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Nightlife
| Despite the Labour government’s failure to implement the promised loosening of pub opening hours in its second term, London’s nightlife is currently buzzing with everything from some of Europe’s liveliest nightclubs right through to hip stylish bars and traditional old London taverns. Night-time hotspots can be found across the capital, although there is a particular concentration in the West End, especially around Soho (which is the main hangout for the ultra-hip and London’s gay community). The legal drinking age is 18 years and almost all of the clubs exact an admission price (often increasing after 2300 or 2400), which can be pricey (particularly in the West End). Dress codes vary depending on the calibre of the club but it may be wise to leave the trainers at home. Although there are still plans for a major shake-up, England’s licensing laws mean that pubs and bars traditionally close at 2300 Monday to Saturday and at 2230 on Sunday. However, some places have special licences that allow them to stay open later. Clubs usually open at 2200, fill up by 2400, and stay open until 0300 during the week and 0500 at weekends. Drink prices are exorbitant in London and can vary from pub to pub and club to club. A pint will cost anything from £2.30 upwards and will be much more like £3 in the West End. Few venues can be defined by their music, featuring different styles on different nights, with regular sets by guest DJs. The best way to keep abreast of goings-on is to check out the listings in the weekly Time Out magazine (website: www.timeout.com).
Bars: If a traditional English pub is what you are after, try the 17th-century George Inn, 77 Borough High Street, SE1 – the only extant example of a galleried coaching inn in London. Nearby, a popular watering hole for patrons of the Globe Theatre, tourists and locals is The Anchor, Bankside, SE1. This 17th-century haunt is quaint and quirky, while its Thames-side terrace is a delight on sunny days. Alternatively, for more central traditional drinking, make for The Crown, 51 New Oxford Street, WC1, which boasts some of the cheapest beers in the West End. As for trendy bars, many of the best in Soho are members-only but Yo!Below, in the basement of Yo!Sushi, 52 Poland Street, W1, is far more egalitarian, featuring Japanese cartoons, karaoke-singing staff, self-service beer dispensers and masseuses. Or for a chilled scruffy kind of cool, try Two Floors, Kingly Street, W1; it doesn’t have the name above the door but you can tell it by the sofas in the window and the apple green paint. The Evening Standard ‘Bar of the Year 2002’ is Rockwell, on the ground floor of the Trafalgar Hotel, Trafalgar Square, WC2, currently one of the city’s coolest meeting places with its sumptuous cocktails and chic decor. Point 101, 101 New Oxford Street, WC1, is a late-night West End bar that defies the archaic drinking laws with plenty of space and up-to-date dance sounds. Leaving the West End and heading for the City of London, Vertigo, Level 42, Tower 42, Old Broad Street, EC2, at 180m (590ft) above the ground, is one of the UK’s highest bars and boasts stunning views across the city from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Gastropubs tend to be found in the residential areas, just outside the centre; in Maida Vale, try the canalside Waterway, 54 Formosa Street, W9, or the Fire Stables, 27-29 Church Road, SW19, in Wimbledon Village; or head north to Primrose Hill to The Lansdowne, 90 Gloucester Avenue, NW1, or The Engineer, 65 Gloucester Avenue, NW1.
Casinos: There are over 20 casinos in London. For contact details and other information, refer to the British Casino Association, 38 Grosvenor Gardens, SW1 (tel: (020) 7730 1050; website: www.british-casinos.co.uk).
Clubs: UK garage (becoming ever closer musically to its R&B cousin across the Atlantic) is still the ‘in’ sound of London, however, a variety of musical styles pervades clubs throughout the capital. Across the world the club beats of London fill up dancefloors and in the capital itself, the scene has never been livelier. The world-famous super-club Ministry of Sound, 103 Gaunt Street, SE1 (website: www.ministryofsound.co.uk), is still going strong a decade on, with its stunning sound system pumping out popular house and garage. Its big rivals today are the more underground Fabric, 77A Charterhouse Street, EC1 (website: www.fabric-london.com) and the newly opened Pacha, Terminus Place, Victoria, SW1, which has brought a touch of Balearic glamour to Victoria. Some of the best UK Garage nights are held at The End, an ultra-stylish club at 18A West Central Street, WC1. In west London, head for the Notting Hill Arts Club, 21 Notting Hill Gate, W11, for a chilled atmosphere and eclectic nights. South of the river, Brixton has gained a reputation over the last decade for lively nightlife. The Fridge, Town Hall Parade, SW2, is a long-time favourite and The Fridge Bar next door is one of the best bar-clubs in town. Scantily clad professional ‘dancers’ and a light show entertain punters at Stringfellows, 16-19 Upper St Martin’s Lane, WC2. The most popular gay night is still G.A.Y. at The Astoria, 157 Charing Cross Road, WC2.
Comedy: The Comedy Store (tel: (020) 7344 0234) at Haymarket House, Oxenden Street, SW1, still offers the best comedy in town. Jongleurs comedy and cabaret clubs are based in Clapham, Camden Lock and Bow (tel: (020) 7564 2525).
Live music: International acts play at Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre, SW5, and Wembley Arena. Next door, Wembley Stadium was once a vast auditorium for massive stars but it is currently closed for rebuilding. Mainstream pop stars can be heard at the London Arena, Limeharbour, E14. For a more unique atmosphere try the Astoria (LA1), 157 Charing Cross Road, WC2, or Brixton Academy, 211 Stockwell Road, SW9. The Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Shepherds Bush Green, W12, and the Forum, 9-17 Highgate Road, NW5, draw medium-sized acts, while the original Mean Fiddler, 28A Kilburn High Street, NW10, hosts folk, country and rock events. Pubs with regular live music acts include the Bull & Gate, 389 Kentish Town Road, NW5, Camden’s famous Dublin Castle, 94 Parkway, NW1, and the Swan, 215 Clapham Road, SW9. For jazz head to the Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, NW1, or to Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, 47 Frith Street, W1, a legendary venue in the heart of Soho.
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