London : Central London Bar Crawl with discounts on drinks

London’s banana-marked bar crawl turns a night in the West End into a simple six-hour route through four bars and clubs. You meet at Simmons Bar near Piccadilly Circus, collect a wristband, and follow the guides on foot through central London. The free entry and four welcome shots are the main draw.

I like the easy social setup: you arrive alone or with friends and quickly have a group to party with. I also like the practical value of drink discounts, with selected drinks advertised from £2.50 and discounts reaching 60 percent. The catch is that this is a late, alcohol-focused night with standing, walking, and club noise, so it will not suit everyone.

Key points at a glance

• Four central venues: Entry is included at four bars and clubs in the West End and Soho area.
• Four free welcome shots: You receive one shot at each venue through the crawl.
• A giant inflatable banana: Look for the guide outside Simmons Bar at Piccadilly Circus.
• A wristband saves money: Selected drinks can be discounted by up to 60 percent during the night.
• Two languages: Guides operate in English and French.
• A late adult-only outing: You must be at least 18 and bring a passport or ID card.

Starting at Simmons Bar near Piccadilly Circus

Your night begins at Simmons Bar Piccadilly Circus, in Golden Square. This is a useful meeting point for a West End evening because it puts you close to Soho, theatres, restaurants, and several major Tube connections. The important detail is the marker: look for a guide holding a giant inflatable banana in front of the bar.

The stated meeting window runs from 8:45 p.m. to 9:50 p.m. That is wider than a single departure time, so check the available start time when you book and arrive with enough room to find the guide, show your ticket, and receive your wristband. The ticket is scanned by a guide before you join the group.

The wristband is more than a souvenir. It identifies you at the venues and gives you access to the advertised drink reductions. Since the discounts apply to selected drinks rather than every drink on a menu, ask at each bar which offers qualify before ordering.

The first free shot is served at the opening venue. You are not paying an entry charge at each stop, which keeps the evening straightforward. Still, bring money for any drinks beyond the included shots, since additional drinks are not part of the booking.

Walking five minutes between West End venues

The published route includes short walks of about five minutes between venues. That matters in central London. You are not spending the night waiting for a coach or trying to find unfamiliar clubs on your own. The group moves on foot through the West End and Soho, with each transfer forming part of the social side of the evening.

The walks are short, but comfortable shoes are still a smart choice. You will be out late, moving between bars, and the route is designed around nightlife rather than sightseeing. This is not a guided tour of London landmarks. The value is in getting from one venue to the next with a group and a guide handling the evening’s structure.

Keep your phone, ID, and booking details secure during the transfers. The supplied information does not give a precise street-by-street route, so the actual order of the middle venues may vary. Follow the guide rather than walking ahead, especially when the group leaves a crowded bar.

The first local bar, about 55 minutes

After the opening stop, the group walks for roughly five minutes to a local bar. You have about 55 minutes there, enough time to use the drink discount, take the included welcome shot, and meet people before the next move.

A nearly hour-long stop is a good rhythm for this kind of night. It gives you time to settle in without making the evening feel like a race. If you prefer conversation, this may be your best chance early on. If you want a livelier party, the group atmosphere should build as the night continues.

The precise name of this bar is not provided, so you should not book this expecting a fixed list of famous venues. The appeal is the route and the group access, not a promise of one particular cocktail bar. Venue changes are less important if your main goal is a social night with reduced drinks and included entry.

The second local bar and the value of the wristband

The next walk also takes about five minutes, followed by another local bar stop of roughly 55 minutes. You receive another free shot here, bringing your total to two. The wristband remains useful for selected drink deals.

At the advertised price of £2.50 and with discounts of up to 60 percent on some drinks, the savings can add up. But I would judge the £20 ticket primarily on entry costs and the included shots, not on the assumption that every drink will be cheap. The listed booking information gives a ticket price of £20, while the headline price is also shown as about $18. Currency conversion and booking conditions can change the final amount, so check the amount shown at payment.

The drinks discount is strongest for someone planning to buy more than one drink during the night. If you only want the four included shots and little else, the ticket’s value rests on free admission and the convenience of the organized route. If you would otherwise pay entry at several central London clubs, the package becomes more attractive.

You should also keep an eye on your pace. Four welcome shots are included, one per venue, and extra drinking can make a six-hour night tiring. You can enjoy the social side without treating every included drink as a requirement.

Finishing at The Roxy

The route finishes at The Roxy, a central club that gives the night a clear final stop. The final venue is where you can use the fourth shot and continue with the group rather than ending at an unnamed bar.

The published schedule gives about 55 minutes for the two local bars, but it does not provide a full timing breakdown for every venue or say how long the group stays at The Roxy. The activity lasts six hours overall, so expect a late finish. If you have an early train, flight, or fixed morning plan, this is the first practical concern to consider.

The Roxy finish also means you should plan your way home before the crawl begins. The supplied details do not promise transport after the event, so you are responsible for arranging your own return. Central London gives you many options, but the exact choice depends on the night and your destination.

What the four-venue format really gives you

The strongest part of this activity is its structure. A normal night out can involve comparing door charges, searching for the next bar, and wondering if a club will admit your group. Here, the wristband and guide system handle the basic plan.

You get:

• Entry at all four venues
• One free welcome shot at each venue
• Drink discounts all night on selected drinks
• A guide with the group throughout the evening
• Short walks between central venues

That package is particularly useful if you are new to London nightlife or visiting on your own. You have a ready-made route and a social setting from the first stop. The group includes people from different places, and one verified five-star account from France specifically praised two guides for their welcome, care, and cheerful attitude. The guides’ names are not supplied, but the experience does include support in English and French.

The same setup has limits. A bar crawl is a group activity, so you do not control every stop or the exact pace. You may enjoy some venues more than others. The middle stops are described only as local bars, and no fixed venue list is supplied beyond Simmons Bar as the meeting point and The Roxy as the finish.

Price, drink discounts, and what is included

The stated cost is £20 per ticket, also displayed as approximately $18. For central London nightlife, that can be fair if you use the included entry and drink deals. Four free shots have a direct value, but the bigger saving may come from avoiding separate cover charges at four venues.

Your extra spending will be on drinks, and the booking does not include a cloakroom. That small omission matters in London, especially on a cold evening when you may arrive wearing a coat. The information does not state cloakroom prices or availability, so keep that cost in mind and avoid assuming your outerwear can be stored for free.

The advertised drink deals include prices from £2.50 and reductions of up to 60 percent on selected drinks. These are not blanket discounts, so you should confirm the eligible options at the bar. A wristband can make the night cheaper, but it does not turn every purchase into a bargain.

I see this as a good-value choice for a person who wants a full night out and expects to buy drinks. It is less compelling for someone who dislikes alcohol, wants a quiet evening, or plans to leave after the first stop.

Who should book this night out

This activity suits adults aged 18 and over who want company, music, bars, and clubs in the West End. It works well for solo visitors, pairs, and small groups who want an easy social plan rather than a private night with complete control.

It may also suit people who speak French, since the guide service is available in English and French. That can make the first meeting and venue changes easier if you are more comfortable in French.

You should think twice if you dislike late nights, walking between venues, or crowded party settings. Sportswear is not allowed, so choose an outfit that meets the venue dress expectations. Bring a valid passport or ID card, not just a casual assumption that you look old enough. The activity is not suitable for children under 18.

This is also not the right choice if your main interest is London history, architecture, or food. The route passes through a famous central part of the city, but the activity itself is about nightlife. You will get a social evening, not commentary on Piccadilly Circus or Soho.

Practical tips for a smoother evening

Arrive early within the stated meeting period. Simmons Bar is a busy central location, and the banana marker should help, but you still need time to find the guide and complete the ticket scan.

Wear comfortable shoes and avoid sportswear. You will walk between stops, stand for long periods, and stay out for up to six hours. Bring a valid ID card or passport, since entry is restricted to people aged 18 and over.

Keep the wristband on for the whole night. It is the link to the drink discounts and venue access. Ask about the selected drinks before ordering, and keep some money aside for additional drinks and a possible cloakroom charge.

Use the free cancellation option if your plans are uncertain. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Check the exact starting time and final price before confirming.

Should you book the Banana Pub Crawl?

Book it if you want a social, late-night introduction to West End bars and clubs with a fixed route, four included shots, and a chance to reduce drink costs. The friendly guide setup, French and English support, and clear banana meeting marker remove much of the usual first-night guesswork.

Skip it if you want a calm evening, a carefully chosen cocktail itinerary, or a guaranteed list of specific venues. The ticket is best value when you use the included entries and drink discounts, and when you are happy to stay out late with a group. For the right person, it is an uncomplicated way to turn one London night into four stops without spending the evening planning the next door.

FAQ

Where does the bar crawl meet?

The meeting point is Simmons Bar Piccadilly Circus in Golden Square. The guide will be in front of the bar holding a giant inflatable banana.

What time should I arrive?

The stated meeting window is between 8:45 p.m. and 9:50 p.m. Check the available starting time when you book and arrive with enough time for ticket scanning and wristband collection.

How many venues are included?

The crawl includes entry to four central London bars and clubs. The route begins at Simmons Bar Piccadilly Circus and finishes at The Roxy.

Are welcome shots included?

Yes. You receive four free welcome shots, with one shot at each venue.

Are drinks included beyond the welcome shots?

No. Additional drinks are not included. The wristband provides discounts on selected drinks, with reductions of up to 60 percent and advertised prices from £2.50.

How long does the activity last?

The activity lasts six hours.

What identification should I bring?

Bring a valid passport or ID card. You must be at least 18 years old to join.

Is the activity available in French?

Yes. Live guides are available in English and French.