Great stag do ideas in London

Alright, bottomless brunch might be more about the drinking than the eating, but there's nothing wrong with getting a head start on things. All sorts of themed brunches can be found around London, catering to any and all dietary and drinking preferences, and our guide to the best bottomless brunches covers them all. PS – if you're worried you might all get too sloshed too early in the day, might we suggest bottomless dinner instead?

A group of healthy lads out and about will likely have any errant cows hoofing it away at full speed, and rightfully so. Loading up with a nice steak before a night out is a classic, and few do it better than Hawksmoor. From T-bone steaks to ribs and burgers, made with premium British beef, the award-winning steakhouses are sure to satisfy any and all red meat cravings. Their Borough location even features one of the best private dining experiences in the city, complete with your own private kitchen.

Bacchanalia, Mayfair's newest addition to the upscale dining scene, pays homage to the ancient god of feasting and debauchery. The stunning decor offers an immersive experience, with breath-taking interiors that retell classic myths through antique sculptures and artwork by Damien Hirst. The menu draws inspiration from Greco-Roman feasts, serving sophisticated takes on Mediterranean classics. For an extra touch of flair, the dishes are finished right at your table.

Brigadiers is a barbecue restaurant and bar inspired by India's military mess halls. There's a touch of class running throughout the establishment, with deep browns and polished wood for a bit of sophistication, but the comforting food and draft beers help create a friendly, relaxed ambiance. Best of all, there's a pool table, as well as plenty of screens showing live sports, so you and the boys won't miss any of the footie.

Need to work on your banter or just want an appreciative audience for you and the boys' jabs? For those with a sense of humour and a thick skin, Karen's Diner is a must-visit restaurant for a quirky dining experience. Step into the cute 1950s-style setting and sample the signature burgers, wings, shakes, and cocktails. But don't expect niceties from the staff or fellow diners, as rudeness is actively encouraged. While the service and welcome may not be the warmest, the unique experience is definitely worth it for those who enjoy something out of the ordinary.

Between the hearty food, massive steins, upbeat music, and, er, lederhosen, Bavarians sure know how to loosen up the lads. Many of the bier-happy jointy promise a lively night out with a wide variety of authentic German food and drinks, including draft beer by the pint or stein, bottled German beers, wines, and cocktails. Some, like the Munich Cricket Clubs, even offer special stag party packages, throwing in lederhosen for the groom-to-be and Paulaner hats for the rest of the crew. You can find the best German restaurants in the city right here.

Considering all that might be going on, from cheeky banter and in-jokes to profound expressions of friendship, a little bit of privacy might not be such a bad thing. The restaurant is more likely to put up with your antics if you aren't bothering the rest of the patrons, and there's just something pleasantly classy about booking a private dining room for the lads. These establishments boast some of the best ones.

If you're a Brit, it's in your blood. If you're from abroad, it's an unmissable taste of British life. Some of the best moments, stories, and friendships are formed and reaffirmed in pubs, and stopping at one for a pint or two or three is a tried-and-true part of any stag do. Your local boozer is always a safe choice, but if you're looking to upgrade in light of the special occasion, our guide highlights some of London's finest.

Between the drinks, food, fares, clubbing, and potential damages, a stag do can quickly rack up the costs, especially in an already expensive city such as London. Timing the proceedings so that you can take full advantage of happy hour offers can be a lifesaver, getting everyone well and truly tipsy without breaking the bank before nightfall. Here are some of the best happy hour deals you'll find in London.

Craftier, more beer-focused groups of revellers might want to consider hitting up one of London's mighty fine breweries. Long communal tables and tasty craft brews make for an impeccable social atmosphere, and the generally younger crowds mean you're less likely to have any regulars giving you side-eye as you get rowdy. Many of the breweries even offer tours of their facilities, so you can truthfully claim it's all just an educational excursion.

If the groom is a fan of less mainstream music genres and lifestyles, you're probably better off heading to one of London's more alternative bars than, say, the local sugar-coated pop factory or reggaeton club. Our guide to the best alternative bars in London will take you over to the darker, heavier side of things, though you'll probably want to leave the cheeky stag do T-shirts at home for this one.

At the Bounce bars, you can chill in a neon modern atmosphere while playing an array of games, the highlight being table tennis. You won't go hungry or thirsty during the contest either, as they offer a tempting selection of food and drinks to enjoy before, during, or after a game. Savour delicious pizzas and small bites such as nachos, accompanied by an extensive range of cocktails, beers, and ciders.

Combining cutting-edge technology and fun games, from zombie shooters to tactical operations and arcade games, these VR experiences offer all sorts of entertainment to try out. Afterwards, you can chill out with a drink or some snacks, talking about the sick moves you pulled or just marvelling about the wonders of technology, before continuing the night in the real world.

You should definitely take the groom to an escape room so he can practice getting away from the old ball and chain, amirite? Terrible jokes aside, escape rooms are a fun group activity that lasts around an hour or so, making them perfect for padding out the time between drinks and providing a bit of a breather without dragging on for too long. Check out our guide to the best escape rooms in London for the different themes and experiences that are available.

You might not yet have had the pleasure of throwing an axe around because you likely aren't a) a Viking, or b) a rage-filled psycho. But trust us when we say that it's great fun, with a side of let-it-all-out therapy on the side. The modern Whistle Punks axe throwing centre offers 70-minute sessions where beginners can try their hand at axe throwing under the guidance of experienced instructors. You'll soon get the hang of it, and afterwards you can unwind with cocktails, beer, and pizza. 

Picture this: the groom and his mates, dressed all nice like, sitting back in plush, comfy recliners, swirling snifters around, and saying things like “oh yes, that's smooth and oaky”. This might just be the dictionary definition of “gentlemen”, actually. With a whiskey connoisseur on hand to guide you through the experience, it's a neat way of getting a few drinks in, learning something new, and just having a good time.

Let's be honest, you're bound to end up shouting some bawdy tune at the top of your lungs at some point during the night, so you might as well get it out of your system in a controlled environment. Book one of the many private karaoke rooms in London, grab the mic, and have everyone belt out a banger or two, accompanied by drinks to loosen up the vocal chords, of course.

Beloved especially among those who want to get the most bang for their buck, beer pong adds a fun, competitive angle to drinking, but keeps it light and casual enough to avoid any serious fallings-out. Head to one of the places mentioned in our guide to where to play beer pong, stack the cups up, and throw down – or rather, throw across. There are different game versions to try out as well.

Packing in a full eighteen holes at one of the golf courses around London might be a bit too ambitious for a day – and group – that's usually pretty loaded already. Thankfully, Urban Golf is a sophisticated golf simulator venue right in the heart of The City. You can play a few rounds, then relax on the leather sofas in the lounge bar, drink and tapas in hand.

Thames RIB Experience operates a fleet of high-powered RIB speedboats, the fastest vessels in London. Their different tours combine high-octane fun, witty commentary and exhilarating sightseeing, tailored to each party's needs. Considering these boats were used to film 2015's “Spectre”, they even come with approval by the ultimate bachelor himself, James Bond. 

If you want to go down the river at a more sedate pace, perhaps relaxing with a beer in hand and a cooler beneath your feet, book one of GoBoat's leisurely canal or river cruises. The self-drive boating experience fits up to eight people per boat, and, for better or worse, there's no prior experience required. The eco-friendly electric boats are fitted with picnic tables, so you can bring your own food and drinks for the journey whilst you hang out with your mates and take in the scenery.

We mentioned golf earlier, but considering the circumstances, a sillier version might be in order. You can choose from different mini golf courses around London, selecting the one that suits you best according to location, theme, and level of silliness. Drinks and snacks are easily available at the venues, so there's no need to fear anyone losing their buzz – just their minds, perhaps, after the windmill knocks them off course for the billionth time.

The long-standing West End shows are long-standing for a reason. Providing top-tier entertainment, they're a quick and easy way to glam up a stag do with a memorable experience. There's a wide assortment of shows to choose from, but a blockbuster hit like “Hamilton”, the irreverent “Book of Mormon”, or the immersive, debaucherous “Cabaret” are all a good place to start.

You'll definitely want to do this one before hitting the pub, but if you've got a groom who's a bit of a thrill-seeker, Up at the O2 will do the trick. You'll experience London in a unique way, climbing to the top of the O2's famous roof and taking in the stunning 360° views. It's sure to be the, ahem, highlight of any stag do. Alternatively, if the groom is a football fan, try the skywalk at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

If all London itself has to offer isn't enough, or you just want to spice things up with a fun excursion to a different time and place, try one of the many immersive experiences available around the city. Molecular mixology, a jail bar, a murder mystery dinner, sensory challenges, literary masterpieces come to life, the decline of ancient civilisations, WW2-inspired code cracking – you'll find all this and much more in our guide to London's best immersive experiences.

Listen up, here's the plan: take the groom to one of these comedy clubs, shove him up to the front row, then find seats somewhere nice and safe in the back and watch the professionals tear him a new one. Of course, you could all sit together and have a chuckle while the stand-up comics do their thing… but we know which one we're choosing, ten times out of ten.

Experience an exhilarating adventure and unleash your energy at Go Ape, offering thrilling activities for all ages. With multiple park locations in London, you can embark on treetop escapades that will challenge and excite the whole team. The treetop crossings at the Battersea Park branch of Go Ape are twice as high as other Go Ape courses, providing the ultimate adrenaline rush as you conquer thrilling obstacles and a 70-metre zip wire.

Spending some time at the blackjack tables or the slot machines can be great fun, with many ups and downs – just keep an eye out so the groom doesn't blow the entire wedding budget. At a prime location in Leicester Square, Horizons Casino is a friendly place to try your luck, with a range of drinks offers, including cocktails, keeping the party going.

For thrill-seekers in search of adrenaline-fueled excitement, TeamSport offers an exhilarating go-karting experience across their five racing tracks spread throughout the city. Strap yourself into a go-kart and let your four wheels fly as you navigate the twists and turns of their thrilling circuits. Indoors, you can feel the full power of go-karting, with multi-level tracks and straight stretches reaching impressive lengths of up to 1000 metres. Get ready to feel your heart race as you embrace the excitement of high-speed racing at TeamSport.

Gravity Max Wandsworth is a dynamic entertainment hub offering a diverse range of activities to keep you and the crew entertained. From thrilling e-karting and bowling to immersive esports, darts, shuffleboard, and virtual and augmented reality experiences, this multifaceted venue has it all. Additionally, you can enjoy arcade games, bounce on trampolines, and explore many other engaging attractions. Gravity Max Wandsworth also features bars where you can unwind and a food court with a wide array of dining options to satisfy any craving.

Fairgame offers a one-of-a-kind experience where you can indulge in dining, drinking, and playing all under one roof. Serving as London's exclusive adults-only funfair, this lively venue brings back the nostalgia of classic games like whack-a-mole and shooting ducks. You can quench your thirst with a selection of boozy slushies, themed cocktails, or locally-crafted beers, complemented by various street food snacks, and best of all, there are no kids running around to ruin the fun.

A common stag do sight around the world, these party bikes let up to 12 guests, accompanied by a local host, pedal through the city's vibrant streets, downing their own drinks as they go. There are different 75-minute routes to choose from, each including a sound system so you can blast your favourite tunes while you drink your way around the city.

If you don't fancy putting in the legwork, but still want to see the city as you're drinking, try London's most original rooftop bar, the London Bar Bus. Providing ever-changing views of major city sights such as the Houses of Parliament and St. Paul's Cathedral, the bar bus comes equipped with banging tunes and drinks available for purchase onboard. It's a quirky and fun way to get a stag do under way.

The sheer silliness of bubble football, also known as zorb football, is a great way to collide, bounce, and crash into your friends while encased in a giant inflatable ball. Well, it's probably the ONLY way, but you get the idea. The hilarious activity is perfect for a variety of occasions, including stag dos, and London Bubble Football conveniently offers its services at indoor and outdoor venues all over London.

London sure knows how to throw a party. It's one of the global meccas of clubbing, with an astounding range of clubs and club nights catering to all budgets and tastes. From world-famous clubs hosting the biggest stars, to low-key venues for a more underground experience, our guide to the best nightclubs in London will point you in the right direction for a memorable night of dancing, drinking, and general partying.

London's thriving live music scene means there an unmissable concert to catch somewhere in the capital nearly every night. Snagging tickets to the groom's favourite band is sure to score you massive best-man points, so give our guide to the best live music venues a look to see if anything fits the bill. On a similar note, our guide to the best festivals in London is worth checking as well, especially if you're planning to be in town during the summer festival season.

An essential part of any stag do, a striptease is a traditional rite of passage for the groom, and 23 Paul Street offers some of the most sophisticated such experiences in London. The upscale gentlemen's club provides a variety of bespoke packages tailored to individual preferences, including private spaces equipped with karaoke facilities and mesmerising projection mapping

Considering it's a global destination with millions of visitors each year, navigating London's extensive accommodation options can be daunting. Our guides to the best hotels in London cover all price ranges, areas and preferences, from classic hotels and pampering spa establishments to cheap and cheerful hostels.  

Staggering home in the early hours of the morning, you'll probably want to refuel with something nice and greasy to soak up the sauce. There's no shortage of chippies, kebab shops, and other assorted late-night street food options to be found in London. We suggest reading these guides ahead and earmarking the suitable spots – it'll be a whole lot easier than trying to navigate with blurry double vision and an iffy sense of direction later.

Once you've managed to roll yourselves out of bed, you'll want to re-line the stomach asap, and nothing foes the job better than a good old Full English. You won't have trouble finding one in London, but if you'd like to make sure it's as delightful on the tastebuds as on the hangover, here are some of the top spots for a fry-up in London.

If you went on the stag on Saturday and wake up late on a Sunday, consider skipping the brekkie and heading straight down to the pub for a proper roast dinner. The combination of meat, veg and carbs is sure to improve matters, and having freshly pulled pints on hand can't hurt, either. Here are some of the best Sunday roasts in London.

Next up after you've taken care of your tum-tums, it's time to breathe in some fresh air, relax, chill, and go over all the madness of the night before. Weather permitting, there's no better place for that than one of London's verdant parks, ideally suited for napping in the sun, rolling around on the grass, taking a leisurely stroll, and recover with the help of nature.