Should you find yourself in need of entertainment for the night or, perhaps, an evening of comedy or laughter in London, you are in luck. The city has a thriving stand-up scene, from iconic venues that have sent legendary careers on their way to small clubs that see fresh new talent. Be it sharp political satire, observational humor, or no-holds-barred improv, London’s comedy clubs will have an array of belly-laughs in every style.
The Comedy Store – The Original Powerhouse
The Comedy Store is a Soho traditional comedy venue and, without a doubt, one of the most renowned stand-up theatres in Britain.
Why go?
- Regular performances by very top comedians
- Home to the long-running improv show-The Comedy Store Players
Best for: A traditional stand-up-loving crowd and high-energy improv fans.
Top Secret Comedy Club – Cheap and Brilliant
Top Secret Comedy Club is loved by insiders and locals alike for its cheap tickets and high-energy ambiance, tucked away near Covent Garden.
Why go?
- Russell Howard and Rob Beckett are often found testing new material here
- Student-friendly pricing, but still of quality
Perfect for: Anyone looking for last-minute laugh-filled plans without breaking the bank.
99 Club – Award-winning laughs across the city
99 Clubs is known for consistently strong lineups and slick production, with venues in Leicester Square, Soho, and Covent Garden.
Why go?
- Multi-award-winning shows
- Showcases rising stars and seasoned artists
Perfect for: Date nights or larger group outings because everyone is guaranteed to laugh.
Angel Comedy Club – Free Shows Every Night
Set upstairs at The Camden Head in Angel, Angel Comedy Club is famous for its pay-what-you-can system and star acts.
Why go?
- Free entry every night
- Great atmosphere in an intimate pub setting
Perfect for: Stand-up humor lovers on a budget or anyone exploring North London.
Backyard Comedy Club – Comedy Jewel of East London
Backyard Comedy Club has great ambience while retaining the feel of a normal comedy night, right in the heart of Bethnal Green.
Why go?
- Weekend showdowns and themed comedy nights
- Food and drinks on offer for the entire night-out experience
Perfect for: Groups, birthday parties, or silly Fridays in East London.
Banana Cabaret – The Legendary Laughs in Balham
Nestled within the Bedford pub, the Banana Cabaret has been home to the likes of Eddie Izzard and Micky Flanagan.
Why go?
- Old reputation for good line-ups
- Stunning Grade II-listed venue
Perfect for: Those in South London looking for a decent night locally.
The Bill Murray – Comedian-Ran & Alternative
The Bill Murray is operated by the people behind Angel Comedy and is a unique space that often feels like camp for comedians: intimate, experimental, and fun.
Why go?
- Expect everything from open mics to podcast recordings
- Comedian-run, so has an atmosphere of authenticity and is very welcoming
Perfect for: Comedy nerds and those looking for something a little different.
London’s Comedy Scene Is No Joke!
From unhindered stand-up extravaganzas to bottomless sessions of improv, London’s top clubs serve this great city with nothing but the best daily, crying stages like The Comedy Store in Soho for the ones with deep pockets or indie venues in East London for the moodish and budget-conscious.
Grab your mates, get your tickets, and get ready for a night of gut-wrenching fun in London because city laughter is better than any in the world!