Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields
This small bar is a craft-beer aficionado's paradise, with BrewDog's usuals on tap, including Punk IPA and Dead Pony Club, plus some of the brewery's…
Must-see nightlife in The United Kingdom
Kensington & Hyde Park
This vast Victorian corner boozer is delightful inside and out, with some bijou art-nouveau features, contemporary art on the walls, a fabulous coffered…
Scotland
Hidden down a country lane 3 miles east of North Berwick is NB Distillery, where gin aficionados Vivienne and Steve concoct award-winning London Dry with…
Nottingham
Seven hand-pulled ales are poured at this split-level pub with works by local artists, British pub fare (fish and chips, shepherd's pie) and a wraparound…
Northeast England
Beer was first made on this site over half a millennium ago. Today, the pub's own brews include Ceres (wheat beer), Sycamore Gap (pale ale) and the…
The West End
Its curved mahogany bar topped with etched-glass ‘snob screens’ (swivelling panels concealing genteel Victorian drinkers from bar staff and other workers)…
Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields
A creative vibe animates this fantastic one-time Victorian warehouse. Book Club hosts DJs and oddball events (neon naked life drawing, speed dating, …
Glasgow
In a quiet corner of Merchant City, this handsome spot is perfect for a tranquil daytime drink, particularly in the adjoining beer garden. Service is…
Glasgow
In the heart of the Pink Triangle, this is a popular bar with a good mix of ages and orientations. It packs out in the evenings when bingo, quizzes, drag…
Aberdeen
Decadent decor of deep blue-green panelling, designer copper light fittings and mirrored walls tempts you to linger in this classy wine bar – there are…
Edinburgh
Nicknamed for the cemetery across the street – gravediggers used to nip in and slake their thirst here – the Diggers dates from 1897. It’s still staunchly…
Oxford
Usually busy with students enjoying fine coffee and slabs of home-made cake, central Oxford’s friendliest independent coffee house is an intimate, wood…
South Cornwall
Peter Walker's craft-beer bar showcases his knowledge, gained while running Leeds' North Bar. Esoteric choices such as New York's Brooklyn Brewery and…
Manchester
Whisky – over 300 different kinds of it (the Cu Dhub 'black whisky' is a particular treat with its touch of coffee and honey) – is the beverage of choice…
North London
At the bottom of Hampstead Heath hides this gem housed in a 19th-century cottage with a gorgeous beer garden. The interior is wonderfully cosy, with dark…
Leith
The delightful Old Chain Pier enjoys a brilliant location overlooking the sea – the building was once the 19th-century booking office for steamers…
Dumfries & Galloway
A traditional, rickety old nook-and-cranny pub down a narrow wynd off the main pedestrian drag, this was reputedly Burns' favourite watering hole, and…
Aberdeen
This lovely Edwardian-style pub with wood panelling, marble-topped tables and walls decorated with old musical instruments is a great place for a quiet…
The West End
This cheery local favourite takes its name from Queen Charlotte, who previously stored food here for her husband George III, during his nearby treatment…
Yorkshire Dales National Park
Down a back alley beside Skipton's canal basin, this friendly pub is essentially a modern craft beer bar but still manages to cultivate a traditional feel…
North London
This little cafe just before the entrance to the British Library piazza scores highly on design but even more on its coffee. One of just three London…
Edinburgh
One of the newer additions to Edinburgh’s burgeoning coffee scene, Cult Espresso is an intimate, industrial-chic cafe serving single-origin coffees to the…
Glasgow
Perhaps the best bar on Ashton Lane, Brel can seem tightly packed, but there's a conservatory for eating out the back so you can pretend you're sitting…
The West End
Cool, assured, and expertly staffed, this tiny Soho cafe-bar is perfect for a Negroni (the speciality), house cocktail (mostly £12) or top-notch coffee,…
Glasgow
Perfect for a pint after the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, this great spot offers the delicious range of artisanal beers from the brewery of the same…
Glasgow
A breathtaking domed ceiling and majestic chandeliers make this casino a special space. Originally a bank and later Glasgow's High Court, this regal…
Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields
This simply styled, cosy coffee shop serves top-notch brews that are roasted across the street. Along with the usual options, Nude has rotating single…
Leith
Duke St was always one of the rougher corners of Leith, but the emergence of pubs like the Lioness is a sure sign of gentrification. Distressed timber and…
London
Workers in London's concrete jungle flock to this two-level garden-style cafe-bar for a restorative dose of greenery (both real and faux) and picnic-table…
Northumberland Coast
Fairtrade organic beans and compostable packaging are used by this fabulous independent coffee roastery. The living-room-like dining space with…
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Dating from 1901, this traditional pub retains original features including Victorian snugs, carved woodwork, stained-glass windows and mosaic tiles. At…
Manchester
It might only be halfway up the 47-storey Beetham Tower, but the views from this 23rd-floor bar are unparalleled – even if the windows could do with a…
North London
Once one of the best places to see unsigned but promising talent, the legendary Bull & Gate’s old-school music venue has metamorphosed into an elegant…
Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields
As its name subtly indicates, Ballie Ballerson is themed on balls. And alcohol, which comes in the form of cocktails. But back to the balls: there are two…
Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields
This landmark Victorian pub with large windows and beautiful tiles is perfectly positioned for a pint after exploring Spitalfields Market. The most famous…
Glasgow
A breath of fresh air, this offbeat spot makes you feel comfortable as soon as you plunge into its basement depths. The decor is eclectic with a cosy…
Notting Hill & West London
London wouldn’t be what it is without places like NHAC, which mixes underground and retro-music club nights with the odd big pop name. The small basement…
Leith
In an area stuffed with choice pubs, Nobles might be the most loved by locals. This beautifully restored Victorian cafe-bar in the heart of Leith has…
The West End
Ever since opening its doors in 1991, the Village has been up for a party any night of the week. There are karaoke nights, go-go-dancers and DJs on the…
Cardiff
A cute little bar with an electric-rainbow exterior, Gwdihŵ has an eclectic line-up of entertainment (comedy, DJs, quiz nights and lots of live music,…
