The Podcast Pub Crawl: Cities Where Celebrity Podcasts Throw Live Shows

Beat the booking fog: how to plan a live-podcast pub crawl that actually works

Struggling to find last-minute weekend plans that feel effortless and local? Tired of outdated event pages, scalper prices and uncertain transit home after a late show? This guide turns that friction into a simple recipe: find the live podcast, book smart, pre-game near the venue, catch the taping, then hit a curated afterparty and run the commuter playbook home. We map city-by-city routes (from Ant & Dec’s new shows to subscription-driven networks like Goalhanger), list venues, late-night eats and transit tips so you can book fast and enjoy the night.

The trend to watch in 2026

Live podcasting in 2026 is a hybrid, subscription-driven nightlife engine. Networks such as Goalhanger have turned premium memberships into reliable revenue streams and early-ticket funnels — Goalhanger crossed 250,000 paying subscribers in late 2025, using perks like ad-free shows, early ticket access and members-only Discords for live-show drops. At the same time, celebrities and legacy presenters (Ant & Dec launched their podcast channel in early 2026) are turning a social media following into ticketed IRL experiences and afterparties.

“We asked our audience if we did a podcast what they would like it to be about, and they said ‘we just want you guys to hang out’.” — Ant & Dec, January 2026

How to use this guide (quick checklist)

• Scan your city section first for venue + timing cues.
• Use the ticketing tips (below) — subscribe to networks for early access.
• Follow the best nearby pubs and late-night eats to keep the night rolling.
• Note commuter transit tips for a safe, fast journey home.

Ticketing & booking—what changed in 2026 and how to win

Ticketing in 2026 is more complex but predictable if you know the levers. Here’s a pragmatic playbook.

1. Join subscription networks and newsletters

Why it matters: Networks (Goalhanger, Wondery+, independent hosts) now gate live-show pre-sales to subscribers. If you attend live tapings often, a membership often pays off through early access and lower fees.

2. Use mobile-first platforms and Verified Fan queues

Dice, SeatGeek and venue apps are mobile-first and increasingly require account verification. Register early, enable push notifications, and save payment details in advance to checkout fast during early access windows.

3. Set resale alerts — but be smart

Dynamic pricing and presales push demand on resale sites. Use alerts for price drops, but always compare fees. Some venues offer returns days before the show — that’s often the safest place to snag last-minute seats.

4. Hybrid passes and livestream backups

Many shows now include a livestream or recorded pass with in-person tickets. Book hybrid when possible — it’s insurance if your commute falls apart.

Safety & etiquette

• Arrive early for meet-and-greets only when explicitly advertised.
• Record only if the show allows — many tapings have strict policies.
• Pace drinks; afterparties can last until 2–3am in big cities — plan transit accordingly.

City-by-city podcast pub crawl guides

Below: curated routes for London, Manchester, New York, Los Angeles and Dublin. Each city block includes top venues for live tapings, a pre-show pub, a post-show afterparty spot, late-night eats and transit tips geared to commuters and weekenders.

London — West End & Camden crawl (Ant & Dec, subscription live hits)

London remains Europe’s busiest stage for celebrity podcast tapings and subscriber-network live shows. Expect bigger venues to host celebrity broadcasts while club rooms host experimental or subscriber-only nights.

• Typical venues: Eventim Apollo (Hammersmith), Shepherd’s Bush Empire, The Roundhouse (Camden), Kings Place (King’s Cross) — sizes vary 500–3,500.
• Pre-show pub: The Hurlingham (near Hammersmith) or The Dublin Castle (Camden) — classic live-music pubs with space for groups.
• Afterparty: Camden Assembly or The Jazz Café usually host informal meetups or DJ-led wind-downs after tapings.
• Late-night eats: Borough-style kebabs and late-night fish & chips stalls near major stations; for sit-down, Honest Burgers or Patty & Bun in Soho stay open late.

Transit tips: London’s Night Tube is live across key lines in 2026 (check TfL live updates). Use Oyster/contactless for fastest exit — apps like Citymapper show night bus alternatives. If you’re a weekend commuter coming from the suburbs, factor in engineering works on weekends; consider arriving earlier and planning a cab split back with friends if last trains are canceled.

Manchester — Northern powerhouse (subscriber shows & comedy crossover)

• Typical venues: O2 Victoria Warehouse, Albert Hall, Gorilla (small mid-size rooms for more intimate tapings).
• Pre-show pub: The Castle Hotel (Deansgate) — iconic and within walking distance of major venues.
• Afterparty: Club Aftershock spaces or basement venues in the Northern Quarter that host industry mixers and DJ sets.
• Late-night eats: Curry Mile-style late menus, or indie late-night diners in the Northern Quarter.

Transit tips: Manchester’s Metrolink runs late on event nights but frequencies drop after midnight. If you’re commuting from surrounding towns, check Northern or TransPennine Express engineering schedules and book a return ticket earlier in the night to avoid cancellations.

New York City — the biggest nights (celebrity & network live culture)

NYC is a 24/7 podcast live market — celebrity hosts, morning-show offshoots and subscription live experiences pop up across Manhattan and Brooklyn.

• Typical venues: The Beacon Theatre, Town Hall, Joe’s Pub, The Bell House (Brooklyn) — venues suited for 200–2,500 audiences.
• Pre-show pub: A local craft bar near the venue — Manhattan has countless pre-show cocktail spots; in Brooklyn, try a brewery in Gowanus or a bar in Williamsburg.
• Afterparty: Many shows coordinate off-site afterparties in bars or members’ clubs; check show notes for official partner venues to avoid crowds and scalpers.
• Late-night eats: Late-night pizza, halal carts and 24-hour diners are the reliable NYC playbook — perfect for post-show fuel.

Transit tips: NYC subway runs 24/7 but expect slower service overnight; check MTA realtime alerts. Ride-shares are easier late at night but factor surge pricing. If you commute in from suburbs, take an earlier commuter rail or secure a Lyft pool when possible.

Los Angeles — industry nights and industry-adjacent afterparties

LA’s podcast scene skews celebrity and industry-backed, with lots of afterparties tied to entertainment industry calendars.

• Typical venues: Largo at the Coronet (intimate, industry-heavy), The Montalbán, The Hollywood Bowl for massive special events.
• Pre-show pub: Sunset Strip bars near venues or smaller West Hollywood cocktail lounges.
• Afterparty: Hollywood clubs and private lounges often host invite-only afterparties. Look for official partner venues in show descriptions.
• Late-night eats: LA taco trucks and 24-hour diners — order ahead if you have a long line to beat.

Transit tips: LA is car-first. Use rideshares for late nights; if you’re commuting in by train, plan for last-mile rideshare or scooter trips. Parking apps and pool-splitting are essential to keep costs down.

Dublin — compact nights and intimate crowd energy

Irelands’ live-podcast nights often happen in classic music venues and theatres with tight crowds and lively afterparty pubs just outside the doors.

• Typical venues: Vicar Street, 3Olympia, The Button Factory — intimate stages that make for great live recordings.
• Pre-show pub: Local pubs near main venues — friendly crowds and often a pre-show buzz.
• Afterparty: Late bars and music venues in Temple Bar or nearby areas that take on post-event crowds.
• Late-night eats: Chipper-style late food and local takeaways are common and affordable.

Transit tips: Dublin’s transport network is compact; buses and taxis serve late-night routes. For commuters from the suburbs, book a return earlier or pre-book a taxi during weekends.

Example itinerary: a London Ant & Dec pub-crawl night (step-by-step)

This is a practical “doable” night that combines a live taping with a classic West London afterparty.

1. Buy early-access tickets via the Ant & Dec channel presale (if available) or venue presale — have your mobile pass ready.
2. Arrive two hours early: pre-show drinks at The Hurlingham; check-in with any merch stalls and official photo ops.
3. Attend the taping (1.5–2 hours typical). Keep your phone silent and respect recording rules.
4. Head to Camden Assembly for the official afterparty or a nearby pub; expect DJs and a crowd of fans.
5. Late-night eats: hit a 24/7 kebab or Honest Burgers to round the night out.
6. Transit home: check Night Tube. If your line is closed, use a night bus or split a rideshare to save on cost.

Advanced strategies for last-minute bookings

• Same-day returns: Many venues release returned seats 2–6 hours before showtime. Monitor the venue app for flash releases.
• Discord and fan chats: Subscriber Discords (Goalhanger-style) sometimes sell spare tickets or run member lotteries the day of the show.
• Venue waiting lists: Join waiting lists and opt into SMS alerts — these can bypass resale fees.
• Local promoter DMs: Small-run shows sometimes post cancellations on X or Instagram Stories — follow promoters and venue social handles for last-minute drops.

Budgeting & saving tips

• Buy memberships for networks you attend most — the annual break-even can be low if you hit two live shows with early access.
• Carpool rideshares when trains end or split a taxi — it’s cheaper and safer late at night.
• Pack a stadium-proof refillable water bottle to avoid buying overpriced drinks.

Commuter-friendly planning checklist

• Check weekend engineering on your rail line three days before traveling.
• Pre-book a return ticket or ride-share if your home station has limited late-night service.
• Schedule a buffer: aim to finish the night 30–45 minutes before the last guaranteed service.
• Use a hybrid ticket where possible — livestream access + in-person protects you from travel disruptions.

The future of live podcasts & nightlife — what to expect in late 2026 and beyond

Two big shifts are shaping the next few years:

1. Subscription-first funnels: Networks will continue converting listeners into paying members, using live shows as exclusive perks and early ticket access. Expect more members-only tapings and exclusive afterparties.
2. Hybrid & verified experiences: Verified-mobile tickets, hybrid livestreaming, and backstage-AR/VR extras will be common. These technologies give late arrivals a way to stay connected without missing the show.

For commuters and weekend warriors this means more options — but also a need to plan (or subscribe) ahead to capture the best seats and afterparty invites.

Quick recap — how to run a successful podcast pub crawl

• Subscribe to networks and venue newsletters for early ticket access.
• Plan pre-show and post-show venues within walking distance to minimize transit risk.
• Use mobile ticketing, hybrid access and resale alerts to snag last-minute seats.
• Factor in late-night transit and split rideshares to save money and stay safe.

Real-world example: why Goalhanger’s model matters to you

Goalhanger’s subscriber milestone in late 2025 (250k paying subs) shows why networks matter. Subscribers get early access to live-show tickets and members-only chatrooms where spare tickets appear. For fans, that transforms a scramble into a reliable pipeline for must-see live tapings — and creates official afterparty partnerships that make nights out go smoother.

Last tips from an insider planner

• Do a dry run: If you’re new to a city, arrive at the venue area earlier in the day to confirm transit and parking.
• Group coordination: Use a shared location pin and a dedicated chat for the crew — it beats frantic calls after the show.
• Merch & meetups: Bring cash for merch; official meet-and-greets are usually separate-ticket items.

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Ready to map your next podcast pub crawl? Sign up for our curated weekend calendar for live podcast tapings, presale alerts, and city-specific pub crawl itineraries — you’ll get actionable plans, transit hacks and last-minute ticket tactics to make every night out effortless. Plan smart, book fast, and enjoy the live show.

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