Looking for things to do in North West London?

1) The Gallery

The Gallery in West Hampstead is exactly where residents of the North West Londons affluent suburb go. Take a short walk from West Hampstead tube station down West End Lane and youre there. Inside is an inviting small bar area, with mezzanine and a downstairs lounge complete with a dedicated bar and comfortable couches. The decor is dark and classy, black railings, cream walls and patio door mounted by small stained glass windows. The Gallery is intimately lit by candles and subtle lighting. This is the place to go to mingle with the well dressed and well moneyed locals of North West London and, overall the atmosphere is fantastic. However if its a quiet evening youre after arrive early as theres much more of a party atmosphere later on. Theres plenty going on here from comedy nights to whiskey tasting, live music and other live events and of course there are DJs to add to your listening pleasure.

Location: 190 Broadhurst Gardens, London, NW6 3AY

For more details visit: The Gallery

2) St Pancras Grand Champagne Bar

If decadence is what youre looking for, this is your place; its situated in the Euro star Lounge at Kings Cross St Pancras. Although being a champagne bar, its definitely not as elitist as youd expect with similar establishments located in Mayfair, for instance. Once there you will findEuropes Longest Bar, an impressive 90 metres all situated in St Pancras vaulted ceilings. Dont be alarmed by the £2000 plus price tags for the expensive bottles, prices are very reasonable, Im sure youd agree. Why not treat yourself and kick off an evening in style. Nearby venues include La Scala and the Big Chill House. Location: St Pancras International Station, Pancras Road, Kings Cross, London, NW1 2QP

For more details visit: St Pancras Grand Champagne Bar

3) The Westbury

If you fancy going out and partying to some of the hottest and upcoming DJs, then The Westbury in Kilburn is the ideal destination. The decor is mix of original vintage features; portraits, gilt mirrors and ornate lighting fixtures adorn the walls, maroon leather sofas with more modern features; American pool table, green printed wall paper and the inviting light wood bar. So lets get to the music bit; its generally Hip-Hop, Electro and House but expect a few DJ sets by well known bands such as The Mystery Jets here and there. Artists who have played at North West London hotspot The Westbury include Hot Chip, Norman Jay, Stanton Warrior and the Nextmen – its quite cheap too! And the drinks – a massive list of cocktails including signature, The Westbury; lashings of rum, passoa, stem ginger and lemon served over crushed ice. Lush! Other drinks available include a small selection of wines and champagne and of course there are beers, cider and sprits and lethal shots to be consumed. The crowd is a mixed bunch – cool young professionals, groupies, girlies partying, lads out on the lash and Kilburn locals.

Location: 34 Kilburn High Road, Kilburn, London, NW6 5UA

For more details visit: The Westbury

4) Bar Vinyl

If discovering hidden treasures is your goal, this Camden hideaway is a diamond in the rough. Tucked away slightly from the trampy, agro ridden main streets of the North London dive-town on Inverness St, youll find Bar Vinyl. Im sure youve guessed from the name what this place is all about – processed beats cut onto vinyl and played loud, but not too loud! Bar Vinyl aims to bring the very best of upcoming and established DJs; genres include House, Techno, Break-beat and Drum n bass. To furthermore endorse the vinyl format, there is a record shop in the basement.

Location: 6 Inverness St London, NW1 7HJ.

For more details visit: Bar Vinyl

5) Annies bar

If youre wanting to see what night-time charms North West London has to offer why not try Annies Bar inKentish Town. As soon as you step through the doors you can tell youre in for a good time, the decor for instance is absolutely luxurious. What youve got is renaissance paintings on the walls, chandeliers hanging from the ceilings and large mirrors placed here and there; youd think youve landed into 18th century splendour and decadence- oh and might I add, it doesnt look a bit tacky. The drinks are where the Annies Bar really stands out; you can choose from a huge selection of beautiful cocktails and the non-drinkers are accommodated for too – they serve smoothies and juices. Wine is also a great option here and of course, theres always the usual beers and cider. The clientele is mixed bunch; ladies nights out, businessmen after-work drinking, locals from the Kentish Town area and a few randoms thrown in. In terms of entertainment theres jazz a few evenings a week, which explains the large white grand piano out back, and open mic nights, check the listings on their website for full details.

Location: 180 Kentish Town Road, Kentish Town, London, NW5 2AE

For more details visit: Annies bar

6) Fifty Five

Ok, so you would normally expect bars to be playing the same old funky house. Not this one, Fifty Five has ousted the norm and bangs out cheesy and cheery 70s tunes in the downstairs bar, whilst the upstairs room offers live music in the form of up and coming bands. Established in 2006 by an expert barman, who actually serves behind the bar, this upmarket Camden bar is not your run of the mill bar and serves great cocktails with passion and energy. The decor is typical rock bar; framed posters rock bands, leather sofas and candle lighting, cosy, intimate but above all laid back.

Location: 31 Jamestown Road, London, NW1 7DB

For more details visit: Fifty Five Bar

7) Positively 4th Street

If youre in the North West London area, why not check out Hampstead Roads Positively 4th Street? NearWarren Street tube station, Positively 4th Street juxtaposes 30s prohibition America and art deco with a hint of Japanese culture. Positively 4th Street displaces the usual, nondescript bar formula and it really works, the decor is as youd expect from the above description; like a 1930s New York speak easy – whose owner has a small penchant for all things Japanese. Otherwise, the windows are definitely art deco, seating is red leather bench sofas, sleek black glass tables complete with tea-lights, all complemented by a host of mirrors. Theres a down stair dance floor area, out of which, at the weekends, comes the sounds of funk, hip-hop, classic soul and Brazilian house. As far as drinking is concerned, you can pucker your lip at the extensive cocktail list, otherwise theres a large range of beers, wines and champagne. Adjacent to Regents Park.

Location: 119 Hampstead Road, London, NW1 3EE

For more details visit: Positively 4th Street

8) Grand Union

Another outstanding Kentish Town offering is Grand Union, part of a small chain of specialist London bars.Grand Union is the full package as far as bars go; stylish, funky, great atmosphere, great drinks and great live music. Theres a separate downstairs area with a dedicated bar, and stage; where the live music acts and DJs perform. With a small array of table and couches, this downstairs area has the feel of an intimate lounge bar venue; the only thing that is missing is the cigarette smoke. The main bar is a spacious area and decor is random but with an air of sophistication; a mismatched lamp collection, paintings – including that Audrey Hepburn print, an empty bird cage, the seats and tables are all from different sets. All in all, its a pretty unique place! And usually we wouldnt be charmed by such a place with an Audrey Hepburn painting –its not really original, but in the case ofGrand Union we will excuse it. Not surprisingly, the funky North West London establishmenthas a buzzing atmosphere pretty much any night of the week; you can really tell people are enjoying themselves here, in comparison, not all bars boast constant peals of laughter and merriment. Drinks at Grand Union are up to the standard, cocktails are exceptional and theres a wide range of beers, ciders, wines and spirits.

Location: 102-104 Camden Road, Camden, London, NW1 9EA

For more details visit: Grand Union

9) Alice house

Just a short walk up West End Lane from West Hampstead tube station youll find a beautiful, stylish building front belonging to a bar by the name of Alice House. And once you step inside you are not disappointed, thisNorth West London bar is as classy as any, inside and out. The opulent decor screams innovation and modernity; exposed brickwork, huge windows, exposed bulbs hung from webs of black wire- yet there is a traditional, decadent under-current to this classy West Hampstead bar. In terms of drinks, you can expect the some of the best cocktails mixed by expert cocktail waiters; if you cant choose from the huge selection, ask for a recommendation – theyll be happy to help you out. If you still cant choose, theres a small but fully formed wine menu and of course, the usual beers and ciders. Alice House is not the cheapest place but this is definitely the norm for well to do Hampstead.

Location: 283-285 West End Lane, West Hampstead, London, NW6 1RD

For more details visit: Alice house

10) The Flower Pot

If youre heading into North London, why pop into The Flower Pot – situated between Camden and Kentish Towntube stations. In the evening, sultry lighting invites you into a world of vintage leather sofas, lush cocktails set against a warm red back drop punctuated by carefully selected artwork. All the usual drinks are catered for along with a fantastic range of Cocktails including the Champagne Mojito. The Flower Pot brings a fresh vide to the area and entices many a young professional. Music wise, this truly is an exceptional venue, expect some the very best in upcoming acoustic artists and bands.

Location: 147 Kentish Town Rd, Camden, London, NW1 8PD

For more details visit: The Flower Pot