Planning a hen night in London can feel overwhelming. There are hundreds of clubs, bars, and restaurants to choose from, and getting a group of friends to agree on anything is a challenge in itself. But with a bit of preparation and the right plan, you can put together a night that the bride-to-be will never forget. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from choosing the best area and venue to booking tables, sorting dinner plans, and keeping the whole group happy.
Start Planning Early
The biggest mistake people make with hen nights is leaving things too late. London's best clubs fill up quickly, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. If you are planning a hen night at a popular Mayfair or Soho venue, you should start at least three to four weeks ahead. For peak seasons like summer, Christmas, and New Year's Eve, six to eight weeks is better.
Here is a rough timeline to work from:
- 6-8 weeks before - Pick a date and confirm numbers with the group
- 4-6 weeks before - Choose your venue and book a VIP table or guestlist
- 3-4 weeks before - Arrange dinner reservations and any pre-club activities
- 1-2 weeks before - Confirm the final headcount and share the plan with everyone
- On the day - Arrive at dinner on time and let the night unfold
Getting a firm headcount early is important because most clubs require exact numbers when you book a table. If your group size changes after you have booked, let the venue or your promoter know as soon as possible.
Choose the Right Area
London's nightlife is spread across several key areas, and each one offers a different vibe for a hen night.
- Mayfair - The most popular area for hen nights. Home to premium clubs like Tape London, Maddox Club, Cuckoo Club, Dear Darling, and Funky Buddha. Mayfair venues tend to be glamorous, well-dressed, and upscale, making them ideal if you want a sophisticated night out.
- Soho - A bit more eclectic and lively. Cirque Le Soir is a Soho favourite for hen nights because of its theatrical performances and circus-themed atmosphere. The Box is another standout for groups looking for something bold and unforgettable.
- Chelsea - Rex Rooms in Chelsea is a newer option that works well for groups. It has a more relaxed, lounge-style feel compared to the high-energy Mayfair clubs, which can suit hen groups who want to dance but also chat and enjoy cocktails.
- Kensington - Kensington Roof Gardens offers a unique rooftop setting that feels different from the typical nightclub experience. It is a strong choice for summer hen nights when you can enjoy the outdoor terrace before heading inside.
If you are unsure which area suits your group, think about the bride's preferences. Does she love getting dressed up and feeling glamorous? Mayfair is your best bet. Does she prefer something quirky and theatrical? Soho is the answer.
Picking the Right Venue
Not every club is equally suited to hen nights. Here are the venues we recommend most often for hen groups, based on years of helping London Night Guide readers plan celebrations.
- Cirque Le Soir - Probably the most popular hen night club in London. The circus performers, fire breathers, and burlesque acts create a built-in entertainment factor that keeps the whole group engaged. Tables here are in high demand, so book early.
- Cuckoo Club - A Mayfair favourite with a two-floor layout. The downstairs dance floor gets lively, while the upstairs lounge area gives your group space to sit, drink, and celebrate without shouting over the music. Great for mixed groups where some people want to dance and others want to relax.
- Reign - Combines a nightclub with live entertainment including dancers, acrobats, and singers. The spectacle makes it feel like a special event rather than a regular club night, which is exactly what you want for a hen party.
- Maison Close - One of the newer Mayfair clubs with a stylish, theatrical interior. It has quickly become popular for celebrations because the decor and atmosphere feel designed for special occasions.
- Funky Buddha - One of London's longest-running Mayfair clubs with an energetic atmosphere and a great dance floor. It is a reliable choice for hen groups who want a fun, high-energy night without the formality of some other Mayfair venues.
- Dear Darling - A newer Mayfair venue that works particularly well for hen nights because it offers a more intimate, lounge-style setting. The music leans towards R&B and commercial, and the cocktail menu is excellent.
Should You Book a VIP Table?
For a hen night, the answer is almost always yes. Here is why:
- Guaranteed entry - You will not be turned away at the door, which is a real risk with large groups on busy nights
- A base for your group - With a table, you have somewhere to leave bags, regroup, and keep the party together
- Bottle service - Bottles of spirits or champagne are included with most table bookings, and they often work out cheaper per person than buying drinks individually at the bar
- Priority seating - Your table is reserved and waiting when you arrive, so there is no queuing
Table prices vary depending on the venue and the night. As a rough guide, expect to spend between 500 and 2,000 pounds for a table on a Friday or Saturday in Mayfair. Most venues have minimum spend requirements rather than fixed prices, so what you pay goes towards your drinks. Check our entry prices section for venue-specific breakdowns.
If a VIP table is outside the budget, joining a guestlist is a solid alternative. Guestlist entry is free or heavily discounted at most London clubs, and it guarantees you will get through the door. The trade-off is that you will not have a reserved area, but for smaller hen groups of six to eight people, that is often fine.
Plan Dinner Before the Club
Most hen nights start with dinner, and getting this right sets the tone for the whole evening. The key is choosing a restaurant that is close to your club so you are not rushing across London in heels at 11pm.
If your club is in Mayfair, there are plenty of excellent restaurants within walking distance. Sexy Fish on Berkeley Square is a popular pre-club choice for celebrations thanks to its dramatic decor and sharing-style menu. Maine Mayfair is another strong option with a lively atmosphere that bridges the gap between dinner and nightlife. For a more relaxed start, Novikov or Hakkasan are both within easy reach of most Mayfair clubs.
For Soho clubs, look at the restaurants along Wardour Street and Old Compton Street. There are dozens of options at every price point, from casual Italian spots to higher-end Asian restaurants.
Aim to book dinner for 8pm or 8.30pm. This gives everyone time to eat, have a few drinks, and arrive at the club between 10.30pm and 11pm, which is the ideal time for a table booking. Check our restaurant guide for more recommendations.
Getting the Group Organised
The logistics of a hen night are where things often fall apart. Here are some practical tips to keep everything running smoothly:
- Create a group chat - Set up a WhatsApp or iMessage group early and use it to share all the details. Pin the key information so people can find it without scrolling.
- Collect money in advance - Whether you are splitting a table or just covering the bride's share, collect contributions before the night. Use a money transfer app to make it easy.
- Share the dress code - London clubs enforce dress codes strictly, especially in Mayfair. Smart and stylish is the general rule. Avoid trainers, sportswear, and anything too casual. Check our dress code guide for specific venue requirements.
- Arrange transport - Book a minibus or arrange Ubers in advance, especially for the journey home. Getting a group of people into taxis at 2am in Mayfair is not fun without a plan.
- Bring ID - Everyone in the group needs valid photo ID, even if they are clearly over 18. Clubs will turn people away without it, and nothing ruins a hen night faster than the maid of honour being stuck outside.
Hen Night Extras That Make a Difference
A few small touches can elevate a good hen night into an unforgettable one:
- Arrange a cake or decorations with the venue - Many clubs will let you bring a small cake or set up balloons at your table if you ask in advance. Some venues, like Maddox Club, even offer celebration packages that include these extras.
- Book a cocktail class beforehand - Several bars in Mayfair and Soho run group cocktail-making classes that work perfectly as a pre-dinner activity for hen groups.
- Request a specific DJ set or song - If the bride has a favourite song, ask your promoter or the venue if they can play it during your time there. Many clubs are happy to accommodate requests for celebrations.
- Coordinate outfits or accessories - Matching sashes, personalised t-shirts, or a veil for the bride are classic hen night staples that make the group easy to spot and add to the party atmosphere.
Let Us Handle the Planning
If all of this sounds like a lot of work, that is where we come in. London Night Guide offers a completely free concierge service for hen nights and celebrations. We can help you choose the right venue, book a VIP table, arrange guestlist entry, and recommend restaurants nearby. We work directly with the clubs, so we can often get you better deals and priority access that you would not get booking on your own.
Just tell us the date, the group size, and what kind of night the bride wants, and we will put together a plan. There is no charge, no obligation, and no catch. Browse our celebration packages to see what is available, or get in touch and let us do the legwork for you.
London has everything you need for an incredible hen night. With the right venue, a solid plan, and a group of friends ready to celebrate, you will give the bride-to-be a night she will talk about for years.