With thousands of pubs and watering holes, getting laid is only a lager away. That is, assuming you’re at the right spot. While London hookup bars are plentiful, most pubs leave a lot to be desired. Or maybe you’re not the drinking type and prefer to meet partners online. There’s no shortage of options in that arena, but just like bars, there are more duds than winners.
Before we jump into it, let’s first go over some of the top apps that have always worked, whether you’re looking for London hookups or something a little more long-lasting. These are the top dating apps that have consistently worked when trying to find a date in London:
Site Our Experience Our Rating Free Trial Link 
Experience Highlights Try AFF For Free 
Tinder Highlights Try Tinder 
Experience Highlights Try Passion
"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford." Since the centuries that quote was spoken by writer Samuel Johnson (18th century to be exact!), London has remained the center of the cultural and social world. We’re a global nexus, with millions of visitors, both British and international, passing through annually. What does that mean for you? Mostly that London hookups are consistently fresh and exciting. There’s always someone in this city looking for a ride. That’s true whether you’re in Shoreditch or out in Brent.
In a city with more than eight million people, getting laid shouldn’t be challenging. You’re not out in Elmdon, right? We understand the frustration, which is why we’ve done something about it. With the insights of locals, we’ve assembled the definitive list of London hookup apps, sites and bars. There’s something for everyone here.
Whatever your preferences and kinks, you’ll be taken care of. Keep reading and let us know in the comments how our suggestions work out for you.
Table of Contents
Methodology: How We Recommend the Best Places in London for Hookups
To bring our readers a comprehensive list of the best places for hookups in London, every HeartInsider writer follows strict and verifiable guidelines. Unlike other dating sites, our reviews are always up-to-date and sourced by local experts–not rehashes of stuff you can find elsewhere.
| Category | Description |
| Comprehensive Evaluation | Our writers detailed analyses of various dating platforms over extended periods of time (week, months, year-by-year analysis) |
| Personal Insights | Drawing on the knowledge of an extensive network of relationship experts from the HeartInsider network. |
| Professional Acumen | Applying years of experience to provide current and influential guidance, integrating personal perspectives within a systematic context. |
| Ongoing Education | Actively pursuing innovative strategies for dating to keep recommendations relevant and effective, identifying emerging trends. |
| Digital Dating Dynamics | Concentrating on online interactions and their impact on modern relationships, investigating digital platforms' pros and cons. |
| Community Interaction | Encouraging reader contributions to foster a dynamic community, building trust, and enriching the dating experience. |
Affiliate Disclaimer:
At Heart Insider, we believe in transparency and honesty on the internet. In this spirit, we want you to know that some of the links on our site are affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and purchase an item, we may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Our reviews and content are not influenced by these affiliations. We do our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. The views and opinions expressed on Heart Insider are purely our own. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party in question.
Our favorite spots to find London hookups
Some people prefer to be coy about their sexual escapades. Not us. These are the London hookup bars, apps, and sites that will get you laid.
AFF is the best hookup app in London by far (try it free)
If you haven't been using any sites or apps to find hookups around London you're going to miss out on a lot of great opportunities. A huge portion of all hookups start online and for the past few years, AFF has been the best hookup app in London, especially for single men. It can even me said that it's the best way to find hookups in the UK in general.
There are a few other popular hookup apps, like Tinder, but they just haven't been as reliable. Tinder is turning into more of a dating app and the rest of the competition just isn't that popular. Compared to AFF, which has a ton of local users and over 60 million active members, nothing really comes close.
If you're a single man looking for something casual you need to check out their free trial below. No other hookup site has more women that actually want to do more than collect compliments for guys. If you haven't had a lot of luck on other apps (like most guys) this is the best option. Stop missing out on so many opportunities and check it out.
User Testimonials for AFF
Don G. - Trust Index
“I don't believe these people are saying it's fake! I've met LOTS of REAL people on it. If you're a single guy, it's more difficult, granted, but as a couple, it's easy as pie to get other couples to swing with. I live in a small city of only 70,000 people. Can you imagine what it would be like in a metropolis?!?!”
Ok_Business_266 - Reddit
Thread Title: Honest review on adultfriendfinder needed!
“I’ve been dating with my girlfriend who I met on AFF for 7 years now, we now live together and have a stable life.”
The Light Lounge may be the best place to find hookups in London
@thekulounge
If you’re down in Soho, you’ve got no shortage of drinking establishments. There are some good ones, a few great spots and then far too many bars full of wankers. It takes a special kind of bar to walk the fine line between yuppie glitz and hipster cool, but one bar does it. The Light Lounge is a refined but unpretentious place to find hookups in London.
Most nights of the week, the Light Lounge is a hip cocktail lounge full of couples on dates. On the weekends, though, the DJs come out and this bar becomes one of the city’s slickest clubs.
Strangely, the Light Lounge isn’t open late (only until midnight), but that’s plenty of time to make a connection. Where you go from there depends on your moves.
User Testimonials for Light Lounge at Vern’s:
Michelle Roberts - Google Reviews
Great place to rent for a venue, the bartender was absolutely wonderful, I regret not getting her name. We had my Grandpa’s memorial service here tonight and everything was wonderful. She helped us set up and everything was so clean and it smelled wonderful in there. 100/100
Navigating London like a Local
For those looking to find hookups in London, knowing how to navigate the city efficiently can be a huge advantage. Here's a streamlined guide from Transport For London to getting around London with ease, enhancing your chances of a good time:
- Get an Oyster Card: “Before arriving, purchase a Visitor Oyster card. It's a pay-as-you-go travel card that you can use on most public transport, saving you from queuing and potentially higher paper ticket prices.”
- Use Contactless Payment: “For convenience, you can also use contactless debit or credit cards on public transport, but watch out for possible transaction fees.
- Travel Smart: “Avoid the rush by traveling during off-peak hours. Use apps like TfL Go or the Journey Planner to find the best times.”
- Mind the Escalator Etiquette: “When on escalators, stand on the right and walk on the left. This keeps the flow smooth for everyone, including those in a hurry.”
- Explore Alternatives: “London offers unique travel options like hiring bikes, taking scenic boat trips, or riding the cable car. These can offer new perspectives of the city and can sometimes be quicker than the Tube.”
- Bus Travel: “Buses are a scenic and cost-effective way to travel. Just remember that London buses don’t accept cash - use your Oyster or contactless card.
- Don’t Rush for Trains: “The Tube runs frequently, so there's no need to hurry; the next train is usually just a minute away.”
Great London articles from HeartInsider
Got a trip coming up to London and think you’ll be on the prowl for some cougars? Start with The Top 5 London Dating Apps You Should Be Using, an in-depth guide to help you find older London women who are looking for men like you.
According to contributor and Men's Dating Coach Brandon Wood, “Whether you’re high-rolling in Chelsea or sharing a seven-person flat in Lewisham, online dating just makes sense. Besides being a more economical choice, it also opens all kinds of romantic and casual options. There are great dating apps in London for casual encounters, as well as excellent sites for meeting a spouse. If anything, there may be too many options.”
Here are some more great articles:
- 10 Proven Places for Men to Meet a Sexy London MILF
- The Best Places To Find Single Cougars In London
Know about some new hotspots in London? We want to hear from you! Leave a comment below and share your experience with the HeartInsider community.
The best London pickup bars we've tried
If you’re not satisfied with the frequency of London hookups in your life, never fear. We’ve got a few more bars and apps to help you get those numbers up.
Opium is three London hookup bars in one
@PeonyChinaTown
Opium in Chinatown is an interesting place, to say the least. We have to admit, we’ve known some people to hate it and others to absolutely love it.
In our ledger, we’ve had more good times than bad there, and we’re more than happy to keep going back. What makes Opium such an unusual experience is that it’s actually three bars in one.
Those three bars – Apothecary, Academy, and Peony – are split over two levels, each offering their own slightly different experience. We’ve had fun in all of their bars, but we do have a preference for Peony, it's the most stacked and probably the one that will get you laid in London (cause we did). Expect to wait, though, as Opium gets full fast and early.
User Testimonials for Opium Cocktail Bar & Dim Sum Parlour:
Tapan Desai - Google Reviews
“I have been to Opium quite a few times. The cocktails are pretty great and the menu keeps changing.
I usually have their Old Fashioned based cocktails. This time I had their Scotch based Old Fashioned and it was it really strong. The used a speyside smoky whisky which was great.
We also had their veggie platter and rice cakes. Both were great.
It’s a good date spot with really well crafted cocktails and finger food in the form of dim sums.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Ruby’s is sexy and exhilarating
@cara___stevens
For a city with so many options for cocktails, it can be hard for one bar to stand out. Somehow, Ruby’s Bar & Lounge in Dalston manages to do it.
Open since 2012, this is where London goes for spectacular cocktails and romantic trysts. Split into an intimate cocktail bar and live music lounge, this spot has it all.
London hookups are like a fine cocktail: they’re all about mixing together the right ingredients. That’s what Ruby’s does. This underground establishment has a base of cool, a dash of club atmosphere, and a healthy pour of sexiness. Whether you’re looking for a secluded conversation or a wild dance party, Ruby’s Bar & Lounge delivers.
User Testimonials for Ruby's:
L - Google Reviews
“The vibes were great here and the cocktails were really good. We came here for a birthday and it was fun. Happy hour and not too crowded at the start not too loud. It got busier at the end of the night but decent. Had club vibes and just an enjoyable night all round.”
The hookup apps in London dating coaches prefer
A huge number of hookups start online now. You don't have spend all day on the apps but spending 10-20 minutes a week sending messages can really pay off. These are the best hookup apps in the city right now:
| Site | Our Experience | Our Rating | Free Trial Link |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Hookup Site Right Now | Experience Highlights
| 9 | Try AFF For Free |
Great If You're Handsome | Tinder Highlights
| 8 | Try Tinder |
2nd Best For Most Guys | Experience Highlights
| 8 | Try Passion |
Deepen Your Knowledge: Picking Women Up From Bars
Now that you’ve got some good suggestions on where to pick up women from bars, it’s time to dive into the nitty-gritty. The following articles are some of the most popular guides on our site, all of which offer advice you won’t find anywhere else on being a pickup artist, getting laid on the same day you met her, and much more:
Where To Meet Women: A Guide For The Single Man
Author: Ash Wright
Excerpt: “If you're looking to start or keep your own social circle, start organising or start joining people for hang out sessions. You can also be the leader of your own social circle. Instead of joining and fitting into other people's social circles? Why not create your own, with the current people you have in your life?”
6 Places to Meet Girls For One Night Stands
Author: Nicole Pena
Excerpt: “Have an exit strategy. You might spend a lot of time planning the lead up to your one night stand. But it's just as important to have an exit strategy for when the encounter is over. This can help avoid those awkward moments where one of you isn't sure how to leave without upsetting the other.”
Worst Mistakes Guys Make When Picking Up Women
Author: Miss Doll
Excerpt: “The key to successful kino escalation is being confident. Make eye contact with the lady and use the correct body language we described above. Then, make sure to read her body language, to see if she’s comfortable with your touch or not. When you’re sure that she’s fine with friendly touches, slowly progress towards something sexier. You can caress her back, hold her hand or brush her hair away from her face.”
Know about some new pickup bars in London? We want to hear from you! Leave a comment below and share your experience with the HeartInsider community.
The best clubs for finding hookups in London
Nights in London are long "and fun," and you don't have to waste energy on choosing the perfect club. We made you a list of the best clubs to dance your soul out and find hookups in London.
One hard-and-fast rule for meeting girls is you have to actually be where they are. Late at night, that’s usually at one of these clubs.
fabric is London’s sexiest dance club
@fabriclondon
You can have the slickest pick-up lines and the freshest style, but in the end, ladies just want one thing. To see you move. On the dancefloor, of course. From time immemorial, guys and girls have expressed their sexual desire through the movement of their bodies. It’s primal. It’s erotic. And it’s still the easiest way to show a girl what you can bring to the bedroom.
At fabric, the long-running Farringdon dance club, the crowds come to blend together as one, enchanted by the music.
It’s a club designed by and for people who love the clubbing experience and want you to love it too. And it will be hard not to when you show up and see all the sexy London girls filling the dancefloor. For our money, there’s no better view in the entire country.
What makes a great dance club is, of course, the crowds and the music. fabric exceeds on both levels. In fact, the owners are music obsessives and have curated a sound system specifically designed to infiltrate your bones.
The result is one of the most sensual, mind-blowing club experiences we’ve ever had. There is no more invigorating experience in the city than Saturday nights at fabric. And that’s why it’s one of the best places to pick up girls in London.
User Testimonials for fabric London
Cameron Cowart - Google Reviews
“Very very very cool nightclub with immaculate house vibes. Drinks are pretty weak but not a huge issue and everyone was super nice and had a great time. Recommend getting tix ahead of time to avoid waiting in line but even without them we only waited 20-3-0 min in the queue.
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 5
Club49Soho is where hot London girls come to be seen
@49soho
If Fabric is where London girls go dancing, Club49Soho is where they go to be (rightly) admired. This hip and stylish nightclub – “sophistication with a smile” as they say – regularly showcases London’s finest and fittest. Exquisite talent, every weekend. For the discerning gentleman looking to meet a hot date – long-term or otherwise – this is a top-rate establishment.
Set inside a Soho basement, Club49 gets busy on the regular. If it’s an option for you, we would advise you to call ahead and reserve the VIP service.
Not only will it provide a more luxurious evening, but it’ll serve as the perfect way to meet girls. See some pretty lass standing in her short skirt and long heels trying to get served at the busy bar? Invite her over to your table where she can enjoy the perks of being your guest. She’ll be very appreciative.
Not in a position to spend a few hundred pounds? Don’t worry, Club49’s parties are still among our favorite options in London for mingling with the city’s sexiest girls. So make sure to dress to impress and don’t forget to offer to buy a cocktail or two.
User Testimonials for Club49Soho
Octavia Trestan - Google Reviews
“Absolutely fantastic, such a great time on a night out and the security at the door very professional and nice , especially Mohamed, he made our entrance smooth and hassle free , the best employee.
The music is great and the VIP area does it's job ."
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Best places to meet sexy London girls during the day
Sometimes the most attentive girls are the ones you're too lazy to say "hi" to. We know that day gaming is hard for some men, however, you will date more girls than you can imagine once you get used to the fear.
So, to encourage you to talk to more girls, we made you a list of the best places to find London hookups during the day. All you have to do is:
- Walk to the girl
- Say hi
- Stay calm no matter what
- Repeat
Coffee Island serves good coffee and pleasant conversation
@CoffeeIslandUK
For people who aren’t big drinkers or just prefer a calmer scene, a coffee shop is a favourite social outing. It provides the casual, welcoming environment of a pub but without the noise or rowdy drunks. So it’s much easier to have a conversation in a coffee house.
Located on Frankfort Avenue, Coffee Island is a delicious daytime diversion. With its menu of sweet and savoury snacks and their finely brewed coffee, this is an ideal day-date option. Or, you can bring a book, get comfortable in a corner and wait until someone pretty catches your eye.
User Testimonials for Coffee Island:
Karolina Lubian - Google Reviews
“Their coffee is delicious! The staff was slightly but the coffee was really tasty. They have various blends and types of coffee, including unique brewing experiences. The place also has outdoor and indoor seating."
Service: Take out
Price per person: £1–10
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Gymbox is for the (fit) birds
@GymboxOfficial
If you’re looking to get laid with the fittest of the fit London girls, head to the gym, obviously. So no location is going to have more toned and athletic ladies per square meter. You could probably stand to lose a stone or two also.
The best and biggest gym in London is Gymbox in Farringdon. This absolutely massive establishment has everything you need to get in shape and build muscle.
It’s also packed with beautiful girls from early in the morning until late at night. A membership to Gymbox is basically a ticket to the most physically attractive social scene in the city.
User Testimonials for Gymbox:
Ethan Marasco - Google Reviews
“Great gym. Showers are clean and provided toiletries are great. Weights/dumbbells area gets pretty busy right after work, but wait times usually aren't too long anyways. The instructors are amazing -- shoutout Caroline for Bike & Beats!!! Music is always good and there's always locker space.”
Think you’ve found an untapped market for meeting women in and around London? If so, we want to hear from you! Leave a comment below and share your experience with the HeartInsider community.
Other great spots to get laid in London
A 2020 study says that 22 percent of couples meet online. This means that most of your friends who claim to be singles forever are lying, and also means that at least three of every hot single has a dating profile.
For us, Tinder is the go-to app. It's so popular and won't break your budget if you decide to hop on one of its features.
Tinder can still be decent if you're pretty good-looking
If you’re anywhere between the ages of 18 and 40, you’ve almost certainly tried Tinder. This Millennial-tested, Gen Z-approved hookup app has greater name recognition than the Queen. We doubt you’ll find anyone at the University of London or the Royal Academy of Music who isn’t on it.
While it’s true that every Millennial has tried Tinder, not all love it. It’s one of the London hookup apps that’s easiest to age out of. By the time you reach 28, you’re already on the outs with Tinder’s main demographic. The app is very biased towards youth, as any user could tell you. Even more, though, Tinder is all about being bloody lush.
The men on Tinder who do the best are all in the top 10 to 15% of looks. Piles of money or a funny profile don’t speak as loudly as a six-pack and great hair. Tinder rewards the shallow, what can we say? On the plus side, if you do happen to be a David Beckham-lookalike, you’ll clean up.
For you birds, the options are a bit more open. It certainly helps to be in the top half of good-looking ladies, but no matter what, you’ll get matches. From what we’ve heard, the hottest women on Tinder rarely respond to messages. The pleasure of getting hit on by a few dozen men every day is sufficient.
The creators of Tinder are apparently looking to expand their brand. The app is being retooled a bit to make it more conducive for finding relationships. We have no idea if that’ll work. We suspect Tinder will always be the most popular hookup app for hotties and a little more.
User Testimonials for Tinder
Susan Wade - Google Play
“I am on and off Tinder but somehow always keep coming back. Can be frustrating at times with the famous ghosting but overall it has the most profiles and the most handsome men. Wish more features would be free 🙂”
Map of all the best options to find hookups we covered
If you really want to get the best results finding a hookup in London you need to be smart about how you're spending your time. One of the best ways to improve your results is by checking out multiple different venues each night in order to find which spot is really popular on that particular night. We've put our recommendations into the map below that will help make a plan:
Safety & Precautions for Drinking in London
The United Kingdom certainly has a fun drinking culture with pubs and clubs around nearly every corner. However, safe imbibing will keep you safer - and will lead to better success with the ladies!
According to the UK Chief Medical Officers’ Low Risk Drinking Guidelines , the following are what they prescribe as weekly drinking guidelines for men and women:
- “To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level it is safest not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis.”
- “If you regularly drink as much as 14 units per week, it is best to spread your drinking evenly over 3 or more days. If you have one or two heavy drinking episodes a week, you increase your risks of death from long term illness and from accidents and injuries.”
- “The risk of developing a range of health problems (including cancers of the mouth, throat and breast) increases the more you drink on a regular basis.
- “If you wish to cut down the amount you drink, a good way to help achieve this is to have several drink-free days each week.”
Frequently Asked Questions on London Hookups
Is there a hookup culture in London?
London is the epicenter of UK hookup culture. With thousands of bars, clubs, and places to meet people, it's the perfect place to be single. With the use of Tinder, Bumble, and other apps as well, the experience gets even more elevated.
What are some popular areas in London for hookups in 2024?
Explore vibrant areas like Soho, Camden, and Shoreditch, which are known for their nightlife and social scene, attracting a diverse crowd looking for connections.
What safety precautions should I take when meeting someone for a hookup in London?
Always meet in public places, tell a friend about your plans, stay sober, and consider your personal comfort and security measures.
What is the etiquette for hookups in London?
Be respectful, communicate expectations clearly, and practice good personal hygiene. It's also polite to follow up after an encounter if you've agreed to do so.
What precautions should I take to avoid scams when looking for hookups in London online?
Never share personal information or financial details, verify the identity of people you meet, and be cautious of profiles that seem too good to be true.
What are the best times to find hookups in London?
Weekends are typically the most active, but many apps and bars have a bustling scene throughout the week, especially in areas with a vibrant nightlife.
What is the age distribution of people in London, and how does it affect hook-up culture?
London's vibrant hook-up scene is influenced by its diverse age distribution. The city is home to a significant number of young adults, with those aged 25-34 representing 15.2% of the population. This demographic is often more engaged in the dating scene, contributing to a dynamic social atmosphere conducive to casual relationships and hook-ups.
How does London's ethnic diversity contribute to its dating scene?
London's ethnic diversity greatly enriches the dating pool, offering a kaleidoscope of cultural backgrounds. With 40.2% of the population identifying as Black, Asian, Mixed, or Other ethnic groups, the dating scene in London is a reflection of this mosaic, fostering a multicultural approach to dating and relationships, including hook-ups.
What is the ratio of men to women in London, and how does that influence dating?
The gender distribution in London is relatively balanced, with a slight female majority. This equilibrium ensures that the dating scene is not skewed towards one gender, providing equal opportunities for both men and women to engage in the hook-up culture.
Considering the student population in London, what impact does this have on the hook-up culture?
Students make up a significant portion of London's population, with over 443,700 individuals engaged in study. This youthful and transient group contributes to an active hook-up scene, as many students are open to casual dating experiences during their time in the city.
How do the predominant occupations in London affect the dating dynamics?
London's workforce is largely composed of professionals, managers, directors, and senior officials, with these roles accounting for 64% of employment. This concentration of high-skilled jobs can influence the dating culture, as individuals in these professions may have busy schedules, potentially leading to a preference for less committed hook-up arrangements.
If you liked this check out these other great spots for hookups:
References:
City of London (n.d.) Tourism Stastistics.
Department of Health (2016) UK chief medical officers’ low risk drinking guidelines. GOV.UK.
Greater London Authority (2018) Skills strategy for Londoners: Evidence base. LONDON.GOV.UK.
Knoema (2022) London - Male to female ratio.
Miss Doll (2024) 9 extremely common mistakes men make when picking up women. Heart Insider.
Pena, N. (2024) 6 places to meet girls for one night stands. Heart Insider.
Transport for London (2023) Getting around London: Top travel tips. TFL.GOV.UK
Wood, B. (2024) The top 5 London dating apps you should be using in 2024. Heart Insider.
Wright, A. (2024) Where to meet women: A guide for the single man. Heart Insider.
Contributing Authors:
Tom Senkus
For more than two decades, Tom has dated extensively and studied behavioral psychology as a way of understanding the complexities of human nature until he became an expert. After traveling as a touring musician and living in more than 15 countries, Tom has cross-referenced his experience in seduction, dating, and interpersonal dynamics with the ever-changing landscape of 21st-century dating. His work as a writer has appeared in 500+ publications (digital and print). Tom is also the author of several books (available on Amazon). In his free time, you can find Tom recording music and cooking the best Cincinnati-style chili you’ve ever had.
Ash Wright
Ash Wright was once a World of Warcraft addict who hated leaving the house, a lot has changed since then. After watching the steady success of others, hitting the gym for some added self-confidence and forcing himself to get out there to trial things for himself, life has never been better. Having experienced the highs and lows of dating and self-improvement first hand, Ash has become a dating expert whose articles aim to give practical advice and examples that you can use along with your own journey.
Nicole Pena
Nicole Pena is a dating and relationship expert with over 10 years of experience writing for many leading publications. She’s a passionate believer in body positivity and healthy intimacy, and she brings that focus to her work with her clients.
Miss Doll
Miss Doll is an expert writer on dating and sex. Her work has appeared in many of the most renowned publications about these topics. She’s very passionate about helping couples spice up their sex lives, and singles to find their soulmate.
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