The 7 Best Comedy Clubs in London (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 7 picks

The best comedy clubs in London in 2026 are The Comedy Store near Piccadilly Circus, the city's most famous stand-up club; Soho Theatre for comedians' own shows; Angel Comedy Club in Islington for free nightly comedy; Up the Creek in Greenwich for a raucous weekend night; and Backyard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green.

London has stand-up every night of the week, from big-name clubs with professional line-ups to free open-mic and new-material nights in pub back rooms. Weekend shows at the established clubs usually feature four or five comics with a compère and sell out, so book ahead. Free nights often pass round a bucket at the end; tip if you enjoyed it.

1. The Comedy Store — Leicester Square, Soho & the West End

London's most famous stand-up club, with shows most nights.

$$ Mid-range

The Comedy Store opened in 1979 and became the home of British alternative comedy. Its purpose-built basement room off Leicester Square hosts stand-up line-ups and its long-running improv team, the Comedy Store Players.

Weekend shows are the classic night out; weeknights have themed and newer-act nights.

Good to know: Book weekend shows ahead, and arrive early for seats near the stage (if you dare).

1a Oxendon Street, London SW1Y 4EE

Google Maps Website

2. Soho Theatre — Soho

The home of comedians' solo shows, cabaret and new writing.

$$ Mid-range

Soho Theatre on Dean Street programmes stand-up, cabaret and theatre across several spaces, and many leading comedians bring their full-length shows here, often after the Edinburgh Fringe.

It is the place to see a comedian's own hour rather than a mixed bill.

Good to know: Shows after the Edinburgh Fringe, in autumn, are a highlight.

21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE

Google Maps Website

3. Angel Comedy Club — Islington

Free stand-up every night at the Camden Head pub in Islington.

$ Budget

Angel Comedy Club runs free comedy shows every night at the Camden Head, mixing established acts with up-and-coming comics. Entry is free, with a bucket collection at the end.

It also runs paid shows at its own venue, The Bill Murray, nearby on Queen's Head Street.

Good to know: Arrive early; free shows fill up fast, especially at weekends.

Camden Head, 2 Camden Walk, London N1 8DY

Google Maps Website

4. The Bill Murray — Islington

Angel Comedy's own pub venue for work-in-progress and solo shows.

$ Budget

The Bill Murray is a pub and comedy venue run by Angel Comedy, hosting work-in-progress shows, solo hours and themed nights from well-known and rising comedians.

It is a good place to catch familiar names trying out new material.

Good to know: Look out for big names testing new shows before tours and the Fringe.

39 Queen's Head Street, London N1 8NQ

Google Maps Website

5. Up the Creek — Greenwich

A lively Greenwich comedy club with weekend shows and late nights.

$$ Mid-range

Up the Creek in Greenwich is a dedicated comedy club with a rowdy, fun atmosphere at weekends, plus music and club nights.

It makes a good evening after a day in Greenwich.

Good to know: Booking is recommended for Friday and Saturday shows.

302 Creek Road, London SE10 9SW

Google Maps Website

6. Backyard Comedy Club — Bethnal Green, Shoreditch & East London

A purpose-built comedy club in East London with strong weekend line-ups.

$$ Mid-range

Backyard Comedy Club on Cambridge Heath Road is a dedicated East London comedy venue with weekend line-ups of established comics and weeknight shows for new acts.

It suits a night out in Bethnal Green or Hackney.

Good to know: Bethnal Green station is a short walk away.

231 Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 0EL

Google Maps Website

7. Museum of Comedy — Bloomsbury, Soho & the West End

A comedy club and museum in the crypt of a Bloomsbury church.

$ Budget

The Museum of Comedy, in the undercroft of St George's Church on Bloomsbury Way, combines a collection of comedy memorabilia with a small venue for stand-up, previews and classic comedy screenings.

It is an unusual, intimate setting a few minutes from the British Museum.

Good to know: Check the listings for previews by well-known comedians.

The Undercroft, St George's Church, Bloomsbury Way, London WC1A 2SR

Google Maps Website

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous comedy club in London?

The Comedy Store, just off Leicester Square, which opened in 1979 and helped launch the British alternative comedy scene. It runs stand-up and improv most nights of the week.

Is there free comedy in London?

Yes. Angel Comedy Club at the Camden Head in Islington runs free shows every night; donations are welcome. Many pubs host free new-act nights too.

Do I need to book comedy clubs in London?

For weekend shows at The Comedy Store, Up the Creek and Backyard, yes. Weeknight shows and free clubs often have space on the door, but arrive early for a good seat.

Where can I see famous comedians in London?

Big names often try out new material at small venues and clubs, and perform full shows at Soho Theatre and in the West End. Follow the clubs' listings for surprise guests.

What should I do before a comedy show in Soho?

Eat early in Soho or Chinatown. See our pre-theatre restaurants guide.

1. The Comedy Store — Leicester Square, Soho & the West End

2. Soho Theatre — Soho

3. Angel Comedy Club — Islington

4. The Bill Murray — Islington

5. Up the Creek — Greenwich

6. Backyard Comedy Club — Bethnal Green, Shoreditch & East London

7. Museum of Comedy — Bloomsbury, Soho & the West End

Frequently asked questions

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