London nightlife after Dubai: entrance, bar and dancefloor — practical guide

Queue at the entrance to London club in the evening, people in smart casual clothing

Introduction

After two years of life in Dubai I got used to a certain scenario of evening: face-control with clear dress-code, tables by reservation, waiters at the bar and predictable atmosphere in lounges and clubs. When I for the first time went out into night life of London, much turned out otherwise — not worse and not better, simply differently. If you fly from Dubai to London and want to spend one or several evenings in clubs or bars, it makes sense in advance to understand these differences: so you will avoid extra stress at the entrance and at the bar and will be able to concentrate on the evening itself. Below — what exactly changes at three “points”: at the entrance, at the bar and on the dancefloor.

At the entrance, at the bar and on the dancefloor

At the entrance: dress-code, queue and “vibration”

In Dubai in many premium establishments dress-code is strict and is announced at once: no shorts, flip-flops, sportswear. In London rules are often softer on paper, but in practice everything depends on the establishment. In pubs one can come in jeans and sneakers, to some clubs — only in closed shoes and without sporty look. Main difference: in London they refuse less often “by list”, more often they look at general impression — neatness, and not strict formal. Queues at the entrance happen long on Friday and Saturday; sometimes there is division into “list” and “without list”. Advice: to come a little earlier than peak (before 23:00–23:30), so as not to stand half an hour in the wind. If you are used in Dubai to plan not only the evening but also the road home, the same approach will work also in London — useful ideas on transport after the evening are collected in the material about how to get home after evening in Dubai: taxi and applications; logic “to order car, to choose point of pickup” is applicable also to London night trips.

At the bar: order, payment and tips

In Dubai lounges and clubs they often order through waiter at the table, bill is brought at the end. In London in many bars and clubs order is made right at the bar counter: you approach, order, pay at once (by card or cash). Expectation “bill at the end of evening” may not work — better to clarify at first order. Tips: in Dubai often included in the bill (service charge), in London they leave at will (usually 10–15% or rounding). Nobody is offended if you simply paid the sum by the check. If establishment with service at table — then tips are appropriate. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, cash is useful for small tips to bartender.

On the dancefloor: distance, music and atmosphere

In Dubai dancefloors are often spacious, with VIP-zones along the edges and clear division “tables zone — dance zone”. In London space happens denser, people more often stand closer to each other, crowd “breathes” and moves as one whole. This does not mean that uncomfortable — simply different format. Music varies stronger by establishments: from house and techno to indie and pop-hits; in Dubai often more universal commercial sound. If important to get under your wave, it is worth in advance to look who is playing and what format the club has. Behaviour: in London usually less “show-off”, more relaxation; respect of personal boundaries same important as in Dubai.

Bar counter in London bar, order of drinks at the bartender

Three points of evening in London after Dubai

Short block can be arranged with three icons with captions:

  • Icon “entrance / door” — At the entrance: dress-code softer than in Dubai; queue at peak; to come before 23:00–23:30.
  • Icon “bar counter / glass” — At the bar: order and payment at the counter, to pay at once; tips at will.
  • Icon “dancefloor / people” — On the dancefloor: denser crowd, different music by clubs; less pathos, more relaxation.

Three points of evening in London after Dubai: entrance, bar, dancefloor.

Frequently asked questions

Is in London clubs needed same strict dress-code as in Dubai?

Not everywhere. In pubs and many bars smart casual clothing and clean shoes are allowed. In clubs of upper segment they may require closed shoes and without sporty look. Better to look requirements on website of establishment or in social networks.

To pay at the bar need at once or can bill at the end?

In many places they pay at once at each order at the counter. In establishments with service at table bill at the end is possible — clarify at first order.

How does atmosphere on the dancefloor in London differ from Dubai?

In London often denser crowd, more variety of music by clubs, less “glossy” atmosphere. People on average closer to each other and less accent on tables and VIP.

How to plan evening in London if I am used to Dubai format?

It makes sense to choose 1–2 establishments for the mood, to check dress-code and opening time, to come earlier to the entrance. Road home better to think through in advance — same as after evening in Dubai. Additional ideas on planning of evenings and night life can be found in the section of blog Night Life of Dubai, and for selection of locations and districts of London it is convenient to use guide to London on GirlsLog.

Dancefloor in London club, lighting and crowd

Checklist before first evening in London

  • To clarify dress-code of establishment (website, Instagram).
  • To decide whether you will order at the counter or at the table — from this depends where to keep card/cash.
  • To look who is playing and at what time opening/peak, so as to come before long queue.
  • In advance to think through how you will get home (application, taxi, night transport).
  • To have with oneself document with age — in London they often check at the entrance.

Conclusion

Night life of London after Dubai is not more difficult — it is simply arranged otherwise. At the entrance — more flexible dress-code and habit to queues at peak; at the bar — order and payment at the counter and tips at will; on the dancefloor — denser crowd and different music by clubs. If in advance to know these differences and to build into the plan of evening logistics (including road home), you will be able to concentrate on music and atmosphere, and not on surprises at the door and at the bar.