Be inspired

Just finished work and wondering what to do with the rest of your evening? Whether you’re catching up with colleagues, meeting friends or simply looking to make more of your time after work, Basingstoke and Deane has plenty to offer.

Food, drinks and evening catchups in Basingstoke town centre

Kick off your evening with food and drinks in Festival Place, where you’ll find everything from casual dining to cocktails, including Cosy Club and Five Guys. 

If you prefer independent venues, head to the Top of the Town, where you’ll find a fantastic range of independent restaurants serving cuisine from around the world:

• The Olive House for Turkish and Mediterranean dishes
• Elai, serving south Indian cuisine
• The Lime Leaf for authentic Thai food
• Chulo Thakali Kitchen for Nepalese favourites
• Chennai Express, with a menu showcasing the best of south Indian cuisine
• Da Mariu for family-run Italian dining
• Mayflower Chinese for authentic Chinese food  
• Mono Pizza for award-winning Neapolitan pizza 
• Omakase for family-run Japanese cuisine
• Raai for a delightful mix of south and north Indian quick bites
• The Meldiz Turkish Restaurant for Mediterranean-inspired flavours

At the Top of the Town you’ll also find everything from cosy pubs and cocktail bars, to sports venues and local favourites:

• Duck and Tipple, known for its freshly made cocktails and craft beers
• Royal Exchange for cocktails and great value drinks
• Alchemy Bar & Lounge, a coffee house by day and a cosy wine and cocktail bar by night
• The Post Box, a sports bar offering darts, pool and a virtual sports simulator
• The Tea Bar, a popular spot for live music and regular events
• Laarsen's, a sports pub  
• The White Hart, a community-led pub popular with locals
• Wote Street Club, friendly local hub for drinks and entertainment 
• If you’re not quite ready to head home, continue the evening at Labyrinth Nightclub, Bierkeller or Duel, where you can dance into the early hours.

Challenge your friends and colleagues

Looking for something a little more interactive?

Put your teamwork skills to the test at Escape Hunt in Festival place, open until 10pm, or tackle the immersive challenges at Trapped in Fiction on Winchester Street.

Enjoy some friendly competition at Hollywood Bowl at Basingstoke Leisure Park or Superbowl in Festival Place, both offering late opening and plenty of fun.

The Tavern Gaming Café is packed with board games and serves food and drinks, making it a great place to unwind after work.
You can also challenge friends to darts, shuffleboard or pool at The Post Box Sports Bar, or head to Academy Social and Sports Club for pool, snooker and darts.

For something unforgettable, experience the thrill of indoor skydiving at iFly Basingstoke at Basingstoke Leisure Park.

Quiz nights and live entertainment 

If you enjoy a challenge, gather a team for a quiz night at venues including Tavern Gaming Café, The Holly Blue, Queens College Arms and Duck and Tipple.

Music lovers can enjoy regular live performances at The Tea Bar, The White Hart and The Loft at Lychpit Village Hall.

For bigger performances, comedy and live music, take a look at what’s on at Anvil Arts, home to The Anvil, The Haymarket and The Forge.

Fancy a film instead? Vue Cinema in Festival Place is perfect for a relaxed evening out.

Feeling creative? Why not try something different after work? Pots2Paint at Viables Craft Centre offers pottery painting sessions, while Laura Fisher hosts candle-making workshops.

Please note the inclusion of any business within this listing should not be seen as an endorsement of their services. While the information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.   

Last updated September 2026