London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [162]
Le Salon Bar.
Renowned chef Joël Robuchon’s intimate, relaxed, and elegant bar with red undertones is in the same premises as his L’Atelier and La Cuisine restaurants. New cocktails await you, as the drink menu changes every six months, with new flavors and textures sure to entice your taste buds. If you’re feeling generous, treat yourself to an unforgettable dinner at the restaurant pre- or post-drinks—try the Fois Gras Chaud. | 13–15 West St., Leicester Square | WC2H 9NE | 020/7010–8600 | www.joel-robuchon.com | Mon.–Sat. 2:30 pm–2 am, Sun. 2:30 pm–10:30 pm | Station: Leicester Sq.
COVENT GARDEN
Bars
Cafe des Amis.
This relaxed basement wine bar near the Royal Opera House is the perfect pre- or post-theater spot, popular among musicians and performers alike—and a friendly enough place to go on your own. More than 30 wines are served by the glass, along with a good selection of cheeses and plates of charcuterie as well as more substantial dishes for those with more of an appetite (there’s also a French restaurant with a Mediterranean twist on the ground floor serving everything from moules marinieres to risotto). | 11–14 Hanover Pl., Covent Garden | WC2E 9JP | 020/7379–3444 | www.cafedesamis.co.uk | Mon.–Sat. 11:30 am–1 am | Covent Garden.
The Gay Scene
Fodor’s Choice | Heaven.
With by far the best light show on any London dance floor, Heaven is unpretentious, loud, and huge, with a labyrinth of rooms, bars, and live-music parlors. Friday and Saturday nights there’s a gay comedy night (£10 in advance, 7–10 pm). If you go to just one gay club, Heaven should be it. | The Arches, Villiers St., Covent Garden | WC2N 6NG | 020/7930–2020 | www.heaven-london.com | £4–£12 | Mon. 11 pm–6 am, Tues.–Thurs. 11 pm–5 am, Wed. 10:30 pm–4 am, Fri. 11 pm–5 am, Sat. 10:30 pm–5 am | Charing Cross, Embankment.
SOHO
Bars
Nordic.
With shooters called “Husky Poo” and “Danish Bacon Surprise” and crayfish tails and meatballs on the smorgasbord menu, Nordic takes its Scandinavian feel the whole way. This secluded, shabby-chic bar serves many couples cozied up among travel brochures promoting the Viking lands. If you can’t decide what to drink, the cocktail roulette wheel on the wall may help. | 25 Newman St., Soho | W1T 1PN | 020/7631–3174 | www.nordicbar.com | Mon.–Thurs. noon–11 pm, Fri. noon–midnight, Sat. 6 pm–midnight | Tottenham Court Rd.
Sketch.
At this esoteric living room bar one seat never looks like the next. A patisserie during the day, the exclusive Parlour Bar exudes plenty of rarefied charm while the intimate East Bar at the back is reminiscent of a sci-fi film set. | 9 Conduit St., Soho | W1S 2XG | 020/7659–4500 | www.sketch.uk.com | Parlour Bar Mon.–Thurs. 6:30–10 pm, Fri. and Sat. 6:30–9 pm, members only after 9 pm; East Bar Mon.–Thurs. 6 pm–1 am, Fri. and Sat. 6 pm–2 am | Oxford Circus.
Comedy and Cabaret
Amused Moose.
This Soho basement/retro nightclub is widely considered the best place to see breaking talent as well as household names doing “secret” shows. Ricky Gervais, Eddie Izzard, and Russell Brand are among those who have graced this stage, and every summer a handful of the Edinburgh Fringe comedians preview here. The bar is open late (and serves food), and there’s a DJ and dancing until 5 am after the show. Tickets are often discounted with a printout from their Web site, and shows are mainly on Saturday. | Moonlighting,17 Greek St., Soho | W1D 3RY | 020/7287–3727 | www.amusedmoose.com | £9 and up | Doors open at 7:30 pm | Tottenham Court Rd.
Comedy Store.
Known as the birthplace of alternative comedy, this is where the United Kingdom’s funniest stand-ups have cut their teeth before being launched onto prime-time TV. Comedy Store Players, a team with six comedians doing improvisation with audience suggestions, entertain audiences on Wednesday