How to party in London: a new generation of hedonism
From the free-love of baby-boomers, via the alcopop debauchery of the 90s, we've entered an age of abstemiousness. Or have we? It may seem that Millennials are too caught up in mindfulness and juicing to really let loose – but this new generation is re-defining and refining hedonism.
Gone are the nights of grungy all-night raves, glow-sticks and binge drinking, making room for more sophisticated and sexier hedonism to sweep in. The 'it' crowd are now raising glasses in the plushest of cocktail bars and pilgrimaging to the exclusive members' clubs deemed uncool five years ago.
In short, aesthetics is now of the uppermost importance in the London party scene, hand in hand with sharing your night on social media . If the loo isn't Instagramable, and your party-shoes can't be Kira Kira'd (we'll explain later) ditch 'em. Here's where London comes alive at night:
And if the night takes an unusually good turn:
The Pilgrm: Pared back but retaining a simple glamour, this is Paddington's newest, coolest spot.
The NED: A barbershop, a gym, IV drips, (we could go on), the NED just won't quit. Opposite the Bank of England, with 252 bedrooms available, this is top of our list for when we don't want to go home yet.
Distillery: Portobello Road's stylish drinking spot offers lodgings too. A stone's throw from the ever-cool Electric House, Trailer Happiness and low-key dancing spot the Rum Kitchen, it's perfect is for when west has proven best for your night out.
Ham Yard Hotel: A tree-filled garden is the focal point of Soho's Ham Yard, as well as a drawing room and library, rooftop terrace, spa, gym, theatre and more... Not so bad.
