London nights start fast when you’re holding a banana. This bar crawl is built for people who want central locations, easy momentum, and real drink savings instead of guessing which pub has the best deal. You meet at Simmons Bar near Piccadilly Circus, get scanned in, then run the night with a guide plus a mixed crowd of locals and like-minded visitors.

What I like most is the simple formula: 4 venues, 4 free welcome shots, and wristband discounts that can reach up to 60% on selected drinks. The second big win is timing and flow: you’re out for about 6 hours on Friday or Saturday, with short walks so you’re not spending half your night stuck in transit. The one drawback to consider is that the event is clearly party-focused, and you’ll be moving between bars in a set plan—plus cloakroom and extra drinks aren’t included, so you still need to budget what you order.

Key things to know before you go

• Meet at Simmons Bar (Piccadilly Circus / Golden Square) and look for the guide with a giant inflatable banana
• 4 central venues total, with free entry at each stop
• 4 free welcome shots (one at every venue)
• Up to 60% off selected drinks all night using your wristband
• Short walks between stops keeps the night moving without long gaps
• Not allowed: sportswear, and you’ll need valid ID (18+)

Start at Simmons Bar, Piccadilly Circus (and yes, the banana is real)

The whole experience kicks off at Simmons Bar by Piccadilly Circus, near Golden Square. The guide is easy to spot because they’re literally carrying a giant inflatable banana and waiting out front. It’s a small detail, but it solves a big travel problem: finding your group fast when you’re arriving right before the fun starts.

You should plan to arrive in the meeting window, which is between 8:45pm and 9:50pm. Once you find the guide, you’ll get your ticket scanned and receive your wristband. That wristband matters because it’s what unlocks the drink discounts once you’re inside.

One practical thing I’d take seriously: bring passport or an ID card. This is an 18+ night, and you’ll be asked for valid ID.

How the wristband deal actually works (4 venues, 4 shots, and discounts)

This crawl is designed to reduce the usual bar-night math. Instead of you hunting for deals, you’re given a wristband that can cut prices by up to 60% on selected drinks at the venues you visit. Your discounts run through the night, not just at the first stop.

The other built-in value is the 4 free welcome shots. One shot at each of the four central stops means you’re not arriving to every venue feeling like you missed out on the “start of the party.” In a city like London, where drinks can add up quickly, that’s not just fun—it’s also a budget saver.

You’ll also see that some drinks are priced from £2.5 (depending on what’s available at the venues and what’s included in the discount set). The key here is to treat the discounts as “choose-from-the-menu smart,” not as a blank cheque for everything behind the bar.

A 6-hour West End night designed for momentum

This is scheduled every Friday and Saturday, and it runs about 6 hours. That timing is perfect for people who want a full night out without the stress of planning transportation or missing the key moments while your group is splitting up.

The pace is also intentional. The itinerary includes short walks (around 5 minutes) between venues, plus free time blocks of about 55 minutes at stops. That combination is a sweet spot: enough time to actually order, mingle, and enjoy the vibe at each place, but not so much downtime that the group loses energy.

In plain terms: you get structure without turning it into a rigid tour. You’ll have the guide keeping the group together, and you’ll have room to choose how social you want to be during each venue window.

Stop-by-stop: what each part of the night feels like

Because the night covers four central venues, your experience will feel like a sequence of “arrive, settle, order something, then move on together.” Even when you’re on free time, you’re still part of a group rhythm.

Here’s how the night’s segments typically work based on the plan:

First venue: use the 55 minutes to orient yourself

After you’re scanned in and wristbanded, you’ll head to the first local bar stop. Those first minutes matter because you’re trying to settle your group, grab a drink, and get your bearings in the West End energy near Piccadilly. With about 55 minutes of free time, it’s enough to:

• take advantage of the welcome shot moment
• pick a drink you’re genuinely into (not just the cheapest thing you can find)
• figure out the room—music level, crowd mood, where you can stand or move

Tip: don’t spend the first part of the window arguing about where to stand. Let the group pick a spot, order, and then you can shift once you’ve felt the atmosphere.

Middle venues: keep your group together during the walk

Between stops, there’s a quick walk (about 5 minutes). That’s great because you stay social and keep the momentum. But it also means you’ll want to stay with the guide’s group rather than wandering off to explore nearby streets.

This is where the wristband becomes your best friend. In central London, the difference between an okay night and a great one can be how much you pay per drink. Your discounts are there for exactly this portion of the evening.

Final venue: closing at The Roxy

The night finishes at The Roxy. Ending at a bigger, high-energy spot is a smart move because it lets your group crescendo instead of fading out in a quiet pub.

When you reach the last venue, treat it like your “last chance” to settle into a favorite drink before the night wraps. Also, if you’re planning to head out after the crawl ends, have a rough transport plan already in your head—central London has options, but your brain will be tired by the time you get there.

Price and value: is $18 (or £20) really a good deal?

The price is advertised at $18 per person, and the ticket information lists £20. Either way, the value comes from what’s included, not from hoping you’ll drink smart.

What you get for that price:

• Free entry to four central venues
• 4 free welcome shots
• Discounts on drinks all night, up to 60% on selected drinks via the wristband
• Guides who keep the group together and handle the party flow

The math you’re really doing is: would you normally pay cover charges four times, plus buy four shots, plus hope you find discount prices on your own? In the West End, cover fees and “standard bar pricing” can add up fast. Here, you’re pre-paying for access and savings, which makes your night feel more predictable.

The one caution: your discount depends on selected drinks. If you order only premium cocktails that aren’t part of the discount set, the “up to 60%” number won’t apply to everything.

Who should book this bar crawl (and who should skip it)

This works best if you want:

• a group night out without figuring everything out yourself
• central West End locations around Piccadilly and Soho energy
• drink savings that are built into the experience
• a social guide-led format for people who don’t mind moving between venues

It might be a poor fit if:

• you hate structured plans and prefer to roam freely
• you’re not comfortable in a nightlife setting (it’s for 18+)
• you’re relying on a place to store bags (a cloakroom isn’t included)
• you plan to show up in sportswear, since that’s not allowed

Practical tips so you get the most from the discounts

A few small choices can protect your budget and keep the night fun.

• Bring ID and keep it easy to grab. The requirement is 18+.
• Eat beforehand. You’re paying for entries and shots; you don’t want to start the night starving.
• Decide early what you’ll drink. Since discounts apply to selected items, picking a “main drink” you like can help you avoid surprises.
• Wear something nightlife-friendly. The rules say no sportswear, so go for shoes and clothes you’ll be comfortable in for several hours.
• Stay with the group on the walks. The whole design depends on everyone arriving at each stop together.

And yes, if you see the giant inflatable banana at Simmons Bar, you’re in the right place.

Should you book? My honest take

If you’re visiting London and want a simple, affordable way to do the West End at night, this is a strong option—especially because the value isn’t vague. You’re getting four venue entries, four free welcome shots, and wristband discounts that can reach up to 60%. That’s the kind of structure that helps you enjoy the night instead of doing price math while you’re already out.

I’d only tell you to skip it if you want a slow, wandering pub experience or if you’re uncomfortable with party energy and a group pace. For most adults who want a fun Friday or Saturday plan that’s easy to follow, this one is a practical win.

FAQ

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet at Simmons Bar, Piccadilly Circus (Golden Square). The guide will be waiting in front of the bar holding a giant inflatable banana.

What nights does the bar crawl run?

It runs every Friday and Saturday.

How long is the experience?

It lasts about 6 hours.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Your ticket includes entry to 4 central venues, 4 free welcome shots, and wristband discounts on drinks all night. It also includes a guide to party with your group.

Are there discounts on drinks?

Yes. Your wristband provides discounts on selected drinks, with discounts up to 60% off at the venues you visit.

How many free shots do I get?

You get 1 free welcome shot at each venue, for a total of 4 free shots.

Is there a cover charge at the venues?

No cover charges are included, because entries to the venues are part of the ticket.

What do I need to bring?

Bring a valid ID (passport or ID card). Participants must be 18+.

Is there a cloakroom?

A cloakroom is not included.

Is sportswear allowed?

No. Sportswear is not allowed.