Shoreditch Stag Do

When it comes to a London stag do, you really are spoilt for choice, with an unbelievable mix of activities and attractions, hence why London is one of the most popular tourist spots in the world. So whether you're a local wanting to keep it close to home, or you're travelling across the country to see the capital, London is a great option, albeit not on a completely tight budget. We have looked deeper into detail on one specific area of London, the 'Hipster' scene of Shoreditch.

Shoreditch Stag Do Activities

So what should you be getting up to on your stag weekend? Well we have listed the best stag do activities below, however there are plenty more if you're willing to travel a bit further than Hackney, but for this list we've kept it localised.

1) Beer Bike

Nothing kicks off a Shoreditch stag do quite like this boozy bike experience! Here, you and your mates will hop onboard this giant bar-on-wheels and enjoy a 60-minute tour that just so happens to come fully loaded with beer! There’s one catch though, it’s up to you and the rest of the stag crew to power it through the streets.

Each main passenger seat comes equipped with a pair of pedals, so get ready to work hard, but play equally hard as you enjoy ice-cold beer for your efforts. And don’t worry, you won’t need to elect one of your pals to be designated driver, as your experience includes a chauffeur who will steer this beastly vehicle and navigate it through the streets.

Get ready to experience some of the capital’s best views on this route that takes you through Shoreditch, Aldgate and Liverpool Street. The meeting and embarkation point is in Shoreditch, making it incredibly convenient if you’re staying nearby!

2) NQ64 Arcade Bar

How about some classic childhood games or arcade games? Who doesn't love a game of Mario Kart, a cheaper alternative to actually going go-karting, while you can have a pint while at the races. You've got the classic Donkey Kong set up, which is equally fun and stressful to play. Plus a Street Fighter battle is an absolute must, it's time to Hadoken the groom. Plus you could do forfeits, with shots for the loser. If you book a premium package, you will get a cup of tokens so everyone can have some games, plus some drink tokens, with plenty of options available from cocktails to beers, house wine or a soft drink for the sober-ones.

3) Drinks At Be At One

Let’s be honest, getting a group of 16 lads into a bar isn’t easy without facing issues with the bouncers, with finding a table to hold everyone and then the mess at the bar, so this should be a must. We can reserve a large table for everyone far in advance, which you simply can't do when going direct. We will arrange for the table to have a 1.5l magnum bottle of Grey Goose, plus mixers, so you all have plenty of drink to enjoy straight away. This is ideal when you've all been doing plenty of daytime activities, such as the minigolf, and just want to get on the booze.

Opening the doors at 1pm and keeping them open until 2am, this could actually be your base for the entire night if you'd like it to be, nightclubs can get messy, but we can book one of those for you, or lapdance entry so the groom can have a cheeky dance.

4) Have Some Dinner With The Lads

After a night of drinking and dancing, you're going to want some proper grub. Luckily, Shoreditch is a foodie's paradise. From trendy food markets like Boxpark, where you can grab gourmet street food, to high-end restaurants, there's no shortage of options. It’s also great for groups because there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes, whether it's burgers, pizza, or international cuisine. And, let's be honest, a good meal is essential to survive a full-on stag do! We can strongly recommend the Shoreditch Pizza Pilgrims as a great option to enjoy a great big meal with the lads and we can book this in for you so you don't have to worry about being rejected for being a group of rowdy lads.

We tend to find that it works best if you pick something relatively neutral in terms of food options, you don't want people moaning about something being too spicy, not having a vegetarian option or not catering to an allergy. For that reason, I'd recommend leaving out the steakhouse, as nice as they are (unless you're 100% certain everyone eats meat).

5) Build Your Own Bar Crawl

While we haven’t got a pre-arranged bar crawl around Shoreditch on offer, that doesn’t mean you can’t devise your own! This East End hotspot is packed with top-tier watering holes, with everything from traditional pubs and quirky bars, right through to hipster hangouts

 But we do recommend making a bit of a plan, especially if you’re a large group. Choose a mix of 3 or 4 bars beforehand and decide how long to spend in each (normally 1 hour per venue is fine).

Also, it’s worth giving each venue a quick call in advance to check that they’ll be able to accommodate your group for your preferred time. We’d recommend finishing up your pub crawl at Be At One Shoreditch.

The energy here is electric, the bartenders know exactly how to create a party atmosphere and their cocktail menu is next level, seriously, you’ll discover cocktails you never knew existed! We can even arrange a VIP experience for you and the lads, where you’ll have guaranteed seating plus bottles of spirits and mixers to share.

Whether you want to chill or party ‘til late, you’re more than likely to find something to keep you and the lads entertained here. 

6) Summer Festivals

If you’re lucky enough to be heading to London for the stag weekend during the summer months, you’re in for a treat, as Shoreditch is an absolute goldmine for booze and music festivals. It gives the whole weekend a massive, breezy festival atmosphere without you having to trek out into a muddy field in the middle of nowhere.

A few annual, stag-friendly festivals to look out for include:

• The Brick Lane Summer Markets: Running every single weekend throughout the sunnier months, the area around the Old Truman Brewery transforms into a massive street festival. It is the perfect setup to grab incredible global street food and cold cans while wandering between street art spots to clear the hangovers.
• The Brick Lane Carnival: Taking over massive indoor-outdoor spaces like 93 Feet East every June and July, this annual day-to-night celebration brings massive carnival energy, outdoor terrace vibes, and live DJs spinning everything from hip-hop to dancehall.
• Up On The Roof Summer Series: Running throughout July and August, these legendary open-air terrace parties take over Shoreditch's best rooftop and courtyard spaces, offering the perfect spot to grab ice-cold drinks and catch massive summer beats in the sunshine.
• Railway Arch Block Parties: Throughout July and August, the local independent taprooms and cocktail spots tucked under the Shoreditch Overground arches throw open their shutters, put out massive bench seating, and host their own summer block parties with live DJs.

Catching one of these annual summer events will be an awesome addition to your stag itinerary, so it’s worth checking dates to see what’s on when you’re in Shoreditch!

7) Boxpark

You can't talk about an East London weekend without mentioning Boxpark. Located slap bang next to Shoreditch station, this venue is built entirely out of stripped-down shipping containers and couldn't be more hipster. On the ground floor, you’ll have a top lineup of unique and quirky shops at your disposal, including independent streetwear boutiques, custom sneaker stores, and lifestyle pop-ups. Once you've finished shopping, head upstairs to the upper deck – an open-air food and drink space – where you can grab all kinds of irresistible street food that’s washed down nicely with an ice-cold beer.

For a stag crew, Boxpark is sure to be a hit, especially if you can’t agree on what to eat. You can just roll up to Boxpark and choose between top-tier burgers, mouth-watering hot dogs, spicy tacos, or authentic souvlaki, teamed with a refreshing drink. Plus, there’s always a decent atmosphere here thanks to massive pop-up events on the regular. Depending on the week, you could stumble into big live sports events on whopping, great big screens, a lively hip-hop karaoke night, a bottomless brunch, or a live set from a top-tier DJ. 

8) Street Art

If your group is into something a bit more unique, Shoreditch’s street art scene is world-class. Grab a drink and take a stroll through streets lined with vibrant murals and edgy graffiti. It’s perfect for those Instagram moments, plus you get a real sense of Shoreditch’s character. The vibe here is urban, creative, and alive, making it a memorable backdrop for a stag do that’s not just about partying but soaking in the local culture too.

A Bit Further Away

If you're open to travelling a bit further, a beer bike is always a great option, as you see all the sights while getting a bit merry. This works well if you're not from the big city as some people in the group will want to tick off some aspect of the tourist side. The bar crawl beauties are also great to stop everyone getting lost, which inevitably happens when handling it yourself, as they take everyone along to a set of bars, getting a few drink deals along the way for everyone, ensuring no man gets left behind before moving on to the next venue.

If you're after an immersive experience, the Alcotraz cocktail experience is amazing, as you take on the role of prisoners, sneaking in some moonshine which you can sip on while the actors play out a scene around you as guards in the prison.

Booking A Hotel

When it comes to stag accommodation in London, we strongly recommend booking with us, as we have set deals in place, so that they agree in our contract to accept stag groups, something which you don't get when booking direct, meaning you don't have to worry about being turned away when you turn up as a group of 18 lads, pissed off your face.

With venues across the city, from Travelodge in Covent Garden to Zedwell in Piccadilly Circus, we can arrange the perfect option for you, based on whether locality is the most important factor, quality of hotel or a set budget is in mind.

Shoreditch Stag Do FAQs

Is Shoreditch expensive for a stag do? 

Well, it’s still in London, so it’s never going to be dirt cheap. However, Shoreditch is far better value than staying centrally in the West End. Pints generally sit around the £6 to £7 mark, but there are usually happy hour deals and cheaper taprooms if you do a bit of research. The real saving is on transport. Everything is nicely packed together here, so you’ll be saving yourselves a small fortune on Ubers. 

What is the dress code around here? 

East London is famously laid-back, so you can leave the stiff shoes and smart shirts at home. In fact, we’d encourage ditching them altogether – you’d definitely look out of place walking around in a suit in Shoreditch. Trainers, t-shirts, and jeans will get you absolutely everywhere. The only major rule is to bin off the traditional stag party gear like fancy dress, matching stag t-shirts, and high-vis vests. Shoreditch is just a bit too cool for that. 

How do we get there and around?

 Dead simple. Shoreditch High Street is right on the Overground, and you’ve got Old Street (Northern Line) and Liverpool Street (Central, Elizabeth, and mainlines) just a short walk away. Once you arrive, the entire area is completely walkable. You can cross the whole nightlife district on foot in about fifteen minutes.

When do the bars and clubs close in Shoreditch? 

Shoreditch generally keeps the lights on until late. Most standard bars stay packed until 1 AM or 2 AM on weekends, while you can expect the proper clubs and warehouse venues to keep the tunes pumping until 4 AM or 5 AM.

Where should we look for a big group dinner in Shoreditch? 

You’ll be spoiled for choice in Shoreditch. You’ve got Brick Lane and its world-famous curry houses a stone’s throw away, and almost all of them are incredibly accommodating for large groups of lads. A great thing you might not know – a lot of them still run a BYOB (Bring Your Own Beer) policy, meaning you can stock up at a local off-licence and keep the pre-drink costs down before heading out.

If that’s not your thing, we’d recommend heading to Pizza Pilgrims on Shoreditch High Street. This place is the bees knees and serves up a tasty range of true Neopolitan pizza (just wait ‘til you try that base!). This place is sure to be a winner with the whole group, after all, who doesn’t love pizza and a pint?

Where can we find the cheapest drinks in Shoreditch? 

If you want to keep the budget intact, look for the local brewery taprooms tucked under the railway arches around Boxpark and Brick Lane, where you can grab fresh pints straight from the source without the nightclub markup. For cocktails, hit up the big name bars like Be At One on Shoreditch High Street during their afternoon happy hours, where you can regularly score 2-for-1 deals before things properly kick off. 

What is the average entry fee at Shoreditch clubs? 

It varies depending on who’s on the decks, but for most standard late-night bars and warehouse venues, you’re looking at anywhere from £5 to £15 for entry after 10 PM. If you're planning a takeover at one of the massive super-clubs or electronic venues, tickets can jump up to £20+ on a Saturday night. The golden rule for a large group of lads is always to book your tickets online well in advance – it’s always cheaper and avoids any disappointment on the night. 

Where is the best street food in Shoreditch for a hangover? 

Brick Lane markets are your go-to for hangover food. You’ll be able to grab huge portions of your favourites here, like pulled pork, stacked burgers, or smoking hot tacos and enjoy them on the move. If the lads need a quick, legendary fix to clear a heavy head, march the crew straight to the famous 24-hour Beigel Bake on Brick Lane for a massive salt beef bagel loaded with mustard and gherkins. It costs next to nothing and is a total life-saver – trust us