5x Best Sip and Paint in London

Okay, we need to talk about something that can absolutely transform your weekends in London ... sip and paint sessions! You know those evenings when you want to do something creative but also want to have a proper laugh with your mates over a glass of wine? That's exactly what these are, and we've found the absolute BEST spots across London.

I'm talking about those magical sessions where you can unleash your inner Picasso (even if you can barely draw a stick figure), sip on something delicious, and actually leave with artwork you're weirdly proud of. No judgement, all vibes, and honestly some of the best nights out I've had recently.

Let me walk you through the top five sip and paint experiences in London. Trust me, by the end of this you'll be booking your next creative night out faster than you can say "pass the Pinot Grigio."

Start with Art Play

Listen, if there's one place you NEED to try first, it's Art Play. Honestly, this place has become my go-to recommendation for literally anyone asking about sip and paint in London, and here's why.

Art Play is brilliantly positioned right in that sweet spot between Spitalfields, Liverpool Street, and Shoreditch (basically prime location for a night out in East London). You know that area where everything cool seems to happen? Yeah, they're right there in the thick of it. After your painting session, you've got about a million amazing restaurants, bars, and late-night spots right on your doorstep. It's perfect for making a whole evening of it.

But here's what really gets me excited – they're opening a MASSIVE new venue in Chelsea soon! I'm talking bigger space, more sessions, and all that Chelsea sophistication mixed with their signature laid-back creative vibes. If you've ever felt like West London needed more of this energy, your prayers are about to be answered.

What makes Art Play stand out from the crowd? First off, their instructors are genuinely talented artists who also happen to be brilliant teachers. They have this gift for making even the most artistically challenged person (hi, that was me on my first visit) feel like they can actually create something beautiful. They break everything down into super manageable steps, so you're never sitting there staring at a blank canvas in panic mode.

The atmosphere is absolutely spot-on too. It's relaxed enough that you don't feel pressured, but there's this lovely creative energy buzzing around the room. Everyone's chatting, laughing, comparing paintings, and genuinely having the best time. Plus, the drinks selection is solid – they've got everything from wine and prosecco to cocktails and soft drinks if you're keeping it alcohol-free.

The paintings they teach change regularly, so you could honestly go back multiple times and never paint the same thing twice. I've done everything from moody London skylines to abstract pieces that actually look incredible hanging in my flat. Each session is usually around 2-3 hours, which is the perfect amount of time to get properly into it without feeling rushed.

Price-wise, they're super reasonable considering you're getting instruction, all your materials, and drinks included. Most sessions run between £35-45, which when you think about what you'd spend on a regular night out in London anyway, is actually pretty good value - especially since you leave with actual art!

The booking system on their website is dead easy too. You can see all the upcoming sessions, what you'll be painting, and grab your spot in literally two minutes. They often do themed nights as well - think Valentine's specials, Halloween paintings, Christmas scenes - which add an extra fun element to the whole experience.

Honestly, whether you're planning a date night, a catch-up with friends, a birthday celebration, or even a solo creative evening, Art Play absolutely delivers. It's become my number one recommendation, and I genuinely can't wait to check out their Chelsea venue when it opens.

Sip and Paint Spitalfields

Right, let's talk about the Spitalfields sip and paint scene because this area is absolutely buzzing with creative energy. If you're anywhere near Spitalfields Market or you're already planning to spend time in this gorgeous historic part of East London, adding a sip and paint session to your day is a no-brainer.

The Spitalfields area has this incredible mix of old-world charm and modern creativity. You've got those beautiful Victorian market buildings, independent boutiques, vintage shops, and some of the best food stalls in London. It's the kind of place where you can spend a whole Saturday just wandering around, and a sip and paint session fits perfectly into that vibe.

Art Play's location near Spitalfields means you're perfectly positioned to make a proper day of it. I usually tell people to hit up the market in the afternoon, grab some amazing street food (the food game there is STRONG), do a bit of shopping, and then head to your painting session in the evening. It's such a lovely flow to the day.

What I love about doing sip and paint in Spitalfields specifically is the creative atmosphere that already exists in the area. You're surrounded by artists, makers, and creative businesses, so it feels like you're tapping into something bigger than just a painting class. There's this sense that creativity is just part of the fabric of the neighborhood.

The crowds you get at Spitalfields sessions tend to be a really fun mix too – locals who live in the area, people visiting for the market, tourists who've discovered this gem, creative professionals unwinding after work. Everyone brings such good energy, and I've met some genuinely lovely people at these sessions.

Transport-wise, you cannot beat it. Liverpool Street station is right there, you've got multiple tube lines, buses everywhere, and it's super accessible from pretty much anywhere in London. No one has any excuse not to come! Even if you're living south of the river (shoutout to my South London crew, we'll get to you later), getting to Spitalfields for an evening is totally doable.

The surrounding area also means you have endless options for extending your evening. Want to grab dinner after? You've got everything from proper sit-down restaurants to casual eateries. Fancy some drinks? The bars around Spitalfields and Commercial Street are brilliant. It's one of those areas where the night can go wherever you want it to.

Sip and Paint Liverpool Street

Liverpool Street! Can we just appreciate how convenient this location is for basically everyone? Whether you're coming from work, traveling in from outside London, or meeting friends from different parts of the city, Liverpool Street is just ridiculously accessible.

Having a quality sip and paint option right by Liverpool Street station is genuinely genius. I mean, this is one of the busiest stations in London – hundreds of thousands of people pass through every single day. The fact that you can literally finish work, hop off your train or tube, and be painting with a glass of wine in hand within minutes is pretty perfect if you ask me.

For anyone who commutes into Liverpool Street for work, this is ideal for those "let's do something straight after work" situations. You know when you finish at 5 or 6 and you want to actually DO something rather than just heading home, but you also can't be bothered to trek across London? This is your answer. Just book an evening session, maybe grab a quick bite at one of the many food spots around the station, and you're sorted.

Of course you have Art Play Sip n Paint just across from Liverpool Street Station but you also have PopUp Painting: Sip and Paint which are painting classes that pop up across nearby venues too so the possibilities are endless! Art experiences for all!

The Liverpool Street area itself has had such a glow-up in recent years. Yes, it's a major transport hub, but it's also got this brilliant mix of old architecture, modern buildings, and a really vibrant food and drink scene. The area around Bishopsgate and towards Spitalfields is packed with great spots, so your pre or post-painting options are endless.

I've done several sessions around Liverpool Street and what strikes me every time is how diverse the crowd is. You get city workers still in their suits painting next to students, couples on date night, groups of friends celebrating birthdays – it's such a great mix. There's something quite equalizing about everyone standing at their easels, paintbrush in hand, regardless of where they've come from that day.

The timing of sessions around Liverpool Street tends to be really well thought out too. They know people are coming straight from work, so evening sessions usually start at sensible times like 6:30 or 7pm. Just enough time to grab yourself together after the work day, but not so late that you're getting home at midnight on a Wednesday.

And can we talk about how nice it is to have a proper creative outlet right in the middle of the business district? Liverpool Street is traditionally all about finance, commerce, getting from A to B – having these pockets of creativity and fun right there feels like such a good balance. It's like a reminder that London isn't just about work, work, work.

The Art Play venue's proximity to Liverpool Street means you're also close to some brilliant independent coffee shops for a pre-session caffeine hit, amazing lunch spots if you're making an afternoon of it, and proper good restaurants for after. The whole area around there – towards Shoreditch, into Spitalfields, even towards the City – is just packed with options.

Sip and Paint Shoreditch

Okay bestie, we need to talk about Shoreditch because if there's anywhere in London that just GETS the creative vibe, it's here. Shoreditch has been the epicenter of London's creative scene for years now, and honestly, sip and paint fits into this neighborhood like it was always meant to be here.

The whole aesthetic of Shoreditch – the street art, the vintage shops, the independent galleries, the quirky bars – it all creates this atmosphere where creativity isn't just accepted, it's celebrated. Walking around Shoreditch, you're constantly surrounded by art, so adding your own painting session into the mix feels totally natural.

Aside from Art Play, Pinot & Picasso Sip n Paint is always great in Shoreditch, and the crowd is always so up for it. These sessions attract creative people, people who appreciate art, people who want to try something different. The energy is always fantastic, and there's this unspoken understanding that everyone's here to have fun and experiment without taking themselves too seriously.

The Shoreditch location is also brilliant for making a whole day or evening of it. Seriously, you could spend hours just wandering around looking at street art, popping into vintage stores on Brick Lane, browsing the markets, grabbing amazing food from literally any direction. Then roll into your sip and paint session feeling inspired by everything you've seen.

Brick Lane is right there, which means some of the best curry houses in London are on your doorstep. Boxpark is close by if you want street food and drinks in a cool setting. The coffee shops around Shoreditch are next level – we're talking proper specialty coffee, not your chain cafe nonsense. And don't even get me started on the bars and pubs because you could try a different one every weekend for a year and still have new places to discover.

Transport to Shoreditch is easy too. You've got Shoreditch High Street station, Liverpool Street is walking distance, and loads of buses come through the area. Plus, it's become such a destination in its own right that people are happy to make the journey there specifically.

The vibe at Shoreditch sip and paint sessions tends to be a bit edgier, a bit more experimental than some other locations. People here are often pushing themselves creatively, trying different techniques, not afraid to go bold with colors. It brings out this brilliant "let's just go for it" attitude that makes the whole experience more fun.

I've also noticed that the instructor-led sessions in Shoreditch sometimes feature more contemporary or street art-inspired pieces, which makes sense given the neighborhood. You might be painting an abstract cityscape, a modern portrait, something with bold graphic elements – it fits perfectly with the Shoreditch aesthetic.

And honestly? There's something quite cool about creating art in the middle of one of London's most artistic neighborhoods. You're literally surrounded by creativity – from the graffiti on the walls outside to the galleries around the corner – and it's infectious in the best possible way.

Sip and Paint Clapham

Now let's head South! Clapham, my loves, is having a MOMENT with sip and paint, and I am here for it. If you're based in South London or Southwest, you'll know that sometimes the trek to East London for a fun evening can feel like a bit of a mission. Having quality sip and paint options in Clapham is genuinely such a game-changer.

Clapham has this lovely village-y feel despite being a major area of London. You've got Clapham Common for those gorgeous outdoor vibes, the Old Town with its charming streets and independent shops, and then the bustling high street with all its restaurants and bars. It's the perfect blend of residential comfort and proper London energy.

If you're looking for a brilliant sip and paint experience in Clapham, definitely check out Heinma's Paint Your Mood sessions. They've absolutely nailed the vibe - creative, relaxing, and perfect for a night out with mates or even a solo creative adventure. The whole concept of "painting your mood" means you're not just following along robotically; you're actually channeling how you're feeling into art, which is surprisingly therapeutic and fun. Plus, their Clapham location is super easy to get to and the atmosphere is exactly what you want - welcoming, creative, and zero pressure to be perfect.

The crowds here it tend to be a lot of locals, people who live in the surrounding areas like Battersea, Balham, Wandsworth. There's this really friendly, community feel to it. Everyone's much more likely to strike up a conversation, share painting tips, laugh about their mistakes together. It feels less anonymous than some Central London sessions, if that makes sense?

Heinma's Paint Your Mood sessions in Clapham are brilliant for organising with friends who are scattered across South London. Whether they're coming from Brixton, Tooting, Putney, or even further out, Clapham is that central meeting point that works for everyone. The transport links are excellent - Northern Line, loads of buses, and it's accessible by train too.

I've noticed that Clapham sessions tend to attract a lot of birthday groups, hen parties, and friend celebrations. It's got that party vibe while still being creative and a bit different from your standard night out. The energy is always brilliant – people are there to celebrate, have fun, maybe discover a hidden talent they didn't know they had.

The timing works really well for Clapham too. Weekend afternoon sessions are particularly popular here, which makes sense – you can do brunch on Clapham High Street (the brunch game is STRONG), wander through the Common if the weather's nice, then paint in the afternoon before heading out for evening drinks. It's such a nice Saturday or Sunday activity.

And speaking of drinks, the bar and restaurant scene in Clapham means your post-painting options are endless. Whether you want craft cocktails, a cozy pub, wine bars, or casual dining, it's all right there. I've had some brilliant evenings that started with painting and ended with dinner and drinks, all within walking distance.

The Clapham crowd also tends to be really supportive and encouraging. Maybe it's that South London solidarity, but people are always complimenting each other's work, helping out if someone's struggling, creating this lovely collaborative atmosphere. It never feels competitive or stressful.

Sip and Paint South London

Okay bestie, let's talk about South London more broadly because this whole area deserves SO much love when it comes to sip and paint. For too long, everything cool seemed to happen north of the river, but South London has seriously stepped up its game, and the creative scene is absolutely thriving.

South London covers such a huge, diverse area – from Clapham and Battersea in the southwest, down to Brixton, Peckham, and Dulwich, across to Greenwich and Lewisham in the southeast. Each area has its own distinct personality and creative community, and sip and paint sessions have started popping up across all of these neighborhoods.

BUT a personal favourite is Sip n Paint at Prince of Peckham Pub. Did you know that even existed?

What I particularly love about here is how they tap into the unique creative energy of the area. South London has always had this independent, slightly rebellious spirit – it's where artists and creatives have historically moved when Central London got too expensive. That authentic creativity comes through in the sessions.

There's less pretension, more genuine enthusiasm, and people are just there to have a laugh and try something new. Join a paint session in Peckham to find that welcoming South London energy.

Also, transport across South London has also improved SO much in recent years. Yes, we're still waiting for more tube lines (the struggle is real), but the Overground expansion, better bus routes, and cycling infrastructure mean getting around is easier than ever. Most sip and paint venues are positioned near transport hubs or in central areas that are accessible from multiple directions.

For anyone living in South London, having local sip and paint options means you can do something creative and fun without the hassle of trekking into Central or East London. You can literally walk or take a short bus ride to your session, and that convenience factor is massive. It's the difference between "yeah, I'll book that" and "oh, it's too far, can't be bothered."

The South London food and drink scene has also absolutely exploded, which means your pre and post-painting options are incredible. From the market stalls at Brixton Village to the rooftop bars in Peckham, the gastropubs dotted everywhere, the independent coffee shops – wherever you're having your painting session, you can build a proper fun day or evening around it.

I've also noticed that South London sip and paint sessions often have a slightly more laid-back, less corporate feel. Maybe it's the general South London vibe, but sessions feel less like a formal class and more like a creative hangout with friends. The instructors tend to be really approachable, and there's this sense that everyone's just there to express themselves and enjoy the process.

Weekend sessions in South London are particularly brilliant because you can properly make a day of it. Saturday afternoon painting session? Perfect. Follow it up with a wander through one of South London's many parks or markets, grab dinner somewhere amazing, maybe catch some live music if you're near Brixton or Peckham. The whole area is set up for these kind of spontaneous, creative days out.

And honestly, the sense of community in South London makes these sessions extra special. You're much more likely to bump into people you know, make local connections, discover other creative events happening in your area. It feeds into this whole ecosystem of creativity and community that South London does so well.

Voila!

So there you have it - our comprehensive guide to the absolute best sip and paint experiences in London! Whether you're in East London exploring the Spitalfields, Liverpool Street, and Shoreditch scenes, or you're keeping it local in Clapham and South London, there's genuinely something for everyone.

If you take away one thing from this ramble, make it this: start with Art Play. Seriously, their combination of talented instructors, great atmosphere, prime location between Spitalfields, Liverpool Street and Shoreditch, and that exciting new Chelsea venue opening soon – they've just nailed the formula. Book a session, bring your mates (or come solo and make new friends), and prepare to surprise yourself with what you can create.

Sip and paint has honestly become one of my favourite things to do in London. It's creative without being intimidating, social without feeling forced, and you leave with something tangible to remember the experience. Plus, in a city that can sometimes feel all go-go-go, there's something really lovely about slowing down, getting creative, and just enjoying the process of making something with your hands.

Whether you're celebrating something special, looking for a unique date idea, want to try something new with friends, or just fancy doing something a bit different on a Wednesday evening – sip and paint is where it's at. London's creative scene is thriving, and these sessions are the perfect way to tap into it without needing any experience or artistic background.

Now stop reading and go book yourself a session! Your inner artist is waiting, bestie. Trust me on this one – you're going to love it. And when you're standing there with your finished painting, glass in hand, feeling ridiculously proud of yourself, you can thank me later.

See you at the easel! 🎨🍷