Alternative nightlife

Duckie

• Critics choice

Rock disco with artistic live turns, hosted by Amy Lamé with the best retro set in town from DJs The Readers Wifes. Duckie distinguishes itself as gay London's leading pop-and-performance club. The team also put on large theatrical events at venues like the Barbican. But The RVT is where the faithful flock every week.

Miss Behave's Social Club and Pleasure Aid

"If less is more, then fuck-all is everything!" Miss Behave promises to make the most of the least in this brand new game show-cum-variety night-cum-disco. Acts include veteran musical stylist and unlikely sex symbol Earl Okin, cheeky musicial duo Raymond & Mr Timpkins, hula sensation Marawa the Amazing and nutty pop-justice DJ Woody Bop Muddy with his Record Graveyard – plus Pete Mielniczek and 'glamorous assistants' Kalki Hula Girl and Petra Massey (Spymonkey). Co-produced by

The Black Cat

• Critics choice

London cabaret trailblazers the Boom Boom Club are on indefinite hiatus but that won't stop the people behind it. For this show, producer David Harris, compere Dusty Limits and ethereal burlesque performer and scenarist Vicky Butterfly promise to bring a dash of vintage Montmartre (yes, of the Chat Noir era) to the West End – think street parades, shadow theatre and, of course, outlandish cabaret and variety work of the highest calibre, with acts flowing into one another… and the

Shore Leave

• Critics choice

Love-sick sailor boys and girls wring the last drop of rum from their remaining hours on dry land with bawdy bands and debauched burlesque, while DJs McKraken and DeMorgan spin swing, blues, gypsy-punk, Weimar jazz and cabaret trash and old time records from far flung ports, plus there's a photobooth and a tatt-shack (natch). DC: Vintage nautical.

Brewdog

• Rated as: 4/5

The premises vacated by Mason & Taylor are now home to the second branch of the Aberdeenshire brewery of the same name, after the original in Camden. You can buy Brewdog beers in Tesco and Asda now, and it has bars in almost every major British city, but it still somehow maintains independence and an air of rebelliousness. Brewdog Shoreditch looks bit like a foundry (bare lights, bits of iron, moulded aggregate). It's not as sterile as it sounds, and there are wooden booths for

Hip Hop Karaoke

• Critics choice

If you've ever fancied yourself as a Missy, Eminem, Beastie or Snoop, then here's your chance to act out some rap fantasies. Free beer and prizes to be won for all those who have a go. Arrive early – it gets really rammed here.

Oyster Shed

• Rated as: 2/5

This newly-built pub from Geronimo Inns group, which also runs the Fentiman Arms in Kennington and the Prince Albert gastropub in Battersea, opened at the end of January 2012. The Oyster Shed’s vast ground floor combines restaurant and bar in the same space, while a mezzanine is reserved for diners. A big window-front floods the premises with natural light, while red, yellow and black cushions add colour to the vast space. While the other Geronimo Inns venues tend to be more

The May Event

• Free

A 12-hour '60s-style happening curated by MA students in Performance and Creative Research at the University of Roehampton. You can expect performances, installations, walks, talks, nurturing, art, dancing, drinking and subversion, apparently.

Dungeon Lates

Avoid the groups of teenage exchange students that tend to descend on London Dungeon during the day, and experience the attraction after-hours at one of the venue’s three Dungeon Lates in May. A 90-minute, adults-only tour of the Dungeon’s new and improved digs at County Hall features all the usual thrills, spills and streams of projectile vomit, along with appearances by Sweeney Todd, Jack the Ripper, Guy Fawkes and a ‘virtual’ Henry VIII played by Brian Blessed. Doomed boat

The Alternative London Tour

• Free

East London's 'alternative' side is revealed on this leftfield tour. Expect to be introduced to the history and culture of the Brick Lane 'Banglatown' and Shoreditch areas as well ascurrent issues and street art. Booking essential via www.alternativeldn.co.uk

Bogan Bingo

One of the silliest alternative bingo nights in town. Two hilarious 'Wayne's World' styled hosts throw serious shapes to the likes of Bon Jovi and 'Eye of the Tiger' while calling the numbers. There are numerous prizes to be won, including the coveted Bogan Bingo lunch box, plenty of classic '80s pub rock and floods of stonewashed denim. All together now: bloody bingo! NB: Booking is essential via www.facebook.com/boganbingouk

Roller Disco

A sure fire super night out with skate marshalls on hand and plenty of space to whizz and wheel around in at this thrice-weekly roller disco, with a suitably '70s and '80s disco and funky soundtrack to, err, boot.

Trade Secrets In the Merchant’s House

The Art of Dining and The National Trust bring you Trade Secrets In the Merchant’s House. In the spirit of the merchants trading at sea, chef Ellen Parr has designed a five course menu inspired by 18th century recipes and full of twists and surprises revealed on the night. Be transported around the historical world of food trade and exchange with an exciting menu that plays with rich and exotic flavours teamed with the traditional food of the sea merchant. ....also this is the

Sounds Familiar Music Quiz

Eyes down and ears open for this rawkus music-fuelled quiz with rounds including 'Round of Cheese', 'Office Party' and 'Feel the Power Ballad'. Plus prizes including mugs, medals, champagne and more, and DJ AL compering and spinnign the tunes. Proper silly fun.

Zoo Bar

Its location in the heart of Soho means that Zoo Bar offers a convenient place to meet, while its late licence ensures that you can have a late drink and dance until the early hours.