• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

By Root 1369 0

in London is mind-boggling. The dreaded velvet rope has been usurped by the doorbell-ringing mystique of members-only drinking clubs and the understated glamour of North London’s Primrose Hill, which makes movie stars feel so at ease, might be considered dull by the über-trendy club goers of London’s East End. In addition, the price of a pint in Chelsea would be dubbed blasphemous by the musicians and poets of racially diverse Brixton. Meanwhile, some of the city’s most talked-about nightlife spots are turning out to be those attached to some of its best restaurants and hotels—no wonder, when you consider the increased popularity of London cuisine in international circles. Moreover, the gay scene in London continues to flourish.

Whatever your pleasure, however your whim turns come evening, chances are you’ll find what you’re looking for in London’s ever-changing arena of activity and invention.

BLOOMSBURY

Bars

All Star Lanes.

One of London’s most chic bars is an unlikely combination—it’s in a sleek, underground, retro bowling alley in the heart of literary Bloomsbury. Here, surrounded by 1950s Americana, you can sit on the red leather seats and choose from the largest selection of bourbons in London. DJs play on Friday and Saturday nights and there are also locations in Bayswater and Brick Lane. | Victoria House, Bloomsbury Pl., Bloomsbury | WC1B 4DA | 020/7025–2676 | www.allstarlanes.co.uk | Mon.–Wed. 5 pm–11:30 pm, Thurs. 5–midnight, Fri. and Sat. noon–2 am, Sun. noon–11 | Holborn.

Rock

Water Rats.

This high-spirited pub hosted Bob Dylan on his 1963 tour, as well as the first Oasis gig. Alt-country, hip-hop, and indie guitar bands thrash it out most nights of the week. | 328 Gray’s Inn Rd., Bloomsbury | WC1X 8BZ | 020/7837–7269 | www.themonto.com | £6 and up | Mon.–Sat. noon–11:30 | King’s Cross.

SOHO

Eclectic Music

12 Bar Club.

This rough-and-ready acoustic club hosts notable singer-songwriters. Four different acts of new folk, contemporary country, blues, and even ska and punk perform each night in the intimate venue. There’s a good selection of bottled beer and gastropub food here. | 22–23 Denmark Pl., Soho | WC2H 8NJ | 020/7240–2622 | www.12barclub.com | £3–£10 | Fri. and Sat. 7 pm–3 am, Sun. 6 pm–12:30 am. Café serves food 9–9 | Tottenham Court Rd.

FITZROVIA

Fodor’s Choice | Crazy Bear.

This sexy basement bar with cowhide stools and croc-skin tables feels like Casablanca in Fitzrovia. As you enter Crazy Bear, a spiral staircase leads to a mirrored parlor over which presides a 1947 Murano chandelier. But don’t let the opulence fool you: Waitstaff here are warm and welcoming to an all-ages international crowd abuzz with chatter. The menu advertises high quality Thai, Chinese, and Japanese food alongside the drinks. | 26–28 Whitfield St., Fitzrovia | W1T 2RG | 020/7631–0088 | www.crazybeargroup.co.uk | Sun.–Wed. noon–midnight, Thurs.–Sat. noon–1 am | Goodge St.

Long Bar at Sanderson Hotel.

The 80-foot-long shimmering white onyx island bar in the Philippe Starck–designed Sanderson Hotel attracts a cliquish and trendy crowd. The large but welcoming outdoor area exudes a Zen-like feel, with soothing running water mixed with dim lighting and decorative vegetation providing a truly relaxing experience. For a more intimate and romantic setting, the hotel’s Purple Bar serves excellent chocolate martinis. | 50 Berners St., Fitzrovia | W1T 3NG | 020/7300–1444 | www.sandersonlondon.com | Mon. 11 am–1 am, Tues. and Wed. 11 am–1:30 am, Thurs.–Sat. 11 am–3 am, Sun. noon–10:30 pm | Oxford Circus.

THE EAST END

HOXTON

Dance Clubs

Fabric.

This sprawling subterranean club is now a firm fixture on the London scene. “Fabric Live” hosts drum ’n’ bass, dubstep, and hip-hop crews and live acts on Friday; international big-name DJs play slow, sexy bass lines and cutting-edge music on Saturday. The devastating sound system and “bodysonic” dance floor ensure that bass riffs vibrate through your entire body. TIP Get there early to avoid a lengthy queue, and don’t wear a suit. | 77A Charterhouse St., East End | EC1M 3HN |