Glasgow
A beautiful wood floor, elegant fittings and chessboard tiling give this place a stylish cosiness that perfectly matches its list of cocktails and G&Ts…
Must-see nightlife in The United Kingdom
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Covered in retro chimp montages but actually named for the wood that's wedged behind ale casks to tip them, this tiny, two-level micropub inside a railway…
Belfast
Look for the moustached sign to find Maverick, a gay bar that attracts a friendly crowd. Check the Facebook page for the current schedule of cabaret and…
The West End
Incongruously carved out of a corner of a leisure centre, this branch of a nine-strong chain boasts 15 cask pumps from UK microbreweries, as well as 30…
Northeast England
Built in 1190, this authentic-as-it-gets locals' boozer is complete with dartboard, cosy snugs, a terrific selection of beers and spirits, and wise…
Notting Hill & West London
A garrulous hubbub frequently spilling from its ivy-clad and port-coloured facade, this Victorian-era pub tempts locals, visitors, foodies and drinkers…
Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri)
Attached to the grander Royal Oak, and doing a roaring trade in lasagne, curries and pints for weary walkers, the Stables (Y Stablau) is the only pub per…
St Ives
Since its foundation in 2010 St Ives' own microbrewery has expanded operations and opened its own cafe and tasting room. The flagships are Boiler's, a…
Edinburgh
With its mosaic floors, polished gantry, cosy fireplace and efficient bar staff, the Blue Blazer is a down-to-earth antidote to the designer excess of…
Leith
Sofi's brings a little bit of Swedish sophistication to this former Leith pub, feeling more like a bohemian cafe with its mismatched furniture, candlelit…
Kensington & Hyde Park
This beautiful bar/pub in the heart of Chelsea is a hit – from the red banquette in the stylish dining room to the elegant terrace for summer evenings,…
Notting Hill & West London
Gin and alluring cocktails are on the menu at this former pub, refreshed into a nifty, narrow cocktail bar. There's live music every Thursday from 7.30pm,…
Manchester
Old-fashioned boozer founded in 1776 with a strong musical heritage: John Peel interviewed Joy Division's Ian Curtis here in 1979 and some of its fine…
North London
We're going out on a limb and calling this London's best Irish pub. The staff are sharp, the Guinness is good, and the live entertainment is frequent and…
The West End
If you are seriously into singalongs, head for this attractive free house in Marylebone, where the keys of the old 'goanna' (piano) get tickled by Tony …
Glasgow
One of the city's principal gay clubs is an attractive spot, with opulent furnishings. The downstairs Polo Club and Club X areas pack out on weekends,…
Oban
An authentic Scottish pub, Aulay’s is cosy and low-ceilinged, its walls covered with old photographs of Oban ferries and other ships. It pulls in a mixed…
Guernsey
On the little street that leads to the Victor Hugo house, this is where locals come to unwind. There are real ales on tap and a convivial atmosphere, and…
Belfast
First opened in 1870, the Garrick hangs on to a traditional atmosphere with acres of dark-wood panelling, tiled floors, a pillared bar and old brass oil…
Oxford
Inspired by the eponymous Spanish kitesurfing centre, this low-key lounge spot is big on neo-Moorish style, with cushioned booths, low-slung tables, tile…
Exeter
Step into the snug, candlelit interior of this Exeter institution and instantly feel at home. Dried hops hang from rafters above flagstone floors and…
Chester
No children, no music and no machines or big screens (but plenty of Union Jacks). This 'family hostile' Edwardian classic pub is a throwback to a time…
Edinburgh
Set around an airy, stone-floored and glass-roofed courtyard, Indigo Yard is a fashionable West End watering hole that has been patronised by the likes of…
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Spilling onto a small green out front, this red-brick charmer in the Ouseburn Valley has been pouring pints since the early 1800s. Its current owners have…
North London
Enjoy a fine selection of real ale in this cosy, eclectic, nautical-themed award-winning boozer. Regulars keep the bar propped up and the dimly lit…
North London
The hair of this particular dog is craft beer, with around 20 different brews on tap. BrewDog's own brewery is up in Scotland, but more than half of the…
Glasgow
Set in a former cheese market, this place is very OTT with its Mediterranean-villa decor; it really does have to be seen to be believed. Despite the…
Jersey
One of Jersey's best coffee shops, the Bean is both a community hub and a place to drink some seriously good coffee that's roasted on-site. Beans include…
Cambridge
A cocktail bar for aficionados of the craft. At Hidden Rooms (if you can find it), booths and table service add an edge of exclusivity, while twice…
Bristol
This lovingly converted 1930s cargo vessel used to transport barley and wheat. Fittingly it's now used by the Bristol Beer Factory to showcase its craft…
Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields
It’s a distinctly bohemian crowd that mixes in the cosy, traditional interior of this brilliant Spitalfields pub, famous as the watering hole for the…
Manchester
A basement bar with a speakeasy vibe, but there's nothing illicit about drinking here: the cocktails are terrific (it runs occasional mixology sessions),…
Edinburgh
The Sample Room is a big, lively, convivial pub serving a wide range of wines and excellent real ales, and some of the best pub grub in the city (brunch…
Peak District
An ideal stop for walkers descending from Kinder Scout, the Old Nags Head is a packhorse inn (and former smithy) with tankards hanging from the beams and…
Manchester
The decor at this old-style pub is half brothel, half tearoom, but the vibe is low-key: no loud music, no hen parties and no 'all drinks a pound' specials…
The Midlands & the Marches
Ales and craft keg beers from independent British breweries are the hallmark of this adorable little one-room micropub, along with a wonderful selection…
Yorkshire
If you're more into pubbing than clubbing, try a pint of Black Sheep at this lovely 200-year-old pub down by the waterfront. On a sunny day you can sit…
South Cornwall
As its name suggests, this one-storey building was once occupied by Truro's grammar-school boys, but it's now a popular open-plan drinking den, with big…
Leeds
If it's Tamla Motown or the percussive beats of dancefloor jazz that shake your booty, this is the spot for you. Also has stand-up comedy sessions (£14)…
Leith
With a low wooden ceiling, stone walls and a fine old fireplace, the Carriers has all the historic atmosphere that its 18th-century origins would imply…
