Looking for an excuse to buy a new outfit and hit the town? Well you’re in luck. We got in contact with DesignMynight for their top 10 London spots to get dressed up and go out. From a hidden New Orleans inspired speakeasy to a champagne-fuelled hangout with incredible views, London is calling your name; so, what are you waiting for? Forgive the rhyming, but now’s the time to splash the cash and dress to impress.

Beaufort House Chelsea  

This traditional, four-floored venue in Chelsea may be a members’ club, but luckily for us, it also opens itself up to the public. Yay. Take a trip to Beaufort House and make the most of their award-winning brasserie, champagne penthouse and cocktail bar and restaurant. Love cocktails? Their expert mixologists are known for shaking killer concoctions, and there’s a huge selection to pick from; think classic martini varieties, some with modern twists as well as a delectable sparkling cocktail fusion menu. For a sophisticated night with signature drinks, look nowhere else.

The Soda Room

If you’re after a stylish spot to let your hair down, head to the The Soda Room. This place is hidden underneath the Botanist in Broadgate Circle though, so you’ll have to use your detective skills to find it. But when you do, you’ll be greeted with exotic taxidermy, grand mirrors and stimulating artwork. An extensive catalogue of wines from, near enough, every continent of the planet, as well as a list of ever-evolving cocktails will keep you here until the wee hours. Take our advice and wear your dancing shoes, this spot has a killer roster of late night DJs and an area to dance the night away.

NOLA

Taking inspiration from New Orleans culture and history, NOLA is one of Shoreditch’s hidden gems. They have an award-winning status and boast regular slots from toe-tapping blues and jazz musicians. Drinks wise, you’ll be spoilt for choice by mezcal negronis and barrel aged creole cocktails, but if you’re up for it, we suggest you gear yourself up for something a lil’ stronger; get your hands on their Nuclear Hurricane; a modern take on a classic tipple equipped with Wray & Nephew Overproof rum. It will blow your mind. Shall we impress you some more? This iconic spot also has a cigar terrace. 

Nightjar

Constantly lauded as one of London’s finest cocktail bars, and recently voted 19th best bar in the world, visiting Shoreditch’s Nightjar is the perfect excuse to get dressed up and go all out. This speakeasy-style venue operates a seating only policy and serves incredible cocktails, some of which are inspired by creations from as far back as the 1880s. Before we give all their secrets away, plan a glitzy outfit and make way for a night of spectacular jazz entertainment and 1920s glamour. 

The Attic at Pan Peninsula

The Attic at Pan Peninsula offers panoramic views of London and its most iconic sights, but more importantly, they offer a large selection of bubbly. Matt Rawlinson, an award-winning designer, has kitted out this trendy hideout with classic 1950s furnishings that contrast sharply against contemporary black walls resulting in a slick and stylised finish. Head up to this 48th floor venue between 5pm-7pm Tuesday to Saturday and you’ll be treated to half price bellinis, berry gardens, juicy peaches and a host of other mouth-watering cocktails. If hunger strikes while you’re sky high, you can tuck into one of the many sharing platters on offer. Baked camembert, anyone? 

Victorian Bath House

An unassuming road sandwiched between two office blocks is probably the least likely location for one of the capital’s most opulent bars, but that’s the beauty of London – it’s full of endless surprises and secrets. Have a snoop around the Bishopsgate/Liverpool Street Station area and you’ll find the Victorian Bath House. This Grade II listed building was originally a Turkish bathhouse and thanks to its original features, you’re guaranteed some Instagram-worthy snaps – one of which is their bath filled with endless ice and bottles of champagne. This other-worldly venue serves up some equally outstanding tipples, from peanut butter rum cocktails to bespoke gin and tonics served in dainty china.

The Dead Dolls House

Made up of a parlour, library, dining room and third floor ballroom, this Islington hangout oozes playful charm; and you night owls will be glad to know that it stays open until the early hours on the weekends, too. With hand-drawn illustrations and a striking colour scheme on each floor, it’s probably one of the prettiest places to wine and dine in London. Whether you’re here for a brunch bite, a full on three-course meal or drinks and dancing, put together a show-stopping outfit and get ready for a fairytale day and night.

Blues Kitchen Shoreditch

Yes, The Blues Kitchen is known for its outstanding BBQ grub, but it’s also known for its party atmosphere. Book a booth at this trendy east London hotspot for a sit down meal, revel in their bourbon cocktails and prepare yourself for a night of exciting DJ sets and blues performances. If you want a lively night that starts with dinner and ends on the tiles, look no further. This joint has it all.

Jazz Cafe

It’s time to dig out ‘that’ outfit from the wardrobe. Camden’s iconic music venue, The Jazz Cafe, has had a makeover and you need to pay it a visit. Take our advice and book a table alongside the balcony of the mezzanine level, you’ll get an eagle’s eye view of the stage. The venue is no stranger to a heavyweight act, having previously hosted the likes of Amy Winehouse and Bobby Womack, and with performances from Jamie Cullen and Snakehips lined up, it’s one of the capital’s finest spots to catch an intimate live set. Weekly club nights, on a Friday and Saturday, also make this a great place to dance your heels into the ground.

Barrio Brixton

Barrio are known for their late-night, thrilling atmosphere, and with cocktails like the Che Guava (that infuses rum, mezcal and a flurry of citrusy flavours together) it’s no wonder as to why. Brixton is their latest venture and the space takes influence from all things South American; expect delicious sharing dishes, a budget-friendly “amigo hour” and samba soaked tunes to keep you dancing until you drop.

For more chic bars and restaurants as well as exclusive events in London, visit DesignMyNight; and follow them on Twitter and Instagram, @DesignMyNight.