearse and perform. And if you don’t have the gift – don’t worry, just come and laugh at all the amazing comedians that do! Many of their shows are FREE, but do arrive early to secure your seat (especially on weekends). Get involved here.
7. The Queer Comedy Club, Elephant & Castle
Hot off of bursting onto the scene in 2023, The Queer Comedy Club is London’s first-ever permanent LGBTQ+ comedy club. It provides an inclusive space for queer audiences and performers to enjoy nights filled with laughter. They’re bedded-in at their new site, Betty & Joan’s in Elephant & Castle. The two venues work together for a night of comedy, drinks, and dancing for the ultimate night of queer laughter and joy. Find out more here.
8. Bearcat Comedy at The Viaduct, Twickenham
“Without question one of the oldest, most respected and genuinely exciting comedy clubs in the world” – Omid Djalili
^ He said it 🤷♂️ – and who can argue with that? Find out more about Bearcat Comedy at The Viaduct in Twickenham here. (Be warned though, they put on shows seasonally, and break for the warmer months.)
9. The Top Secret Comedy Club, Holborn
Keeping the prices low, the quality high and the club on the hush hush. It’s a Top Secret Comedy Club remember? Michael McIntyre, Ken Jeong and Robyn Perkins are just a handful of the names that have graced this stage. Book in advance because, as Jack Whitehall once said, “Top Secret is one of London’s best comedy clubs, it won’t be secret for long!” Get your arse down here pronto we say.
10. Downstairs at the King’s Head, Crouch End
One of the oldest comedy clubs in Britain prides itself on creating the right ambience for each event and providing unbeatable value for money. With a capacity of just 100, it makes every comedy night an intimate one. Many of the biggest comedians have passed through the doors of the King’s Head, some of whom continue to perform there, so keep your eye out on their website.
11. The Stand Up Club
Another banger of a comedy club here if we say so ourselves. The Stand-Up Club hosts award-winning comedy every weekend across a number of pubs and venues around London. Heck, the show might even be slap bang in the middle of a brewery! What more could you ask for from this roundup of comedy clubs in London, eh? Find out more here.
12. The Camden Comedy Club, Camden
This comedy night takes place upstairs at The Camden Head in, yep – you guessed it, Camden. Their programme is full of stand-up comedy nights, sketch and improv, new material, Edinburgh previews, and even workshops and masterclasses for the budding comedian. It’s an intimate and friendly little room, where comedy magic happens every day of the week! Get the lowdown here.
13. Comedy on the Thames at The Tattershall Castle
All aboard the Tattershall Castle for a laugh-out-loud evening of hilarious live comedy and beautiful riverside views! One of the best comedy clubs in London, their shows are a non-stop barrage of laughs, featuring the capital’s finest comedic talent, including regular TV names and cream of the crop of the UK circuit. As well as live music, there’s also a nightclub on board that keeps spinning until the wee hours – party on we say. Take a leap off the pier and jump on board for a laugh here.
So there you have it – a roundup of the best comedy clubs in London. If you’re looking for a belly laugh or two, then you’ve definitely come to the right place!