Must-see nightlife in England

  • BrewDog Tower Hill

    London

    The ubiquitous but delicious Scottish brewery recently opened this new outpost half-buried under an office block steps from the Tower of London. The 33…

  • The Parrot

    The West End

    This plush, tropical-themed cocktail bar is tucked into the decadent surroundings of The Waldorf Hilton. The luxury extends to the menu which is packed…

  • Bell

    Bath

    Get chatting to Bath's bohemian muso crowd around the real fire at this laid-back locals' favourite. Conversation starters include the table football, bar…

  • Bear Inn

    Oxford

    Oxford’s oldest pub – there’s been a pub here since 1242 – the creaky old Bear requires almost everyone to stoop while passing from room to room. An ever…

  • Mr Fogg's Tavern

    The West End

    An unexpected oasis for the weary Covent Garden visitor, Mr Fogg's is a themed throwback to the drinking dens of yore. Taking its name and inspiration…

  • White Hart

    Richmond, Kew & Hampton Court

    This riverside Young’s pub in Barnes was formerly a Masonic lodge. It's huge, traditional and welcoming downstairs, but the temptation in warmer months is…

  • Terroirs

    The West End

    This food-friendly wine bar near Charing Cross has a fantastic selection of Old and New World wines, with plenty by the glass and available for takeaway…

  • Bread & Honey

    The Midlands & the Marches

    Beans from single farm estates and co-ops sourced and roasted by London-based Monmouth are brewed at this little bare-boards hole in the wall; the flat…

  • Old Ship W6

    Notting Hill & West London

    Decorated with sculls, oars and nautical prints, the Old Ship and its shiny, buttoned leather sofas would hardly merit a diversion but for its terrific…

  • Sheffield Tap

    Sheffield

    This lovingly restored Edwardian railway bar is a reliable stalwart for Sheffield beer drinkers. It has several bar areas, and the aroma of hops and malts…

  • Searcys at the Gherkin

    London

    The top two floors of the iconic Gherkin skyscraper were once reserved as a private members' club, but now anyone dressed to impress is invited up…

  • Jerusalem Tavern

    Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields

    Housed in a building from 1720, this tiny, atmospheric pub covered in wood panelling, delft tiles and scuffed paintwork is the only London dispensary of…

  • Engineer

    North London

    The dictionary definition of a beautiful backstreet boozer, the Engineer is all dark wood, cosy booths and unvarnished tables, and has a hidden garden…

  • cloudM

    London

    Settle into the sleek mod furniture at this hotel bar, where floor-to-double-height-ceiling bookcases and pop-art portraits of the Queen overlook the…

  • Dog & Duck

    The West End

    With a fine array of real ales and some stunning Victorian glazed tiling and pressed-tin ceilings adorning its intimate interior, the Dog & Duck has…

  • Boilermaker

    Nottingham

    Entering what appears to be an industrial boilermaker's shop and navigating your way through two secret doors brings you into this cavernous, low-lit…

  • Two Floors

    The West End

    This chilled Soho spot has managed to stay off the lager-lout radar screen by eschewing outdoor signage. The Pacific bar on the main floor has a long zinc…

  • North Tea Power

    Manchester

    The name may say tea but the interior of this cafe screams coffee shop. North Tea Power is one of Manchester’s early adopters on the artisanal coffee…

  • King’s Arms

    Oxford

    A mere 400 years old, the ‘King’ in question being James I, the self-styled ‘brainiest pub’ in Oxford is owned by Wadham College and run by Fullers…

  • BrewDog Shoreditch

    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…

  • Craft Beer Co

    North London

    One of eight Craft Beer Co locations in London, this lovely pub is riding the wave of the craft-beer craze, pushing the envelope by giving its drinkers a…

  • Holborn Whippet

    The West End

    Sitting at the northwestern entrance to the marble-enriched Edwardian pedestrian arcade Sicilian Ave, the Whippet is a snug modern pub with an emphasis on…

  • Cross Keys

    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…

  • Drayton Arms

    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…

  • Twice Brewed Inn

    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…

  • Lamb

    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)…

  • Book Club

    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, …

  • Jericho Coffee Traders

    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…

  • Britons Protection

    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…

  • Hand Bar

    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…

  • Garden Gate

    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…

  • Queen’s Larder

    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…

  • Narrow Boat

    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…

  • Origin Coffee Roasters

    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…

  • Bar Termini

    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,…

  • Nude Espresso

    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…

  • Folly

    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…

  • Pilgrims Coffee House

    Northumberland Coast

    Fairtrade organic beans and compostable packaging are used by this fabulous independent coffee roastery. The living-room-like dining space with…

  • Bridge Hotel

    Newcastle-upon-Tyne

    Dating from 1901, this traditional pub retains original features including Victorian snugs, carved woodwork, stained-glass windows and mosaic tiles. At…

  • Cloud 23

    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…

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