Best Comedy Pubs London: Where to Laugh Out Loud in the City

When you’re looking for a night out in London that doesn’t cost a fortune and actually leaves you smiling, comedy pubs, venues where live stand-up comedy blends with pub atmosphere, often with no stage, no ticket price, and no pretense. Also known as comedy nights, these spots are where local comics test new material, seasoned pros kill it on a Tuesday, and you get to laugh without booking months ahead. Forget fancy theaters with velvet seats—this is comedy as it should be: loud, messy, and real.

London’s comedy pubs, public houses that host regular live stand-up shows, often in back rooms or corner booths. Also known as comedy venues, these places thrive on atmosphere, not acoustics aren’t just about the jokes. They’re about the vibe. The guy who’s been doing open mics for five years but still gets nervous before his set. The group of friends who show up every Thursday because the host knows their names. The bartender who slides you a free pint when the punchline lands hard. These aren’t tourist traps. They’re community hubs where laughter is the currency.

You’ll find them tucked into East London terraces, tucked behind Camden’s alleyways, and hidden under arches near Waterloo. Places like The Stand Comedy Club in Soho, The Comedy Store’s basement nights, or The Bull & Gate in Kentish Town don’t always advertise. You hear about them from a friend, see a flyer taped to a lamp post, or stumble in after a bad date. That’s the magic. No website. No queue. Just a door, a sign that says "Comedy Tonight," and a room full of strangers who’ll become your allies by 10 p.m.

Some pubs run weekly open mics where anyone can try out five minutes. Others book touring comics who drop in between bigger gigs. A few even have themed nights—"Bad Jokes Only," "Roast Your Mate," or "Comedy in the Pub with Your Dog." You’ll find regulars who’ve seen every performer since 2012 and know who’s going to blow up next. You’ll hear jokes about Tube delays, flatmates who never clean, and the struggle to find a decent pub lunch. These aren’t polished routines. They’re real life, turned up to eleven.

And the best part? You don’t need to pay. Most comedy pubs in London charge nothing—or just a £5 drink minimum. You’re not buying a ticket. You’re buying a pint and a chance to be part of something alive. The comics don’t get paid much, but they show up because the crowd’s real. And the crowd shows up because they know: if you want to laugh till your ribs hurt, you go where the locals go.

What you’ll find below is a curated list of spots where the laughter isn’t canned, the drinks aren’t overpriced, and the energy is always on. These aren’t the biggest names in comedy. They’re the ones that keep the scene alive. Whether you’re new to London or you’ve lived here ten years, there’s a pub here you haven’t found yet—and it’s waiting for you to walk in, order a pint, and let go.