Must-see nightlife in England

  • Lola Lo

    Cambridge

    Bringing a South Pacific vibe to the centre of Cambridge, Lola Lo specialises in cocktails and themed nights, featuring house, chart, commercial dance,…

  • Seven Stars

    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…

  • Stealth

    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.

  • Dog & Gun

    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…

  • Cosy Club

    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…

  • Cafe-Bar 26

    Keswick

    A cosy corner wine bar that also serves good lunches and evening tapas (£4 to £10).

  • Hub

    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…

  • Turks Head

    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.

  • G-A-Y Late

    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.

  • Old Timers

    Exeter

    Scuffed floorboards, crowded-in tables and walls smothered in an eyebrow-raising array of collectables set the scene at this atmospheric drinking den.

  • Swallow

    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.

  • Traveller's Rest

    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.

  • Switch

    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.

  • Three Kings

    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.

  • Old White Swan

    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…

  • Ye Cracke

    Liverpool

    A traditional pub with a beer garden; the fact that John and Cynthia Lennon liked coming here still draws the curious.

  • Grasmere Tea Gardens

    The Lake District

    Pleasant cafe with views of the river and church – perfect for tea and scones or a slice of post-hike cake.

  • Hole in T' Wall

    The Lake District

    Bowness' oldest boozer, dating back to 1612 and offering lashings of rough-beamed, low-ceilinged atmosphere.

  • Sanctuary

    South Cornwall

    Classy little wine bar that serves several vintages by the glass, and also holds regular film screenings.

  • Unicorn Inn

    Yorkshire Dales National Park

    A determinedly old-fashioned free house with a lively atmosphere, sports screens and sticky floors.

  • Silk Mill Ale & Cider House

    The Midlands & the Marches

    On a sunny day, the courtyard at this pub serving real ales and artisan ciders fills with locals.

  • Tilt

    Nottingham

    Cocktail specialist Tilt mixes up classics and house creations in intimate, candlelit surrounds.

  • Queen’s Arms

    Brighton & Hove

    And they ain’t talking Victoria or Elizabeth! Plenty of camp cabaret and karaoke at this pub.

  • Golden Rule

    The Lake District

    Traditional pub with plenty of local ales on tap, mostly from the owners' Robinson's Brewery.

  • Fats

    Cumbria & the Lakes

    A less hectic alternative to Botchergate's pubs. There are DJs and comedy nights regularly.

  • Lammar's

    Manchester

    Popular bar with DJs and a live-mic night on Wednesdays that is especially well-frequented.

  • Mr Thomas' Chop House

    Manchester

    An old-style boozer that is very popular for a pint as well as a meal (mains £14 to £16).

  • Black Lion Hotel

    Yorkshire Dales National Park

    Friendly bar with low beams and lots of dining space, but lacks character and atmosphere.

  • CoCo

    Torquay

    Balearic beats, classy cocktails and a sea-view terrace.

  • Revenge

    Brighton & Hove

    Nightly disco with occasional drag and cabaret acts.

  • The entrance area to Cargo, a popular club in London's East End

    Cargo

    Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields

    Cargo has seen better days but still packs in a crowd several nights weekly. Under its brick railway arches, you’ll find a dance floor and bar, and there…

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    Churchill Arms

    Notting Hill & West London

    With its cascade of geraniums and Union Jack flags swaying in the breeze, the Churchill Arms is quite a sight on Kensington Church St. Renowned for its…

  • Outside The Missing Bean

    Missing Bean

    Oxford

    Check out the artisanal roastery that’s responsible for one of Oxford’s favourite cafes, then pause over a flat white before grabbing a bag of the house…

  • Planet Coffee

    Yorkshire

    At the heart of Hull's trendy Newland Ave district, this was one of the first independent coffee shops to open in Hull and still has a crowd of faithful…

  • Dome

    Plymouth

    Expect grandstand water views and a wide range of cocktails (from classic bellinis to espresso martinis) at the Dome. Plus a pianist tinkling the ivories…

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