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 Simply sexy |
10 Air Street London, London W1R 5AB United Kingdom +44 20 7734 9990 http://www.10-room.co.uk/ |
A civilised fusion of bold, rich colours and a splash of decadence give this lounge bar a rather opulent feel. Prices and clientele tend to match the atmosphere, but the cocktail list is as extensive as you like, with bar staff creating individual concoctions to match your personality. Kick back in a chaise loungue or oversized winged armchair, and let the smooth jazz tunes fly you to a true lounge lizard experience. The food menu features light bites such as canapés and wun tun. Members are bestowed with privileges and the dress/personality code is inimitably funky to complement resident DJs' mix of jazz, funk, and R'n'B jams. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Back to basics clubbing |
333 Old Street Shoreditch London, London EC1V 9LE United Kingdom +44 20 7739 5949 http://www.333mother.com/ |
Taking an anti super-club stance, 333 has long sought to represent the non-commercial face of London's club-land, with an emphasis on good music and good fun. Popular with bohemian Shoreditch artisans and students alike, 333 is one of East London's most credible venues and offers a brazen mishmash of disparate sounds and styles. For instance, long running night Off Centre concentrates on jazz, hip-hop and soul, while Perverted Science dishes up a cutting-edge mix of house, funk and disco, and Renegade Pop Party satisfies your cheesy side with 80s classics courtesy of Kid Jensen. Décor wise 333 is sparse to say the least, with little thought having being put into the design and aesthetic - but that's the way they like it here. And who can blame them? Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: dollydaggers.com |
 Top-notch jazz |
90 Lots Road Chelsea London, London SW10 0QD United Kingdom +44 20 7352 5953 http://www.606club.co.uk/ |
This club is an old swinger, having played jazz for over a quarter of a century. The venue is well known on the jazz circuit, both in London and internationally, playing host to top-name musicians as well as up-and-coming artists. Entrance is reserved for members only, unless you happen to know the management or have booked a table for a meal. A typical basement jazz venue, the dim lighting and cozy table arrangement make for a perfect atmosphere. This relaxed club is perhaps not as renowned as Ronnie Scott's, but is definitely up there with 100 Club and Camden's Jazz Café. Food is Mediterranean, and there is a house stipulation that you can't consume alcohol unless you're a member or are having a meal. Membership costs £95 a year and, to become a member, you must prove that you have visited the club at least three times before. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matteo  |
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Outstanding pub and restaurant |
52 Victoria Street London, London SW1H 0NP United Kingdom +44 20 7222 5577 |
With cut-glass windows and original gas lights, this quaint pub and restaurant has a truly traditional feel. Within easy walking distance of Victoria Station and the famous New Scotland Yard, The Albert's first-floor restaurant is highly recommended for a reasonably priced pub lunch. At night, there is a picturesque view of Westminster Cathedral. The Albert can usually guarantee a table in pleasing surroundings, but it can sometimes be packed with coach parties. The bar offers standard pub fare. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Salafia |
 Photo: Coussier |
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A pub of grandeur and status |
41-43 Mount Street Mayfair London, London W1K 2RX United Kingdom +44 20 7499 1843 |
With its original Victorian burgundy ceiling, chandeliers and clocks, and its location between Berkley Square and Park Lane, pubs do not come much grander than this. Commissioned by the first Duke of Westminster in the early 1880s, the Audley's neo-French Renaissance aesthetic - all red brickwork and pink terracotta - was designed to please the most gentlemanly of gentlemen. And, to a degree, it still is. With a full array of drinks on offer, and a friendly, old-school-tie charm, the Audley is a cut above more rank and file boozers, and a good deal classier than the fashionable bars of the City. Beware, though, on weekends it fills up with tourists, often eager to sample its traditional English fare - several courses, complete with port and stilton. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Luke Best |
 Photo: kelly kress |
 Old and traditional |
8 Dorset Street Marylebone London W1U 6QW United Kingdom +44 20 7935 7318 |
Situated between Oxford Street and Regent's Park, this is the oldest pub in this quarter of the capital. Its décor is very traditional, with much wood panelling and private booths (designed many years ago with 19th century pawnbrokers in mind). Originally built to serve the farm workers of this once agricultural area, The Barley Mow has now been swallowed up by the vast city that London has become. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: alias archie |
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On the bank of the River Thames |
13 Lower Mall London, London W6 9DJ United Kingdom +44 871 332 4372 |
The Blue Anchor is a small pub found perched on the north bank of the River Thames, just up the river from the ornate Hammersmith Bridge. It has an intimate atmosphere that is easy to sink into, the only background noise being the hum of conversation. At the front, there are benches overlooking the river, ideal for balmy evenings and long hot summer Sundays. On Boat Race Day this pub is invariably packed, and throughout the rest of the year it is frequented by those needing a cool, refreshing beer by the river. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: matraxhiu |
 Photo: Roland Cooper |
 Photo: Christian Vandersee |
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Cosmopolitan classy club |
3-4 Coventry Street Soho London, London W1 United Kingdom +44 20 7734 7700 / +44 20 7395 5806 http://www.cafedeparis.com |
A sweeping staircase brings you elegantly into the bar and dance floor of what started out as a swanky ballroom in the 1920's. You can book a 'drinking table' on the mezzanine or the dance floor; the restaurant is open on weekends with live cabaret-style entertainment available. The modern British menu is fairly impressive. Starters range from soup to caviar (three varieties, at a supplement) while fish, meat and vegetarian dishes compete for your attention for mains. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: FoxySeaCaptain |
 Photo: Dale Harvey |
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Swanky and suave bar |
23 St. James's Street London, London SW1A 1HE United Kingdom +44 20 7747 9380 |
This swanky restaurant, bar and cigar club is quite simply mucho a la mode. The menu boasts international fare, which suits the jet setters that frequent the club. The lunch menu includes such delicacies as roasted squab, quail and skate, pasta, risotto and ciabatta sandwiches. Starters cost about GBP7 and main courses are around GBP15. Dinner prices are much steeper, but the wider selection of soup, shellfish, grilled meats and poultry that form part of the kitchen's skilled repertoire, are well worth it. A veggie menu is available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Classic Clerkenwell haunt |
132-136 St John Street London, London EC1V 4JT United Kingdom +44 20 7608 1550 |
One of the first bars to get in on the Clerkenwell gentrification of the mid-90s, Cicada helped define the area's style and remains one of its most popular haunts. Naturally, then, it's laid-back cool all the way, with dim lighting, sumptuous leather sofas, refreshingly confined-to-the-background music and a neutral color scheme. For those that fancy lining their stomachs before the night's merriment truly gets underway, Cicada serves up an exquisite range of Thai delights - with the Chili Squid and the Thai Green Curry being especially delicious. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Peter Dreidle |
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Superb selection of real ales |
18 Bateman Street (Soho) London, London W1D 3AJ United Kingdom +44 20 7494 0697 / +44 871 332 4931 |
Taking over the corner of Bateman and Frith streets in the trendy, vibrant Soho, The Dog and Duck was continuously voted Soho's Pub of the Year in the early 1990's, and it is still one of the best to this day. It draws in the punters with a winning combination of cask ales and original architecture (dating from 1897), featuring Victorian-style tiles, mahogany panels and antique-mirrored advertisements. Proudly under a preservation order, it provides a peaceful environment for those seeking a drink in traditional surroundings in this high-flying London hotbed. This is a true pub - no food served. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: bob walker |
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Dance floor material |
77a Charterhouse Street London, London EC1M 3HN United Kingdom +44 20 7336 8898 http://www.fabriclondon.com/ |
At last, a superclub in London that lives up to the title. Built in the Victorian arches below Smithfields Meat Market, Fabric boasts three dance floors, two bars, a garden, a roof terrace and unisex toilets and is fitted throughout in a rugged minimalist style. The main dance floor features a "Body Sonic" sound system which makes your whole body vibrate with the bass. Fridays see eclectic, big beat and drum 'n' bass with a monthly rotation of Fabric Live, Big Beat Boutique vs Bugged Out, and Planet V and Vapour. Saturday is Fabric's own and represents UK and US house. Residents include Craig Richards, Terry Francis, Tony Humphries, Tom Middleton, Jon Marsh and Groove Armada as well as weekly guests like Danny Tenaglia, Francois K, Derrick Carter. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Spinning a yarn |
68 Amwell Street Clerkenwell London, London EC1R 1UU United Kingdom +44 20 7837 6067 |
Welcome to a little piece of Ireland - a haunt for literary artists and hardened drinkers. This Irish pub is only two rooms deep but so many and so much gets packed in here it often seems to be bursting at the seams. Despite the name, this pub is actually one of the more exclusive venues in London and chances are you will see a couple of famous faces. Readings take place on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings, and quizzes on Wednesday evenings. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Brent Braga |
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Irredeemably cool |
186 Portobello Road London, London W11 1LA United Kingdom +44 20 7243 0072 |
Packed on market days, the Ground Floor Bar is a slick modern drinking establishment in the heart of Notting Hill. Sip at an exceptionally frothy cappuccino while soaking up the affluent cool atmosphere and you might even spot a star. Local A, B and C list celebs have been known to pop in for a swift half or a pint. The food menu is decent and the Caesar and Waldorf salads have plenty of fans. Eat inside under the chandeliers and high ceilings or sit out on the side pavement for a vantage view of the market on Saturday afternoons. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Smart Casual Dining |
5 Abchurch Yard London EC4N 7BA United Kingdom +44 20 7623 2355 http://www.harrys.co.uk/ |
Harry's Bar is a comfortable and sophisticated restaurant located in the financial district. The menu offers a wide array of contemporary British and European cuisine and there is a lengthy wine list as well. For starters, try the Smoked Salmon with tomatoes and capers, served on toasted granary bread. Then progress to the Braised Rabbit in a mustard, spring onion and creamy white wine sauce with potatoes. Finish things off with the Raspberry Bavarois served with fruit forest coulis, and don't forget to treat yourself to a bottle of the Chevalier de Rauzan Gassies. Harry's prides itself on great food and service so take full advantage. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A beloved Bohemian dining institution |
135 Portland Road Holland Park London, London W11 4LW United Kingdom +44 20 7229 8331 http://www.juliesrestaurant.com/ |
Julie's restaurant provides consistently good food in the most idyllic, yet quirky, of settings, making it difficult to beat for a special night out. The interior decor is an interesting melange of styles, sporting Indian carvings, Gothic, and monastic items throughout. Modern British cuisine is complemented by a particularly fine wine cellar. The popular bar serves light meals, cakes, tea and glasses of wine, and the cheese board is outstanding. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Back and raring to go |
8-10 Brewer Street London, London W1F 0SP United Kingdom +44 (0)20 7734 3040 http://www.madamejojos.com/ |
This internationally renowned club is located in the heart of Soho. Moving away from its previous repertoire of cabaret into more diverse offerings, JoJo's is now dedicated to providing a wide selection of live music from electronica to hip-hop, rock, disco and funk, along with burlesque performances and comedy nights. Only patrons over the age of 21 are allowed. So carry your identity proof along with you. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: vern. |
 Photo: Emily Kelley |
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World-famous sound |
103 Gaunt St London, UK SE1 6DP United Kingdom +44 870 060 0010 http://www.ministryofsound.co.uk/ |
The world-famous Ministry of Sound is one of London's hippest nightspots. It suffered a bit of a slump in popularity in the late 1990s, but has returned with a vengeance and it recently re-launched Boy George as a DJ. The fame of this luxury venue is now so widespread and truly international that MoS even offers its own Internet service (Saturdays Rulin' nights are broadcast live on their website), numerous compilation CD remixes of Ministry club anthems, and a Ministry magazine. The venue itself is on the right side of average, the two dance floors are roomy compared to those in most clubs, and there are added bonuses of a Sony PlayStation room and an Absolut chill out bar. Wednesday nights is MoSNuS night, when student DJs take over the decks. Friday and Saturday host Smoove and Rulin respectively - both of which attract well-known DJs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Atatiwa |
 Photo: Dariusz69 |
 Photo: Carlos Patón |
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A Day With the Pigs |
479-481 Merton Road London, London SW18 5LD United Kingdom +44 20 8874 1061 |
The Pig and Whistle is as traditional as an English pub gets - it even has an animal as part of its name! Apart from the usual staple of beer and draught, the pub serves traditional English and Thai food. If you have time to spare, you can entertain yourself at one of the gaming machines or watch TV. The Pig and Whistle also caters for private parties and can provide a set menu for fifty people. But the main attraction of this pub is the beautiful garden; hopefully, the sun will be out and about when you're there. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Urbane Bar & Restaurant |
Grosvenor Square London W1A 3AN United Kingdom +44 20 7629 9400 http://www.millenniumhotels.com/ |
The Pine Bar at the Millennium Hotel in Mayfair offers a place for hotel guests to enjoy drinks and a light repast at any time of the day. The decor is all light wood - pine, in fact - and well but subtly lit. As bright and friendly as it seems, this bar may have been the scene of former KGB officer Alexander Litvinenko's poisoning with radioactive polonium, an incident that could have come straight out of Cold War-era Ian Fleming. Don't worry, though; the radiation won't stick around, and the bar still serves the same excellent food and drinks as before. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A Pint Of Beer |
85 Tachbrook Street Pimlico London, London SW1V 2QA United Kingdom +44 20 7834 3031 |
The Pride of Pimlico is just another London Pub. It serves beer, wine and other beverages and has a plain look about it. There's a pool table as well as a large TV screen for those who don't want to miss their favorite sporting encounters. On Saturdays, you will find many of the locals taking to the mic; so yes, there is live entertainment on weekends! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Legendary jazz and blues club |
47 Frith St Soho London, UK W1D 4HT United Kingdom +44 20 7439 0747 http://www.ronniescotts.co.uk/ |
Ronnie Scott's is one of the world's most famous jazz venues. In its rich 40-year history, most of the great jazz names have graced its stage, and now adorn the walls in photographic testament. There's terraced seating around the sides and tables scattered like a street café beneath the stage. 'Upstairs' plays Latino or retro jazz-funk-soul mixes for dancing, but a trip to the downstairs bar is always worthwhile. Performances are divided into four sets, starting around 9:30p. Booking is essential if you want a seat, although tourist audiences often leave around midnight. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Patrick |
 Photo: Philip Sheldrake |
 Photo: Paul Flury (www.flury.uk.net/oia/) |
 Photo: Nadja von Massow |
 Photo: Chris |
 Photo: Lesley-Anne Brown |
 Photo: Robert Vicary |
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Rich in Gallic flair |
23a Edward Square London, London W8 6HE United Kingdom +44 20 7937 1811 |
Situated just off picturesque Edward Square in Kensington, this is an attractively designed and decorated establishment in a refined and elegant part of the capital. The Scarsdale Arms was built in the early 19th century to the designs of the French architect Louis Changeur. Changeur reputedly planned the living quarters for the officers of Napoleon's army he assumed would soon be conquering England. The lip-smacking smell of grilling steak fills the bar room, the walls of which are hung with many works of art from the time of the pub's construction. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Paimpol Beans and Chinese Grapefruit |
9 Conduit Street London, London W1S 2XG United Kingdom +44 870 777 4488 http://www.sketch.uk.com/ |
Sprawled over two floors, this former RIBA building is today one of the city's most famous restaurants. A video gallery by day, it transforms into a popular restaurant at night. However, you can enjoy video projections right through the evening. Inflatable furniture, a disorientating staircase scrawled with poetry, and mirrors define the dining room at Sketch. Its innovative menu offers French cuisine, and consists of dishes, such as Sea Bream Pan-fried with Bean Sprout, and Salsa Roja and Lamb in Spice Crust with Aubergine. The building also has two bars, East and West, and a patisserie named Parlour. If you can afford the high price, there's no better place than this. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Susan E. Edwards |
 Photo: Jono Kenyon |
 Photo: Liat Simon |
 Photo: Sharlene |
 Photo: Tommy |
 Photo: Michael Oliver |
 Photo: annie wang |
 Heavenly hedonism |
5 Little Portland Street London, London W1W 7JD United Kingdom +44 20 7636 4992 / +44 20 7434 0620 http://www.thesocial.co.uk/ |
Hailed as a must-be-seen-at venue for journalists, record executives and musicians, The Social has pushed pastiche to its limits, serving up culinary classics like Beans on Toast, Eggy Bread and Fish Fingers. The sparse, industrial decor may resemble a deserted parking lot, but once adjusted to the darkness you will be able to identify groups of people in black polo necks with goatee beards, drinking Czechoslovakian beers and discussing post-modernism. Wednesday showcases the cream of London's contemporary songwriting talent. Check the website for the sassy Social Diary. Admission is free most nights. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Sprawling bar and restaurant |
29 The Haymarket (off Piccadilly Circus) London, London SW1Y 4SP United Kingdom +44 (0)20 7930 1885 http://www.tigertiger.co.uk |
This four-floor bar and restaurant consists of five different interconnected environments to combine eating, drinking, dancing, chatting and lounging. You may have heard of superclubs, such as Home;Tiger Tiger is the "superbar" equivalent. The clientele includes all types and ages, flitting from the relaxed cocktail bar to the jazz lounge or louche Moroccan Kaz Bar. The main Tiger Bar plays a nightly pop-tastic blend, and the basement Club features guest DJs spinning standard commercial dance stuff. The menu has seen recent rejuvenation and there is a set party menu for under GBP25. Admission after 11p is GBP3 M-W, GBP5 Th, and GBP10 Friday and Saturday. Dress is the smarter side of smart casual. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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So much more than a mere watering hole |
91 Brick Lane The Old Truman Brewery London, London E1 6QL United Kingdom +44 20 7426 0491 http://www.vibe-bar.co.uk/ |
Housed in the former Truman Brewery, a 10-acre site built in the 17th century, Vibe Bar's plans go beyond the mere-but-essential provision of drinks. Rather, its owner's aim is to create a complete and unique music, fashion and art complex - and with a Diesel shop launch, the hosting of Channel 4's Flava and a host of film and TV shoots under its belt, who's going to argue? Certainly not the mix of students, artists and assorted other bohemians who enjoy Vibe's internet facilities, DJs, projectors, and 12 foot screens. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dave Bushe |
 Photo: el_zorro |
 Photo: ching_to@hotmail.com |