The West End
Ku is a three-tiered pleasure palace near Leicester Sq, with a cocktail bar and lounge above ground playing pop videos on wall-hung screens, and a proper,…
Must-see nightlife in The United Kingdom
Glasgow
This student favourite on a West End backstreet near the River Kelvin is a relaxed den that serves nearly a hundred different teas and other infusions. It…
Nottingham
Its setting in a deconsecrated 19th-century church with soaring ceilings, glorious stained glass and flickering candles makes Nottingham's branch of this…
Oxford
Celebrating cycling culture in all its forms, this cool modern coffee shop pulls in caffeine fiends with its stripped-back, bare-white decor, easygoing…
Birmingham
Sit in perspex chairs in front of giant blow-ups of Hawaiian beaches and groove to rock and roll at this tiki bar. Tropical-themed cocktails include…
Cambridge
Bringing a South Pacific vibe to the centre of Cambridge, Lola Lo specialises in cocktails and themed nights, featuring house, chart, commercial dance,…
South Cornwall
This is where the locals hang out in Flushing, a traditional village pub with benches on the street, an open log fire and plenty of beers on tap. Pub…
Southeast Wales
This 16th-century coaching inn gets packed to the rafters during rugby games but it's a great place for a quiet beer or pub meal otherwise. Upstairs there…
Nottingham
An underground club for those who like their bass heavy and their beats supercharged, Stealth is attached to live music venue the Rescue Rooms.
Keswick
Benches, beams, hearths, rugs: the old Dog is the picture of a Lakeland pub. Look out for Thirst Rescue ale, which donates part of its proceeds to the…
Southeast Wales
A traditional pub tucked down a pedestrian lane, the Hen & Chickens hosts live jazz sessions on Sunday afternoons (outside when it's sunny) and occasional…
Exeter
The Exeter Cosy Club outpost occupies a former 1920s hospital X-ray department. The vibe is buzzy; the clientele is smart; and the decor is a mix of…
Cardiff
This hip three-storey venue merges a cafe, cocktail bar and live-music venue. Good-looking bartenders swish together two-for-£10 cocktails during daily…
Keswick
A cosy corner wine bar that also serves good lunches and evening tapas (£4 to £10).
St Ives
The open-plan Hub is the heart of St Ives' (admittedly limited) nightlife: coffee and burgers by day, cocktails after dark and a great location on the…
Cardiff
The 'home of the '90s vibe' is exactly what you'd expect it to be. If you were there in the Britpop heyday, prepare to bop around your handbag all night…
The West End
This hugely popular lesbian and gay bar and club with a late licence plays pop and other nonsense (imagine Donna Summer's 'Last Dance') till the wee hours.
Northeast England
Encased in ivory-coloured tiles, this salt-of-the-earth 1850-built traditional pub is great for a pint of real ale while watching a Newcastle United match.
Cardiff
A large bar with an open, breezy feel and a 1st-floor terrace with a view of the bay. DJs spin on weekends and there's occasionally live music on Fridays.
Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog
This ivy-clad, family-run, traditional pub is ideal for whiling away a wet afternoon with a pint of Timothy Taylor's ale, a hearty meal and a good book.
Glasgow
This lager labyrinth with its fantasy-realm elven treehouse feel could be an Escher sketch brought to life, and it's a cut above most Irish theme pubs.
Greater Glasgow
Designed by a Mackintosh disciple, this is Paisley's best pub, with original dark wood fittings and several guest ales on tap. There's no food, though.
Exeter
Scuffed floorboards, crowded-in tables and walls smothered in an eyebrow-raising array of collectables set the scene at this atmospheric drinking den.
Plymouth
The Swallow has been a friendly fixture of Plymouth's gay scene for 25 years. The vibe is relaxed, in keeping with its pool table and karaoke nights.
The Lake District
With its sputtering fires and inglenook bar, this 16th-century coaching inn on the A591 makes a fine place for a pint and a simple pie supper.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
This small late-night bar has dance music upstairs and more mainstream tunes downstairs. Look out for drag queen–hosted events and parties.
Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields
This down-to-earth and welcoming backstreet pub attracts a friendly bunch of relaxed locals for its quirky decor, great music and good times.
Swansea, The Gower & Carmarthenshire
A large rusty anchor sets an appropriately nautical tone for this appealing local pub, which serves the Gower Brewery's range of real ales.
York
Popular and atmospheric pub in a 16th-century building, with a small beer garden and a good range of ales. And it's haunted…
Liverpool
A traditional pub with a beer garden; the fact that John and Cynthia Lennon liked coming here still draws the curious.
The Lake District
Pleasant cafe with views of the river and church – perfect for tea and scones or a slice of post-hike cake.
The Lake District
Bowness' oldest boozer, dating back to 1612 and offering lashings of rough-beamed, low-ceilinged atmosphere.
South Cornwall
Classy little wine bar that serves several vintages by the glass, and also holds regular film screenings.
Belfast
The student union has various bars and music venues hosting club nights, live bands and stand-up comedy.
Yorkshire Dales National Park
A determinedly old-fashioned free house with a lively atmosphere, sports screens and sticky floors.
The Midlands & the Marches
On a sunny day, the courtyard at this pub serving real ales and artisan ciders fills with locals.
Nottingham
Cocktail specialist Tilt mixes up classics and house creations in intimate, candlelit surrounds.
Brighton & Hove
And they ain’t talking Victoria or Elizabeth! Plenty of camp cabaret and karaoke at this pub.
The Lake District
Traditional pub with plenty of local ales on tap, mostly from the owners' Robinson's Brewery.
Manchester
Popular bar with DJs and a live-mic night on Wednesdays that is especially well-frequented.
