Best Comedy Clubs London

When you're looking for a night out in London that actually makes you laugh, you need more than just a bar and a playlist—you need a comedy club, a live venue where stand-up comedians test new material, build crowds, and turn awkward silences into roaring applause. Also known as stand-up venues, these spaces are where the city’s funniest voices earn their stripes, often before they hit TV or streaming platforms. Unlike fancy restaurants or crowded nightclubs, the best comedy clubs in London feel like hanging out with friends who just happen to be hilarious.

These spots aren’t just about big names like John Mulaney or Sarah Silverman—though you might catch them on a rare UK tour. Most nights, it’s local talent, up-and-comers, and seasoned regulars who keep the room alive. You’ll find open mic nights, informal sessions where new comedians try out jokes and audiences give honest feedback in basement bars in Shoreditch, improv troupes, groups that make up scenes on the spot based on audience suggestions in Camden, and comedy festivals, multi-day events that turn entire neighborhoods into laughter zones during August. The real magic happens when the crowd and the comic click—no stage lights, no scripts, just raw timing and honesty.

What sets London apart isn’t just the number of clubs—it’s the variety. Some places feel like a pub with a mic. Others are sleek, modern theaters with reserved seating. You can catch a 7 p.m. show before dinner or stay till 2 a.m. for the last set of the night. The best ones don’t charge a fortune, don’t force you to buy two drinks, and don’t treat you like a ticket number. They treat you like someone who came to laugh—and they make sure you do.

There’s no single "best" comedy club in London. It depends on what kind of laugh you’re after. Do you want fast-paced, edgy material in a packed basement? Or slow-burn storytelling in a cozy corner with good wine? Maybe you’re looking for a themed night—women-only lineups, international comics, or comedy mixed with live music. The posts below cover exactly that: the hidden gems, the cult favorites, and the spots locals swear by. You’ll find where to go for cheap tickets, how to avoid the tourist traps, and which nights are worth skipping work for.