The Birdcage: Pub in Shoreditch, London

The Birdcage in E2 is a good pick for a night out that doesn't need a plan. Karaoke and quiz nights are the staples here, the kind of evenings where a table of strangers ends up on the same team. Karaoke suits people who want to sing badly and laugh about it. Quiz nights suit groups who like friendly competition and think they know more than they do. The crowd tends to be local and easygoing. Bring a few mates, or come alone and see who ends up next to you. The programming leans social, so the night depends as much on who turns up as on the schedule. Pick by mood. Go for a singalong if you want to be loud. Go for a quiz if you want to think on your feet.