Things To Do

What is 4D cinema?

Everyone has heard of 3D cinema but the London Eye trumps the rest with 4D cinema! The small cinema features the latest 3D projection technology plus cutting-edge wind and snow machines, vibrating floor and specially designed olfactory technology. You guessed right, it produces smells!

What can I see?

The lucky few to get their hands on The London Eye 4D Cinema tickets can expect a four minute film that follows a little girl and her father as they take a flight on the iconic observation wheel. The pair enjoy a birds eye view of the city and also watch The London Eyes famous New Years Eve fireworks, and you are right with them too.

Who created the film?

The movie’s director and screenwriter is Julian Napier. He said he was “delighted to work on such an innovative and exciting project: bringing cutting edge cinematic techniques and technology to one of the countrys and the worlds most iconic landmarks. We are truly at the outset of a new and exciting era for 3D film making, and the London Eye 4D experience is right up there, leading the way”.

How much did the 4D cinema cost?

The 4D cinema project has cost London Eye owners Merlin Entertainments a cool £5 million and is part of a 17.5 million investment in the London Eye.

How much does a ticket cost?

The London Eye 4D Cinema tickets are included in the price of standard admission to The London Eye. A flight on The London Eye costs £17.00. The attraction is open right now.

Looking for things to do at night in London? The capital has one of the hottest clubbing scenes in the world. London has hundreds of nightclubs playing all kinds of music so choosing a top ten is not easy!

1) Fabric (Now Closed)

Located at 77A Charterhouse Street Clerkenwell, close to Farrington Tube Station lies Fabric Nightclub, possibly the most well known Club in London. If you are into hardcore dance music then this is the place to be! Some of the best DJs in the world have spun their tunes at Fabric, With five sound systems you will be assured superb live sound, but don’t expect any glitz Fabric is sweaty, dark and menacing and beware of mentalists banging into you on the main dance floor –it gets crowded in there past midnight.

2) Egg

Located in North London, at 3 Vale Royal, Kings Cross. Egg is spread across three floors and also has an outside terrace space with its own bar. Easily the best club to hang out at in the summer they even have sun loungers to relax on when you need a break from throwing shapes.

3) Ministry of Sound

The Ministry of Sound is arguably one of the most famous nightclubs in the world. The club regularly attracts 5000 people each weekend and has three dance floors and three bars. It has remained popular due to the legendary DJs, such as Pete Tong and Paul Oakenfold.
The famous sound system is only ever run at 45% of its full capacity. If it was played at 100% it would be the loudest man-made sound you could hear!

4) KOKO

KOKO is the jewel in Camden’s crown. Located at the bottom of Camden High Street, in a Grade II listed theatre building. KOKO is opulent in an unashamedly old-fashioned way: high ceilings, claret and gold gloss paintwork, and plenty of Greek gods holding up columns. This 1,500 capacity venue opened in 2004 and has already has had headline performances from Coldplay, Madonna, and Prince. KOKO is host to some very popular, lively club nights and indie acts. Their cheesier nights are unpretentious, fun and frivolous.

5) SeOne

This club is located the south east area of London (hence the name!) at Weston Street. London Bridge is the nearest Tube Station. Located under the railway arches of London Bridge Station, seOne opened in 2002 and it is the largest nightclub in London. Catering for a capacity crowd of 3,000 in its five rooms, recent renovations have seen even better lighting and sound systems installed. The dance floor is possibly 30,000 square feet in size and plays host to the very best in House, Electro, Rave and Indie music!

6) Cargo

Positioned at Shoreditch near 83 Rivington Street, lies Cargo Nightclub. It offers an eclectic mix of DJ music and live concerts. The venue is located under railway arches, which adds to its uniqueness! Also make sure to check out the wonderful street food canteen, which caters for all food tastes! There is something for everyone at Cargo.

7) Pacha

Pacha has a huge presence in Ibiza as one of the top clubs for un-relentless hedonism and party. Pacha in London is a somewhat more sober affair. Based in London Victoria-the actual location dates from 1920s London and has wonderful décor ranging from stain glass ceilings to restored oak panels. The atmosphere here is electric and the DJ booth directly on the dancefloor is equipped with no less than nine turntables playing a great selection of beats and breaks. A huge gallery on the first floor overlooks the dancefloor below, allowing for great people watching. If you are into house, funk and dance then this is the place to be!

8) Heaven

Located on Villiers Street near Charing Cross Underground Station is Heaven Nightclub. Heaven is a popular club with a worldwide reputation for putting on some of the most distinctive events in the clubbing calendar. The club features three dance floors, and offers funky house music and great light shows! After 30 years it still holds the title as the most famous gay night club in London.

9) Notting Hill Arts Club

This music house is located at 21 Notting Hill Gate, in the Notting Hill area of London. It features a diverse musical set ranging from Electronica to Ska and Jazz!! Described as a haven for indie celebs and punk veterans. The clubs annual Carnival bashes are the stuff of whistle-blowing legend.

10) Madame Jo Jos

Located in central Soho, Madame Jo Jos offers something for everyone! There has been a nightclub here on site since the 1940s. Madame Jo Jos is saucy and glamorous with a warm, intimate atmosphere. The sumptuous, slightly shabby red decor makes it stand out from the local crowd. Famous for its comedy and cabaret nights.

Looking for things to do in the city? Although the city is essentially central London there is no postcode for central London! So officially the city is in East London -however city bars are an exception to the rest of the area. They are smart and upmarket during the week – with everyone wearing suits. Further east is the real East London! The bars here attract funky students and the media savvy. Hoxton and Brick Lane are the areas of choice, both are packed with dozens of bars – you are truly spoilt for choice!

1) Vibe Bar

Situated slap bang in middle of infamous cultural hub, Brick Lane, Vibe bar offers customers the very best experience. As with most of the bars in Shoreditch; Vibe Bar has a scuzzy charm, a bit like a squat albeit without dog crap on the floor. One of the outstanding features is the courtyard, which is usually packed whatever the weather and contains food outlets such as a South African barbeque and Mammas Jerk Chicken. Music consists of a wide variety of live bands and DJs, something for everyone. As such, every September Vibe Bar plays host to the main stage of the Brick Lane music festival.

Location: The Truman Brewery. 91 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL.

For more details visit: Vibe Bar

2) Bar Music Hall

Bar Music Hall has a very interesting past; the building has been used as a variety hall, for 80s raves and in the 90s found itself in great use as a venue. Keeping with tradition, in the 00s Bar Music Hall plays host to a regular variety of bands and DJs. A corner is dedicated to the built in stage and is surrounded by leather lounging chairs. One of the most striking features is the large bar in the centre of the open plan venue. The decor is stripped back, bright and elegant with exposed beams and pillars. Check out the impressive selection of lesser known Belgian beers such as De Koninck, which blows Stella Artois out of the window. A fantastic selection of great food is also available; mainly American style breakfast and grill dishes.

Location: 134 Curtain Road, Shoreditch, London, EC2A 3AR.

For more details visit: Bar Music Hall

3) Bar Kick

Another quirky Shoreditch based bar, Bar Kick is split level, has a distinct continental feel and is decorated like a youth club; Formica topped tables and most importantly, French Table football, know as Baby Foot tables. A fine selection of food, coffee and imported beers await you, a perfect place for all you international cultural connoisseurs out there and furthermore, perfect for either boozy Friday nights or lazy Sunday afternoons. And if you think youve got the skills to be a star Table top football player, why not join the Kick Baby foot association, London –regular tournaments take place at Bar Kick.

Location: 127 Shoreditch High Street, London, E1 6JE.

For more details visit: Bar Kick

4) The Big Chill Bar

One quarter of The Big Chill empire (the other three being the larger venue, The Big Chill House, The Big Chill Record Label and of course, The Big Chill Festival), a true gem of cool laid back disco, house, dub, funk, soul, chill out and cocktails. Situated just off Brick Lane, and a short walk to Spitalfields, The Big Chill Bar has a cosy, cavernous feel and has, quite possibly, the widest variety of whiskeys in London. Awesome! The vibrant bar also hosts regular sets from acclaimed DJs playing memorable tunes. Another great reason to visit The Big Chill Bar is the surprisingly cheap menu, perfect for a full days drinking.

Location: Dray Walk (off Brick Lane), London, E1 6QL.

For more details visit: The Big Chill

5) Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes

On first sight, given the rough Shoreditch urban wasteland surroundings, you immediately take Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes to be an empty shop. But there are people and a bar inside the dully lit premises, and yes indeed it is a bar. Inside youll find, to paraphrase the tagline on the website, art, music, fashion, parties (no shoes) and as suggested, there are arts exhibitions, showcases and DJ night to be experienced at Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes. Yes, the name is rather bizarre as it comes from the two defunct shops it is comprised of.

Location: 34-36 Kingsland Rd, Old Street, Hoxton, London, E2.

For more details visit: Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes

6) Prohibition Bar and Grill

This classy Wapping based drinking hole is part of a distinctive small chain of bars celebrating the American prohibition era. Or rather establishing a new prohibition by banning cheap and inferior beer and food. Theres definitely something to be said about sipping a Long Island Iced Tea while watching the boats bobbing by, as if you were in New York. But as you are sat in Prohibitions contemporary 1930s splendour overlooking Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the River Thames help but smile. Entertainment includes live bands, DJs and even stand up comedy.

Location: Unit 1 Tower Bridge House, St Katharine Docks, East Smithfield, London, E1W 1AA.

For more details visit: Prohibition Bar and Grill

7) The Drunken Monkey

Fancy a diet of Electro House, Hip Hop, Deep House, Jazz, Dub, Rare Grooves, Dim Sum and strong, strong cocktails? Pop on over to Shoreditch and into truly unique drinking den, The Drunken Monkey, offering the finest dim sum, cocktails and chilled out beats. For those who dont know, dim sum translates to a little bit of heart and is essentially Chinese tapas and perfect to line the stomach whilst drinking. Check the listings for regular music events.

Location: 221-222 Shoreditch High Street London, E1 6PJ.

For more details visit: The Drunken Monkey

8) The Light

Just a short walk from the city and you stumble upon The Light, at the bottom of Shoreditch High St. This place has it all, outstanding food, post modern industrial decor, the atmosphere of young professionals letting off steam and a fantastic outdoor area including lawn, yes a lawn in the city! As The Light is housed in the former electric light station for G.E.R; it is rather large and consists of 3 rooms; the restaurant, the main downstairs bar and the lounge situated on the first floor. The Lounge acts as a cocktail bar and plays host DJs on Friday and Saturday.

Location: 233 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6PJ.

For more details visit: The Light

9) Match

The original East End cocktail bar. If youve watched the film Cocktail in awe, Match is the place to go. Match take pride in the quality of ingredients and the craftsmanship involved. So expect some deft juggling and daring bottle flipping. The bar itself is split level, has a sunken bar and exposed brickwork – the perfect atmosphere for truly great cocktails. There is a strict no list music policy – so expect cool, eclectic and trendy tunes and a mixed crowd.

Location: 45-47 Clerkenwell Road, London, EC1 M5RS.

For more details visit: Match Bar

10) Last Days of Decadence

This is pretty cool place and totally worth checking out. Perfect if you feel like glamming up in vintage, isnt that the pre requisite for Shoreditch evenings anyway? Spanning two rooms, upstairs and downstairs, this unique bar has a 1920s feel and art deco stylings. At any one time there could be a band and or DJ on either floor; the music is pretty eclectic, so expect the clientele to match. Last days of Decadence also has a basement auditorium which hosts anything from cabaret to stand up comedy.

Location: 145 Shoreditch High Street, Shoreditch, London, E1 6TE.

For more details visit: Last Days of Decadence

Looking for things to do in South West London? Clapham is the heart of South West London. With Clapham Junction, Clapham Common and Clapham North. It could claim to be the capital of young London, almost like a mini University town. The busiest drinking spots stretch along Clapham High Street. The common itself hosts a number of festivals and music events in the summer months. For an edgy night out head further south to Brixton, for a more chilled out affair sample Battersea or Wandsworth.

1) The Loft

If youre heading to out to Clapham, get off the tube at Clapham North and take a short five minutes walk down Clapham High Street to Clement Avenue, there you will find The Loft. It doesnt look much from the outside, fairly inconspicuous, the only obvious clue being the bouncers. Once inside, youll be blown away by the Lofts post- modern, New Yorky charm; lurking within, is a modern industrial style, stainless steel, exposed breeze blocks, exposed air vents, stylish white plastic seats, exposed brick flooring, all off set set by brown leather sofas and candle lighting– a bit different from the homogenised local alternatives. The Loft, brought to you by the same people as acclaimed Brixton club, Plan B, tends to attract a trendy yet eclectic bunch. Differing from its larger cousin, theres no dance floor, but that doesnt stop the big name DJs, Norman Jay for one, from manning the decks from time to time. Otherwise, music is groovy funk and disco fused with a Latin vibe. One of the striking features of this first floor establishment is the huge glass windows, portraying commanding views of bustling Clapham High Street – why not kick back on a comfortable sofa, choose from over 50 reasonably priced, tasty cocktails and take a look out upon the street; complete with vomiting, bust exposed girls being chased broken healed by kebab wielding men.

Located: 67 Clapham High Street, London, SW4 7TG

For more details visit: The Loft Clapham

2) Sugar Cane

Lets face it, in the UK the chances are its raining, cold or overcast or quite possibly, all of the above. If you fancy a bit of sunshine all year round; gather a group of people, friends, randoms – it doesnt matter, jump on the tube, hop off at Clapham Common and take a short 15 minutes walk to Sugar Cane. Alternatively take the over ground to Clapham Junction. There you will find solace, sunshine and tiki – (tiki is the Polynesian god) which means in real terms, rum, rum and err more rum. An extensive selection of cocktails is available, included rum based tiki drinks, the classics and Sugar Cane originals such as the Grass Skirt; vodka, rum, grapes, elderflower and apple. Yum! You could conclude, with the wicker chairs, palm trees and carved statues, that Sugar Cane is a little tacky but that doesnt matter, its tongue in cheek and cheery. Along with the tat, youll also find a great welcoming atmosphere and, as mentioned above, year round sunshine, a metaphor, of course. Musically, Sugar Cane is a huge miss-mash, expect anything from hip-hop, jazz, funk, rock, old school to the classics.

Located: 247-249 Lavender Hill, London, SW11 1JW

For more details visit: The Sugar Cane

3) Brixton Bar and Grill

Just a short walk from Brixton tube station, just off Brixton Road youll find Brixton Bar and Grill, located under a Victorian railway arch, pretty much in the centre of colourful and lively Brixton market. Accommodated over 3 rooms – the intimately lit front bar, the middle room complete with, oak table and a lone chandelier and the funky cocktail lounge styled with mismatched furnishings. As far as the tunes are concerned, expect house, old school, breaks, that sort of jazz plus occasional live acts. As for the drinks, youll get great cocktails made with premium spirits. All the above pulls in a mixed crowd of locals and young professionals. Brixton Bar and Grills close proximity to Brixton Academy, make it the perfect for pre and post gig drinks – theyve even been know for posting unofficial pre-event parties.

Located: 15 Atlantic Road Brixton, London, SW9 8HX

For more details visit: Brixton Bar and Grill

4) Lost Society

Step off the train at Clapham Common; avoid being propositioned or mildly harangued by those casually cottaging (only joking, was a problem years ago), head down Wandsworth Road and pop into a fantastic experience of decadence and history, step into Lost Society. Set over 6 opulent rooms and a heated secret garden, – perfect for the smokers among us, Lost Society was originally a 2 storey 16th century barn, which once hosted a banquet for Elizabeth I. This heritage, along with the decadent, contemporary art deco decor, sets the foundations for a great evening. Lost Society tends to attract a diverse array of partying punters, reflected by the music policy – supplied by Lost Societys resident DJs. Party on while they traverse breaks, funk, electro, house, disco and punk, stopping at many stations between. A stand out venue in the South West London area, Lost Societys ethos is intelligent drinking, as such the cocktails are exceptional. Also worth checking out is Lost Societies equally cool sister bar, Lost Angel, situated in nearby Battersea Park.

Located: 697 Wandsworth Road, London, SW8 3JF

For more details visit: Lost Society

5) Suburban Bar Lounge

This is a cool little bar offering an impressive range of over 150 cocktails, but you wont just get a drink, youll get the glass juggling and showmanship of expert mixologists with a smile and without the pretension. Based in West Londons upmarket suburb of Wimbledon, Suburban Bar & Lounge is a friendly place – the passageway to the rear garden reinforces this, its covered with framed photos of punters enjoying themselves and the bar. The rest of the venue is smart, chocolate brown, the bar is terracotta tiled and theres even a lounge area with fire. The music is indie, retro and loud.

Located: 27 Hartfield Road, Wimbledon, London, SW19 3SG

For more details visit: Surbaban Bar

6) The Peacock

And now for something a bit different. This Clapham bar and club can claim to be Londons number one burlesque and cabaret club. And thats exactly what you get on Friday and Saturday, followed by DJs playing the best retro tunes from 1970-s/80s/90s. Best thing is, with all this entertainment to be had, it wont cost you a bean, zilch, nothing – fantastic and rare, travel to the West End and youll pay a premium for this sort of fun. The Peacock is a fun place to be, you can tell that from the decor, clever juxtaposition of baroque, retro, and rococo or just a jumble of styles? You decide, either way, its unique, impressive and one of the coolest places to be in South West London, think about this as you relax on achaise longue peering at the free entertainment. Liquid refreshment comes in the form of classic cocktails, fruit beers as well as the usual goodies. Alight at Clapham Junction, its only a 3 minute walk.

Located: 148 Falcon Rd, Clapham Junction, London, SW11 2LW

For more details visit: The Peacock Bar

7) Adventure Bar and Lounge Battersea

If youre looking for something a little more intimate, Adventure Bar and Lounge, Battersea is your place. Just a crawl away from Clapham Junction, Adventure Bar and Lounge is perfect if you want quality, inexpensive cocktails, theyre 2-4-1 before 8, great tunes as long as you dont mind being cramped and sweaty in a hectic environment. The musical offering of this Battersea bar is what sets it apart from others in the area, no house, no breaks, no hip hop but indie and retro by request –perfect for a sweaty, dance and booze filled evenings. And given the packed-in –like an-over-stuffed-beanbag-circumstances, you may come out with a few fun memories and a few more numbers in your phone.

Located: 91 Battersea Rise, Battersea, London, SW11 1HW

For more details visit: Adventure Bar

8) The Holy Drinker

Northcote Road is a veritable Mecca for the trendy bar goer, it is the pinnacle of the Clapham area, inevitably this saturation effects the quality of bar on offer, however The Holy Drinker is a puritanical drinking experience, alchopops have been ex-communicated and only premium sprits are served. Get off the tube at Clapham Common and head down Northcote Road for about 15 minutes, passing, and resisting, the numerous tempting bars on display. Hold out, all expectations are about to be surpassed. This is the original sin, one of the first bars in the area and it sets a precedent. Music is extremely varied and depends on the night – anything from a little light drum n bass to The Doors. The Holy Drinker is usually packed and buzzing but dont worry as there is extra accommodation outside in the form of a canopied and heated outdoor seating area, as it happens its not a graveyard!

Located: 59 Northcote Road, Clapham Junction, London, SW11 1NP

For more details visit: Holy Drinker

9) The Hive Brixton

Beehive Place, Brixton looks fairly inconspicuous – youd never guessed this was the black market capital of London. Bootleg Bill MacDonald moved into the area and turned it into a bootleggers heaven, and due to American prohibition, he made a fortune shipping illicit booze. Style wise, a tribute to this theme has carried over to The Hive today, along with simple, slick elegance two characters peer from the walls, a gun toting American prohibition era gangster and his female companion. Smallish, intimate, this South West London bar is more a cocktail lounge cum restaurant, well it feels much more like a living room to be honest, but that adds to the charm and makes it the perfect place to chat amongst friends with a large range of wine, a great selection of cocktails and live music, what more could you possibly want?

Located: 11-13 Brixton Station Road, Brixton, London, SW9 8PA

For more details visit: Hive Bar

10) The Windmill

And finally, though not a bar, more of a pub, is The Windmill. This legendary Brixton live music venue brings the very best in up and coming bands and artists, in the past well known act such as Biffy Clyro, The Wombats, Plan B, The Rakes, The Magic Numbers and Scouting for Girls to name but a few. Basically this is typical, scuzzyBrixton boozer but with bands, so no fancy cocktails, just the usual fodder served friendly and cheaply. Why not start your night with a band then end with a bang at one of the other nearby bar, as above. To get here, get off atBrixton tube, walk up Brixton Hill after about 10 minutes, turn left into Blenheim Gardens.Yeah, it looks a bit weird from the outside but trust me, youll enjoy it. Especially if youve checked out the listings – from time to time big bands will pop back to the place they started out. Why not check out one the bands; afterwards, if you want to dance, you could head up to one of Brixtons late bars.

Located: 22 Blenheim Gardens Brixton, London, SW2 5BZ

For more details visit: The Windwill

West London has the highest concentration of bars in the whole of London so you if you are looking for things to do you really are spoilt for choice! The West End is the throbbing heart of the capital and the destination of choice for tourists.
Soho and Covent Garden are also rammed full of bars to suit all tastes, just get off at Oxford Circus or Tottenham Court Road tube and head in random directions, you cannot fail to find yourself the perfect venue -alternatively read our top 10 list!

1) Trailer Happiness

At the bottom of Portobello Road, once the bohemian hub of London, and only 10 minutes walk from Notting Hill Gate, youll find a little bit of Polynesia – in the form of kitsch tiki bar, Trailer Happiness. Styled like a scummy cluttered 60s bachelor pad slash trailer interior, its kitsch charm is irresistible; Tretchikoff and J.H.Lynch prints and pop art Polynesians smile from the walls and, I mustnt forget, the retro-tastic flying ducks, yes, fantastic! Drinks are equally retro and tiki flavoured, mostly rum based and extremely potent for example, cocktails such as the lethal Zombie (5 rums, absinthe and bitters) all expertly served by skilled mixologists. Lager is available for those less adventurous campers. The music in this Notting Hill rarity is cool, matching the trendy clientele. True toTrailer Happiness wacky, tongue in cheek form, the toilets are unisex. Yes, you find yourself cheesiliy grinning, thinking, this is a great place!

Location: 177 Portobello Rd, London, W11 2DY

For more details visit: Trailer Happiness

2) belowzero

On Heddon Street, Mayfair, youll find two bars for the price of one; Alsolut Ice Bar and belowzero, located in the former Royal wine vaults. Situated in between Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus tube stations, Absolute Ice Bar offers unique experience being the only permanent bar in the UK to be made out of ice – the walls, the bar and even your glass is made of the purest Swedish ice plucked from the Torne River. After being handed a designer thermal cape, gloves and hood, youre given a 40 minute time slot to explore the cavernous interior, the theme of which is redesigned every 6 months. Indeed, Absolute Ice Bar it is more like a tourist attraction than a bar per se but it is certainly unique. Im sure theres no need to mention what is on the drinks menu, vodka! In fact vodka at its best in all its wonderful versatile variety.
If you are in need of warming afterwards, you can find a normal temperature bar – in belowzero on the ground floor (in the same building) complete with outside terrace. If youd like to visit at peak times, booking is advised.

Location: 31-33 Heddon Street Mayfair, London, W1B 4BN

For more details visit: belowzero

3) Gordons Wine Bar

Do not, in this case, allow your imagination to conjure visions of what youd usually consider when reading the term, wine bar – this is a unique, up-market, and slightly dingy, old school drinking den. Step down the narrow stairs into a cramped cavernous brick exposed cellar into a piece of genuine Victoriana. Essentially, as you step down the stairs, you are stepping back in time to 1890s bohemian Paris or Victorian London – you decide.
Londons oldest wine bar, Gordons, established 1890, is located in Kipling House after the famous writer, Rudyard Kipling, who lived in the parlour above the bar in the 1890s. It is worth noting that London chronicler Samuel Pepys also called the building home in the 1680s. The family run wine bar is located on Villiers St, just next toEmbankment tube stations and five minutes from Charing Cross and Waterloo. In the terms of drinks, as the name dictates, expect some of the finest wine the world has to offer served with the expertise and warmth of the staff. Gordons Wine Bar is definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in the West End, a fantastic alternative to the more cheesy commercial offerings in the area. And the intimacy also makes Gordons Wine Bar the perfect venue for a date.

Location: 47 Villiers St, London, WC2N 6NE

For more details visit: Gordons Wine Bar

4) The Crescent

In West Kensington, in an intimate basement, lies The Crescent. Yeah, West Kensington is basically South Kensingtons slightly less classy neighbour however, Im sure youll agree The Crescent lends a champagne cork popping air of sophistication to a less desirable location. Five minutes from West Kensington tube station, The Crescent offers an extensive range of Champagne including some rare offerings and skilfully created cocktails. Decor is extremely stylish and comfortable, blue and rose velvet sofas offset by relaxing modern lighting fixtures, slate gray walls and a host of pictures portraying the Hollywood stars from the 40s -80s. Music is represented by soul, funk and house, with the obligatory DJs playing on weekends.

Location: 3a North End Crescent, London, W14 8TG

For more details visit: The Crescent

5) Aint Nothing But The Blues

If you are looking for somewhere with a great, welcoming atmosphere, Sohos Aint Nothing But The Blues, is the perfect destination. Due to the intimate placing of tables youll find yourself happily chatting to the occupants of the adjacent tables, the clientele consists mainly of overseas students and young professionals looking to make the acquaintance of similar others. Three minutes walk from Oxford Street, Aint Nothing But The Blues is probably the closest answer to a genuine Memphis blues bar this side of the Atlantic. Youve guessed it; music is represented solely by the blues. Bands perform regularly and there are blues jam sessions where anyone may participate. In between sets crackly vinyl recordings of almost 100 year old music punctuate the intermission between sets. As youd expect, drinks wise, all the usual suspects are there – along with an exceptional selection of wines and an unspeakably extensive range of whiskeys.

Location: 20 Kingly Street, London, W1B 5PZ

For more details visit: Aint nothing but the Blues

6) 22 Below

Blink and youd miss it. Or, as is more appropriate, walk past and ignore it. Thats what would happen with this intimate Great Marlborough Street venue. Camouflaged in between cafes, just off trendy Carnaby Street, is a small staircase leading to 22 Below, a basement bar (theres a slight clue in the name). Once inside, youll be glad you found it, as you are greeted by a welcoming warm red interior. This is one for the cocktail buffs, 22 Belowsrange is mind blowing and original. Another great thing is the entertainment, on Wednesdays, 22 Below plays host to the Electric Mouse brotherhood, bringing some of the greatest upcoming names on the comedy circuit, much cheaper than the nearby West End alternatives. Fridays and Saturdays are dedicated to vinyl, belting out the sounds of house and hip hop.

Location: 22 Great Marlborough Street, London, W1F 7HU

For more details visit: 22 Below

7) Buddha Bar

This exclusive West Central London celebrity hangout is the place to be seen, Buddha Bar is a melting pot of the rich and famous also available to the less privileged; entry is guest list only after 10pm. Once you get over that and gain entry to the Victoria Embankment bar, you are greeted by opulent oriental interiors and yes of course, the obligatory statue of Buddha, which commands pride of place above the dining room. The bar, situated on the mezzanine, offers a selection of excellent cocktails including unique signatures such as the Millionaires Mojito. Musically, one can expect a chilled out selection of electronic infused with eastern spice. Although, after ten the dynamic changes and vinyl recordings starts churning out the usual bar fodder to appease the exclusive guests. So check your watch; if its before 10 and youre with a group of fun-hungry friends, get off the tube at Temple Tube Station, Buddha Bar is just around the corner.

Location: 8 Victoria Embankment, London, WC2R 2AB

For more details visit: Buddha Bar

8) The Lonsdale

If you find yourself in the Notting Hill area The Lonsdale is calling, offering some of the best cocktails this side of London and indeed the world. The Lonsdale celebrates the origins of delicious intoxicating drinks and their arrival in Britain. Sat in The Lonsdales cool, art deco styled bar, you can travel back in time to discover original cocktail recipes such as Drakes Mojito (1600s). With a selection of over 200 of the worlds best sprits, some brands and concoctions youd never heard of let alone tasted. The West London den is situated over 3 rooms: the restaurant, the bar and Genevieve – the private members bar, situated upstairs. Get off at Notting Hill tube station and head north.

Location: 48 Lonsdale Road, London, W11 2DE

For more details visit: The Lonsdale

9) The Players

Located on the Embankment, just a short walk from Charing Cross, Embankment and Leicester Square tube stations, The Players is not your average bar – being the destination for West End Theatre staff – mainly the chorus and dancers. At this point it is worthwhile mentioning, linked to The Players is the New Players Theatre. This is great venue to view the melodramatic mincing of the theatrical darlings and the blue blooded buffoonery of the public schooled social elite. The best thing about The Players is the music; none of the loud house or chart offal served up other West End establishments, just a white baby grand piano – which tends to get commandeered by the songsters and thespians, once the curtains have been pulled. If you can play piano and sing, due to the open-mic policy – the floor is yours, so to speak. Drinks, the usual suspects, are served from a long gleaming bar, the chairs are leather, the hours are late and if youre lucky, you can catch a slightly inebriated rendition of a current West End number by the cast.

Location: The Arches Villiers Street, London, WC2N 6NG

For more details visit: The Players

10) All Star Lanes Bayswater

And finally, something a little different; All Star Lanes, Bayswater. Ok, so not a bar as such, more accurately, its a bowling lane, but a little treasure it is. Its inclusion is due to the venues homage to American drinking and the fact its certainly not your typical bowling alley, you know the ones – chavs, Tennents Super cans and marauding children. No, this one is a bar first, novelty 50s leisure complex second. Yeah, its part of a small, London-wide chain however; the Bayswater branch has a unique claim – the largest variety of bourbons in London, hell yeah! Otherwise, expect a mighty drinking experience with a large selection of premium American sprits and cocktails on offer. Decor is, hmm lets see, 50s American. Music is not off trend either and on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays the sounds come courtesy of DJs. All in all this is the perfect spot for a laugh filled, and boozy, West London evening.

Location: 6 Porchester Gardens, Bayswater, London, W2 4DB

For more details visit: All Star Lanes