London Nightlife Isn't Boring, You Just Need to Head Further Afield

For so long now, our capital city has been tarred with a brush. “BuT THeRE’s NOWhErE tO GO oUT iN LOndON AFter MiDnight,” cry all the people who tuck themselves up in bed after shopping on Oxford Street. In some cases, the stats are stark – venues closing down, prices growing, etcetera. But look closer and new venues are popping up, like south London’s newly revived Palais, and multiple small-cap spots across the city’s four corners.

Fact is London remains a global staple for nightlife. There are good places out there. But the scene needs support. At SXSW London in June, we’re bringing together Cameron Leslie (CEO, fabric), Jodie Harsh (DJ and Author), Deborah Arthurs (Editor, Metro) and Dr. Charisse Beaumont (Black Lives In Music) for a panel that explores how to overcome the naysayers to create a fairer, funkier night out for everyone.

Ahead of then we caught up with Cameron Leslie for our series Practical Optimism, where we ask SXSW London talent for their thoughts on how we can shape a better future for all.