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London Nightlife

After dark, London pulsates with stylish bars, underground clubs, traditional pubs and some of Europe's most prominent super-clubs. Head to the West End and explore Soho, which has a thriving gay scene and remains one of the coolest places to drink in London. Out west, the perennially cool Notting Hill/Ladbroke Grove area still draws the crowds, while Old Street and Shoreditch in the east offers a hip alternative to town. Many local areas, such as Camden and Angel in the north, Brixton and Clapham in the south, have great pubs and bars and a character all of their own.

Even though in theory there are no longer any fixed closing times and a number of venues have applied for extended or 24-hour licences, in practice most pubs and bars still close at 2300. Clubs usually open at 2200, fill up by 2400, and stay open until 0200/0300 during the week and usually around 0500 at weekends, although often later.

Tickets for most gigs and concerts are available directly from the venues or from Ticketmaster (tel: 0844 847 2455, www.ticketmaster.co.uk).

Bars in London

Favela Chic

Funky east London hotspot Favela Chic is a Latin-themed bar with eclectic music and décor. Deckchairs spill out onto the pavement in the summer months, filled by an assorted Shoreditch crowd. The dance floor can get pretty heated on weekends, but guests can cool down with a fruity selection of icy caipirinhas. Live musicians have been known to compliment the electronic selection, and the restaurant out back serves up Brazilian fare.

91-93 Great Eastern Street, London EC2
Tel: (020) 7613 4228.
www.favelachic.com

G.A.Y. Bar

Almost all of the Old Compton Street pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants are gay or very gay-friendly, and one of the most popular is G.A.Y. Bar, run by the popular nightclub G.A.Y. Three floors offer a flamboyant array of entertainment, with theme nights, drinks promos and video jukebox system drawing the crowds.

30 Old Compton Street, London W1
Tel: (020) 7494 2756.
www.g-a-y.co.uk

George Inn

If a traditional English pub is what you are after, then the 17th-century George Inn is a great starting point. Being around since medieval times, this is the only surviving example of a galleried coaching inn in London, and as such is a National Trust property and a Grade I listed building. Order ale from one of the bars or sample the restaurant for a taste of old London.

77 Borough High Street, London SE1
Tel: (020) 7407 2056.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-georgeinn

Clubs in London

Fabric

Fabric’s underground vibe and edgy sets make it a more hardcore option for those looking for a sweaty night of raving in London. Hordes pack this venue every week, eager to experience the full-on music and impressive light shows. Music spans hip hop, breakbeat, drum and bass, and electro, and internationally acclaimed DJs in these fields often headline the weekend nights. They also run big club nights on Sundays, for those who want to pack in even more raving into their weekend.

77A Charterhouse Street, London EC1
Tel: 020 7336 8898.
www.fabriclondon.com

Ministry of Sound

The world-famous super-club Ministry of Sound is still going strong, with its stunning sound system pumping out popular house and garage. Numerous bars and rooms offer a wealth of all-night revelling, and international DJs regularly take to the decks for huge club nights that see the entire venue packed with energetic throngs. DJs making regular appearances include Sasha, Erick Morillo and Pete Tong.

103 Gaunt Street, London SE1
Tel: 0870 060 0010.
www.ministryofsound.com

Pacha

Bringing a touch of Balearic glamour to the somewhat shabby surrounds of Victoria Station, Pacha London is a stylish club from the Spanish-born brand. An uplifting selection of electro, funk and house takes to the sound waves in various forms, and mood lighting and plush décor add a touch of luxury. Find many of Ibiza’s frequent names on huge line ups,

Terminus Place, Victoria, London SW1
Tel: 0845 371 4489.
www.pachalondon.com

Live Music in London

Brixton Academy

This renowned south London music venue is a mecca for big names and alternative acts alike. Previously a theatre, the Brixton Academy – officially known as O2 Academy Brixton – is now one of the city’s most frequented music venues, jam-packed with revellers who like their gigs sweaty and lively. As London’s most popular venues go, this is one of the smaller ones – capacity is about 5,000 – which is great for those who like a proper view of the action.

211 Stockwell Road, London SW9
Tel: 0844 477 2000.
www.o2academybrixton.co.uk

O2 Arena

This vast multi-purpose arena at the heart of the O2 entertainment complex in Greenwich attracts the world’s biggest names and flamboyant shows. Stars such as Paul McCartney, Elton John, Madonna, The Rolling Stones and Prince have all graced the stage of the 23,000-capacity venue; if a huge name in music tours the UK, chances are they will finish the tour with a bells-and-whistles extravaganza at London’s O2 Arena.

Peninsula Square, London SE10
Tel: 0844 856 0202.
www.theo2.co.uk

The Roundhouse

From gigs to music festivals such as the Electric Proms, The Roundhouse is firmly at the forefront of London’s live music scene. Previously a railway engine shed, this circular building is Grade II listed, and provides thoroughly unique surrounds in which to enjoy some live stuff. A 2006 renovation saw the addition of the New Wing, which houses a bar, café and gallery.

Chalk Farm Road, London NW1
Tel: 0844 482 8008.
www.roundhouse.org.uk

Culture in London

Barbican Centre

Flying the cultural flag north of the river, the labyrinthine Barbican Centre, is an all-inclusive performing and visual arts venue with a varied all-year programme of events. Its line up features a diverse range of art, music, theatre, dance, film and education events, and it is home of the London Symphony Orchestra.

Silk Street, London EC2
Tel: (020) 7638 8891.
www.barbican.org.uk

Royal Albert Hall

Gleaming ostentatiously in the Knightsbridge area of London, the Royal Albert Hall is a high-brow arts venue that stages everything from classical concerts and ballet, to award ceremonies and banquets. One of the venue’s most famed events is the annual Proms – an eight-week festival of classical music concerts and other events.

Kensington Gore, London SW7
Tel: 0845 401 5045.
www.royalalberthall.com

Royal National Theatre

The National Theatre is one of London’s premier theatres, and the three auditoria allow productions of different scale, from classics to new writing. The Olivier Theatre is the main performance space, with the Lyttelton Theatre and the Cottesloe Theatre for smaller productions.

South Bank, London SE1
Tel: (020) 7452 3400 (information) or 3000 (box office).
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

Sadler's Wells Theatre

This dance-focused venue in Islington is a must for those interested in contemporary dance. Touring companies from around the world take to the stage in an array of fantastic movement theatre. Traditionalists will love performances from the likes of the Birmingham Royal ballet, while Brazilian dance troupes, circus-led dance and a host of other boundary-pushing performers keep the line up fresh and innovative.

Rosebery Avenue, London EC1
Tel: (020) 7863 8198.
www.sadlerswells.com

South Bank Centre

The hulking concrete mass of the South Bank Centre, is one of London’s cultural meccas. It houses the Royal Festival Hall, the Queen Elizabeth Hall and The Hayward art gallery, offering a packed programme of performances offering something for all artistic tastes. Its position on the Thames is in easy reach of other London attractions such as the London Eye and the Globe Theatre.

South Bank, London SE1
Tel: (020) 7960 4200.
www.southbankcentre.co.uk

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