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No matter your taste in evening activities, London can accommodate. Quiet drinks with friends, an animated round of trivia, an intimate hotel bar, or a cavernous club flooded with sound and rhythm – they’re all easily attainable. Friendly pubs, the lifeblood of British sociability, pepper every neighborhood, readily serving pints and good cheer. If dancing issues its call, the West End (and especially Soho) makes a good stomping ground. Big names on the club-going front include the Ministry of Sound, Fabric, and Heaven, all of which can easily help you find your groove. For upscale drinks, head to Notting Hill, whose stylish bars and pubs provide the sought-after trendiness that travelers demand. Hotel bars also promise a refined setting in which to pass an evening, as evidenced by the old-school elegance of the Library Bar at The Lanesborough and the Sanderson Hotel’s Long Bar, a contemporary haunt. In fact, most of London’s best neighborhoods tout plenty of places that’ll give you that authentic, big-city nightlife experience. And if you’re ever in doubt, just keep an eye out for the crowds. Popularity’s hard to hide.
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Ronnie Scott's |
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(Nightlife - Best of the City) |
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47 Firth St, London W1D 4HT • 20-7439-0747 |
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Distance:
~16.559 km |
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Description:
SOHO. This legendary Soho nightclub has been featuring some of jazz's greatest names for the better part of 50 years now. Indeed, Ronnie Scott's caters to lovers of the art, and its decor is that of a consummate jazz dive, from dim lighting and intimate, candle-lit tables to photographed mugs decorating the walls. Each night, music kicks off at 9:45pm, and bands continue to chill the cats in attendance till closing time. An à la carte menu is available. TUBE: Tottenham Court Road |
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Purple Night Club |
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(Nightlife - Dance Clubs) |
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Fulham Rd Chelsea Village, London SW6 1HS • 20-7565-1445 |
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Distance:
~17.643 km |
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Description:
CHELSEA. Billed as "Chelsea's best-kept secret," Purple brings in big crowds every weekend, thanks to world-class DJs and colorfully mod aesthetics. As the name suggests, purple is the dominant color, punctuated by red leather banquettes and ceiling-draped fabrics. Terrific sound and lighting systems provide added appeal. Purple is located in the shopping-entertainment complex affiliated with the famed Chelsea football club, and it's not uncommon to spot a few celebs hanging out in the VIP areas. TUBE: Fulham Broadway |
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Library Bar |
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(Nightlife - Best of the City) |
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1 Lanesborough Pl The Lanesborough, A St Regis Hotel, London SW1 • 20-7259-5599 |
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Distance:
~20.803 km |
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Description:
BELGRAVIA. The Lanesborough's guest list regularly reads like a "who's who" of the privileged class: movie and entertainment stars, foreign dignitaries, wealthy business moguls, and even the occasional royal. In the evening, many of these same people enjoy cognac, wine and premium cigars at the hotel's Library Bar. Managed by the legendary Salvatore Calabrese (one of the world's foremost cognac authorities and author of popular books on cocktail mixing), the hotel bar offers a refined setting with Chesterfield sofas, antique furnishings and loaded bookshelves. TUBE: Hyde Park Corner |
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Boisdale of Belgravia |
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(Nightlife - Bars) |
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13-15 Eccleston St, London SW1 9LX • 20-7730-6922 |
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Distance:
~21.055 km |
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Description:
BELGRAVIA. This busy bar serves a healthy repertoire of traditional Scottish fare and nightly doses of live jazz. Dressed in the garb of a country pub – hardwood floors, oak paneling, tartan-inspired reds and greens, oil paintings – Boisdale pulls in folks from all walks of life. You can meet some real characters here – it is, after all, the politicos' hideaway of choice. When it's nice out, enjoy evening food and drink in the Courtyard Garden, which has a retractable roof. Each night, guests are treated to the cool, impromptu music of the Boisdale Blue Rhythm Band. TUBE: Victoria |
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Mahiki |
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(Nightlife - Bars) |
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1 Dover St, London W1 • 020 7493 9529 |
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Distance:
~21.638 km |
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Description:
MAYFAIR. Roaringly popular, this tiki-themed bar attracts the posh Brit set. Opulent cocktails can be ordered in sharing bowls; seating is unusually plentiful and the crowd upbeat. Upstairs holds the lounge area, while in the basement lurks the gargantuan fish tank and dance floor. Be warned that the entry queue can be epic and that you might not have to look too hard to spot a royal: titles are ten-a-penny here. TUBE: Green Park |
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Kemia Bar |
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(Nightlife - Bars) |
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25 Heddon St Momo Restaurant, London W1B 4BH • 20-7434-4040 |
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Distance:
~21.810 km |
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Description:
MAYFAIR. This oasis of Moroccan opulence could humble even the proudest of sultans with its textured earth tones, brass lanterns, and North African art. Award-winning Momo has been a Mayfair fave for years, garnering high praise for its authentic fare, terrific service, and seductive live music. The restaurant's basement bar, Kemia, has become a popular evening spot for patrons looking to enjoy cocktails in a stylish – and secluded – setting. Kemia also features a weekly lineup of World Music performers. TUBE: Piccadilly Circus |
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Cuckoo Club |
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(Nightlife - Bars) |
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Swallow St, London W1 • 020 7287 4300 |
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Distance:
~21.922 km |
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Description:
High or low, whichever direction you fly, Cuckoo has long been renowned as one of the chicest nightlife options in town. Drawing a celebrity clientele amid the glamorous rock crowd, the cocktails here are sublime. The policy is members and guestlist only – dress glam to stand a chance of gaining access, then shimmy beneath an LED color-rotating ceiling. Thursdays offer live music, while the restaurant here serves above-average bar-fare. TUBE: Piccadilly Circus |
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China White |
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(Nightlife - Dance Clubs) |
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6 Air St near Piccadilly Circus, London WIB 7HH • 20-7343-0040 |
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Distance:
~22.026 km |
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Description:
SOHO. Located in sub-level Soho, this exotic, Asian-themed nightclub is one of the hottest places to gather after midnight. Professional DJs (most of them known all over town) keep the cutting-edge crowd in a frenzy well into the morning hours, courtesy of the best urban, house and Euro mixes you'll hear anywhere. What's more, the weekend clientele includes a virtual "who's who" of trendsetters – models, Page 6 mainstays, and even a few stars from the sporting and entertainment arenas. Be sure to dress in your best club wear, but be warned: gaining entry to this exclusive club is often nothing short of a miracle since China White is open only to members from Wednesday to Saturday. TUBE: Piccadilly Circus |
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User Rating: 10 / 10
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Café de Paris |
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(Nightlife - Dance Clubs) |
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3 Coventry St, London W1 • 20-7734-7700 |
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Distance:
~22.139 km |
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Description:
LEICESTER SQUARE. One of London's more upscale dance clubs, Café de Paris lets you make a superstar entrance via a dramatic staircase. Formerly a posh jazz ballroom, its heritage still very much shines through the interiors, and the club has a dance floor frequented by the international set and young professionals. Members pay top dollar to avoid long lines, and some people don't get in, although those that do dress up and make a night of it. The mezzanine café offers refreshments and a great view of the throbbing dance floor. Strict age limit of 21. TUBE: Piccadilly Circus |
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User Rating: 10 / 10
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Player |
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(Nightlife - Best of the City) |
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8 Broadwick St, London W1F 8HN • 20-7494-9125 |
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Distance:
~22.178 km |
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Description:
SOHO. With some sleuthing, you might deduce that this basement bar is one of Soho's best places to down cocktails and rub shoulders – especially if you want to escape touristy watering holes. After operating for years as a private club, Player is now open to all, until 11pm or so on Fridays and Saturdays, when it becomes private again. Agent 007 would fit well in these sleek digs and be pleased to discover so many deliciously potent cocktails. TUBE: Tottenham Court Road |
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* All distances are
approximate "straight-line" distances.
See Directions for "travel distances." |
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