Things to do in London instead of going to the pub

For an evening with a subject to talk about: choose an in-person talk whose start time suits work. The programme includes daytime events too; look at the particular date rather than treating the campus as an evening drop-in.

Know before you go: Register when required; arrive early. Public events; registration varies by talk.

When: Dates and start times vary by event. Read the individual listing.

Details checked 11 September 2026 · per adult

For a late-opening gallery evening: pick a handful of paintings together and discuss them afterwards. Check the weekday and closing time below before setting a meeting time.

Know before you go: Free booking recommended. General admission.

When: Daily 10am–6pm; Friday until 9pm. Holiday closures apply.

Details checked 7 September 2026 · per adult

For an evening with photography. Book £10 advance admission without the optional donation and check the Thursday or Friday closing time and any exhibition changeover. A free Friday offer has not been reconfirmed.

Know before you go: Book online for £10 admission. Advance booking; optional £2 donation excluded.

When: Mon–Wed and Sat 10.30am–6pm; Thu–Fri until 8pm; Sun 11am–6pm.

Details checked 7 September 2026 · per adult

For a cultural outing on a late-opening evening: let each friend choose someone whose story interests them. Check the published evening hours below.

Know before you go: Free booking recommended. General admission.

When: Daily 10.30am–6pm; Friday and Saturday until 9pm. Last entry 30 minutes before closing.

Details checked 7 September 2026 · per adult

For a City evening on the third Thursday of the month: the free museum opens until 8pm. Make money and the history behind it the subject of your catch-up. Confirm that month’s opening and any special closure before arranging to meet; ordinary weekdays close at 5pm.

Know before you go: No booking for ordinary small visits. General admission.

When: Mon–Fri 10am–5pm; last entry 4.30pm. Third Thursday until 8pm.

Friday 27 November 2026: the museum closes at 3pm. Check the official visitor information for additional special closures.

Details checked 7 September 2026 · per adult

For a shorter Covent Garden stop, explore the public spaces from noon. Performances and backstage tours are separate purchases; public-area access may change with events.

Know before you go: No performance booking needed for public areas. General admission.

When: Daily from noon; closes after the evening performance, or 11pm Mon–Sat / 9pm Sun when no evening show.

Details checked 7 September 2026 · per adult

For grown-up friends interested in Soho’s social and sexual history, this £4.99 audio route gives an evening walk a narrative. Leave conversation for the pauses and choose the subject together.

Know before you go: Buy in the Cobble app. One Walk per listener.

When: Self-guided; choose a time when you are comfortable walking the route.

Details checked 13 October 2026 · per listener

For an outdoor catch-up above the City. Opening changes with the season; check the hours below and leave enough flexibility for weather, security and capacity.

Know before you go: No booking for ordinary visits. General admission.

When: April–September: weekdays 10am–9pm. October–March: weekdays 10am–6.30pm. Weekends all year: 10am–5pm. Closed bank holidays.

Details checked 16 September 2026 · per adult