London West End Pub Crawl: Shots, Entry & Drink Deals

Summary

West End bars, laughter, new friends and late-night London

You’ll jump straight into London’s West End nightlife with a small group and local guide leading the way. Expect free shots at every stop, exclusive drink deals with your wristband, fast entry to busy venues, and plenty of laughs with fellow travelers—plus someone else snapping photos so you don’t have to worry about your phone for once.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not from here, are you?” That’s how Tom — our guide, I think — broke the ice as we squeezed into the first West End bar. The floor was sticky and the music was just loud enough to make us lean in. I could smell gin and something sweet (probably those Sourz shots they kept handing out). We all wore these neon wristbands that made us look like some weird team. Honestly, I didn’t expect to talk to so many people so quickly — there was a girl from Madrid who kept teaching us Spanish drinking toasts. I tried one and nearly choked on my own accent.

The crawl moved fast. Every time we finished a shot (I lost count after three), Tom rounded us up with this tiny flashlight he waved like a wand. One place had walls covered in old gig posters — smelled faintly of spilled beer and lemon cleaner. There was a moment outside when it started drizzling, but nobody seemed to care; someone lit up a cigarette and we all huddled under the awning, laughing about British weather clichés. It felt good not worrying about lines or cover charges — our guide just flashed his phone at the bouncer and in we went.

I remember one pub with these battered leather sofas where we somehow ended up talking about football rivalries with two locals (they were patient with our cluelessness). The photographer snapped photos while we pretended not to notice — can’t wait to see if any turned out decent. By midnight, my voice was hoarse from shouting over music but I felt oddly connected to this random group of strangers. Maybe it was the city or maybe just the right amount of cheap shots. Either way, I still think about that night sometimes when I hear certain songs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore London's West End nightlife

• Start pub crawl in West End
• Visit multiple bars and pubs
• Enjoy free shots and reduced drinks
• Use fast-track entry to venues
• Have photographer capture the night

Top questions

How many pubs or bars do you visit on this London pub crawl?

The exact number isn’t listed but you’ll visit several venues around the West End during the crawl.

Are drinks included on the London pub crawl?

You get a free shot at every venue plus access to reduced drinks deals when showing your wristband.

Is there an age limit for joining the pub crawl?

The description doesn’t specify but UK drinking laws require participants to be 18 or older.

Can stag or hen parties join this London pub crawl?

No—stag/hen dos or same-sex groups larger than 9 aren’t accepted on the main crawl but private bookings are possible.

Is there a dress code for the London pub crawl?

Yes—clubbing-appropriate clothing is required; no beachwear, sportswear (like track pants), singlets or flip-flops.

Does the tour include entry fees for each bar?

Yes—free entry is included at every venue visited on the crawl.

Where does the London pub crawl take place?

The crawl takes place around London’s West End area.

Is public transport available near the meeting point?

Yes—public transportation options are nearby for easy access before and after the tour.

What’s included

Your night includes free entry at every West End venue, a complimentary shot at each stop (usually Sourz or something similar), exclusive reduced drink deals when you show your wristband, plus guidance from a local host and someone taking photos so you can just enjoy yourself without fussing over your phone.