How to Recover After a Night of Pub Crawling in London
Waking up in a London flat after a night of pub crawling isn’t just a hangover-it’s a city experience. Whether you started at The Churchill Arms in Notting Hill, danced through Camden’s dive bars, or ended up debating football at The Spaniard in Soho, London’s nightlife doesn’t ease you out gently. The city’s mix of historic pubs, 24-hour pharmacies, and tube lines that never truly sleep means your recovery needs to be just as London-specific as the night before.
Hydrate Like a Local-Not Just Water
Water is essential, but in London, it’s not enough. After a night of Guinness, lager, and cheap cocktails, your body is low on electrolytes. Head to your nearest Superdrug or Boots and grab an oral rehydration solution like Hydralyte or Lucozade Sport. These are stocked everywhere-from 24-hour pharmacies near King’s Cross to corner shops in Shoreditch. Skip the sugary energy drinks; they’ll spike your blood sugar and crash you harder later. Instead, mix a pinch of sea salt and a teaspoon of honey into a large glass of warm water. It’s the old-school British remedy, and it still works.Don’t forget: London’s tap water is among the safest in the world. Fill up a bottle from your kitchen sink-no need to buy bottled water unless you’re on the go. Many Tube stations now have free water refill stations, especially near major hubs like Waterloo, Victoria, and Liverpool Street.
Food That Actually Helps-No More Chips
You’re tempted by a greasy fry-up from a 24-hour chippy near Brixton or a kebab from a late-night stall in Leicester Square. But a proper British breakfast is the real recovery tool. Head to a local café-not a chain. Places like The Breakfast Club in Soho, Hatch in Shoreditch, or The Wolseley in Piccadilly serve full English breakfasts with baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and black pudding. The protein and slow carbs stabilize your blood sugar. Skip the hash browns if you’re bloated; go for toast with marmalade instead. The natural sugars help replenish glycogen without overwhelming your liver.And yes, a cup of strong tea matters. English breakfast tea, brewed for three minutes, with a splash of milk, is your best friend. It’s not just comfort-it’s caffeine without the jittery crash of energy drinks. If you’re in a rush, grab a Yorkshire Tea bag from any corner shop and steep it in a mug with hot water from a kettle. No fancy gadgets needed.
Move-Even If You Feel Like a Zombie
Sitting on the sofa won’t fix your headache. London’s air is clean enough after 8 a.m. to take a walk. Put on your coat, grab your keys, and walk to the nearest park. Regent’s Park, Hampstead Heath, or even the quieter paths along the Thames between Tower Bridge and Southwark Bridge will do. Fresh air, sunlight, and gentle movement help flush out toxins and reset your circadian rhythm.Don’t go for a run unless you’re already fit. A 20-minute stroll is enough. You’ll notice your headache dulling as you pass through the morning bustle of Borough Market or hear the distant chime of Big Ben. If you’re near the river, walk along the South Bank. The view of the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament might just make you smile-and that’s half the battle.
Use What’s Already Around You
London’s infrastructure is built for the hungover. Many pharmacies have headache relief packs with paracetamol, ibuprofen, and rehydration sachets sold together. Look for Asda, Sainsbury’s Local, or Co-op near your flat-they’re open early and have the basics. Avoid mixing painkillers with alcohol; even a small amount left in your system can strain your liver. Stick to paracetamol only if you drank heavily.If you’re in central London, consider a 24-hour pharmacy like Boots on Oxford Street or Superdrug on Tottenham Court Road. They’re open 24/7 and staffed by pharmacists who’ve seen it all. Ask for a hangover relief pack-they’ll hand you exactly what you need without judgment.
Rest Like a Londoner-No Guilt
You’ve got a meeting at 10 a.m.? Skip the coffee. Skip the shower if you’re dizzy. Londoners know: recovery isn’t optional, it’s strategic. Lie down. Close the curtains. Use a sleep mask if you have one. Your body is still detoxing. Don’t fight it. If you’re working from home, turn your phone to Do Not Disturb. London’s work culture is changing-many firms now accept a half-day recovery after a team night out, especially if you’re in marketing, media, or creative industries.And if you’re a tourist? Don’t rush to see the Tower of London today. Save it for tomorrow. The British Museum’s reading room or the National Gallery’s quiet corners are better for a slow, low-stimulus recovery. Sit on a bench, sip water, and watch the locals go about their day. You’ll feel less like a tourist and more like someone who belongs here.
Prevention: The Real London Secret
The best recovery is avoiding the crash in the first place. London’s pub crawls often start at 7 p.m. and end at 3 a.m.-that’s eight hours of drinking. Here’s the rule: one glass of water for every alcoholic drink. Keep a small bottle in your coat pocket. Drink it between pints. Eat before you go-no one wants to start a crawl on an empty stomach. Grab a pie and mash from M. Manze in Peckham or a sandwich from Brindisa in Borough Market before you head out.And know your limits. Londoners don’t brag about how much they drank. They brag about how well they handled it. If you’re not used to British lager (5% ABV is standard), pace yourself. Try a session ale-lower alcohol, better flavor. Breweries like Fuller’s or BrewDog have them on tap in most pubs.
When to Seek Help
If you’re vomiting repeatedly, can’t keep fluids down, or feel confused or disoriented, don’t wait. London has free NHS services for emergencies. Call 111 or head to your nearest A&E. Hospitals like St Thomas’ or King’s College Hospital treat hangover complications daily. You’re not weak for needing help-you’re smart.And if you’re an expat? Don’t be embarrassed. Everyone in London has been there. From the finance bros in Canary Wharf to the students in Camden, the city doesn’t judge. It just expects you to bounce back.
Can I take ibuprofen after a night of pub crawling in London?
Yes-but only if you haven’t drunk alcohol in the last 6 hours. Ibuprofen can irritate your stomach lining, especially when combined with alcohol. Paracetamol is safer for most people. Avoid both if you’re vomiting or dehydrated. Always check with a pharmacist at Boots or Superdrug if you’re unsure.
What’s the best place to get breakfast after a pub crawl in London?
Try The Breakfast Club in Soho or Hatch in Shoreditch for a full English with fresh coffee. If you’re in East London, The Breakfast Club’s Brick Lane branch has a 24-hour menu. For something lighter, head to Leon in Covent Garden for a veggie breakfast bowl. Avoid chain cafes like Starbucks-they’re expensive and don’t offer the real recovery food.
Is it okay to take a Tube home after a night out if I feel hungover?
Yes, but sit down. London’s Tube is crowded, especially on weekend mornings. Avoid standing near doors. Use the priority seating. Many stations now have benches near ticket gates. If you’re dizzy, ask a station staff member for help-they’re trained to assist people feeling unwell. Don’t hesitate to say you’re not feeling well; Londoners are used to it.
Are there any London-specific hangover remedies locals swear by?
Many swear by a spicy tomato juice-a shot of tomato juice with Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and a dash of Tabasco. It’s called a Virgin Bloody Mary and is sold at places like The Lock Tavern in Camden. Others drink warm lemon water with ginger. Both help settle the stomach and reduce inflammation. It’s not magic, but it’s a ritual.
How long does a London pub crawl hangover usually last?
Most people feel better within 12 to 24 hours if they hydrate, eat, and rest. If you drank heavily and didn’t eat, it can last up to 36 hours. The key is not to drink again the next day. London’s culture is shifting-many now treat recovery as part of the night out, not a failure.