Must-see nightlife in Western Europe

  • Lés-a-Lés

    The Minho

    This whimsical, travel-themed cafe-bar, with globally inspired finger food and an airport-style Arrivals board for its international mixed drinks, makes a…

  • Brass Monkey

    Nottingham

    Nottingham's original cocktail bar rocks the Lace Market with DJ sets and quirky takes on favourites such as elderflower mojitos. The roof terrace gets…

  • L’Escalier

    Chartres

    On a steep corner near its namesake staircase in Chartres’ hilly old city, this deceptively large, very local spot has a wonderful terrace. Look out for…

  • Windmill Inn

    Stratford-upon-Avon

    Ale was already flowing at this low-ceilinged pub when rhyming couplets gushed from Shakespeare's quill. Flowers frame the whitewashed facade; there's a…

  • Les Cabaretiers

    Troyes

    Jazzy music and an upbeat crowd make this little wood-floored bar in the old centre a nicely chilled spot for a pre-dinner cocktail or beer. It…

  • Café Steijn

    Rotterdam

    The streetside seating at this popular neighbourhood pub overlooks the Heemraadspark and canal, and is a lovely spot to while away an afternoon. There's…

  • Nikki Beach

    Côte d'Azur

    Favoured by dance-on-the-bar celebs, and those who just want to be seen, Nikki can become a beachside bacchanal to match most fantasies. The debauchery…

  • WoofLX

    Príncipe Real, Santos & Estrela

    Príncipe Real's hopping bear-ish gay bar (though it attracts all shapes and sizes), it's part of the Woof empire that now includes the naughtier, more…

  • On the Waterfront

    Exeter

    In 1835 this was a warehouse, now its red-brick, barrel-vaulted ceilings stretch back from a thoroughly modern bar. The tables outside are a popular spot…

  • Au Grain de Raisin

    The Pyrenees

    A welcoming wine bar near the château, which serves a good selection of Continental beers and local wines by the glass (from €3.80 to 6.80), accompanied…

  • Bar Basquiat

    Amsterdam

    A cool neighbourhood bar with outside tables and a lively buzz on ever livelier Javastraat, serving up local beers and cocktails, as well as excellent…

  • Abbot's Ale House

    Cork City

    A low-key, two-floor drinking den, whose small size contrasts with its huge beer list. There are always several beers on tap and another 300 in bottles…

  • Les 3 Singes Colmar

    Colmar

    Look out for the three monkeys that watch over this cool bar-cum-craft-beer shop. It's a chilled spot for ales that hail from Alsace, Germany, Belgium,…

  • Old Sun Inn

    Peak District

    The cosiest of Buxton's pubs, this 17th-century coaching inn has a warren of rooms full of original features, proper cask ales and a lively crowd that…

  • Culpa Tua

    Évora

    Gin lovers from near and far gather over refreshing, goblet-sized gin and tonics at this friendly, easy-going spot north of Praça Giraldo. There's a small…

  • Booze’n’Blues

    Brussels

    Cramped and rough, Booze’n’Blues features a mannequin torso, an old jukebox and an extended bar panelled like a choir stall. Unpredictable, entertainingly…

  • Molly's Bar

    County Donegal

    This wonderfully old-fashioned pub with proper snugs hosts regular live music (traditional, jazz, blues and more), while the terrace is the place for a…

  • Albion

    Bristol

    Cliftonites make a beeline for this village local for a post-work pint, drawn by the mini armchairs, log burner, a beer terrace framed by fairy lights and…

  • Le Café Olive

    Nîmes

    Stone walls and dim lighting give this little nightspot a cosy, cavern-like ambience. There are regular gigs and a great choice of wines by the glass. It…

  • Snug

    County Cork

    A cosy local favourite on the waterfront known for its excellent pub grub (mains €15 to €28), which includes grilled steaks, seafood platters and a grand…

  • Ma Murphy's

    County Cork

    You can still buy cornflakes and sugar at this time-warp grocery-pub, open since 1840. The regulars are always up for a chat, and there are occasional…

  • Minerva

    Plymouth

    Stone walls, wooden benches, parts of wooden sailing ships, real ales, live music and Thursday-night jam sessions make this 16th-century drinking den a…

  • Au Soleil

    Brussels

    This old clothes shop has been converted into a shabby-chic bar with good beats and surprisingly inexpensive drinks given its status as a favourite for…

  • Linnane's Pub

    The Burren

    A much-loved local hosting regular live music, including evening trad sessions most Wednesdays with Ireland’s oldest céilidh band: the Kilfenora Céilí…

  • Le Trash

    Marseille

    Southwest of the cours Julien nightlife area, Le Trash bills itself as Marseille’s cruising bar, for good reason. There's a cover charge on special nights…

  • Drinkers Club

    Antibes

    The in-crowd flops off the beach (or yacht they're crewing on) and onto the pavement terrace of this buzzing lounge bar for early-evening cocktails, wine…

  • Royal Oak

    The Lake District

    Right in the heart of town, this old whitewashed inn is the best pub in Ambleside, with hearty pub mains, good ales and a busy outside terrace. It's a…

  • Anglesey Arms

    Anglesey & the North Coast

    If you're after a pint, this converted 18th-century waterfront customs house is your best bet. In summer, grab a seat outside; it's a great spot for…

  • De Witte Aap

    Rotterdam

    Anchoring this artist-filled 'hood, the fabulous 'White Monkey' is always crowded with locals. The front opens right up and a huge awning keeps inclement…

  • Covilhã Jardim Café-Bar

    Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela

    With comfy couches inside and tree-shaded tables on its parkside terrace, this lively cafe is an enjoyable place to kick back over a cool beer and watch…

  • Brasserie {c}

    Liège

    A tasting room for Liège's exciting new brewery whose products are already causing a stir, notably the refreshing Curtius wheat beer and the excellent IPA…

  • Les BerThoM

    Strasbourg

    For a swift beer right in the centre of Strasbourg, no-nonsense Les BerThoM fits the bill nicely. There are loads of beers to choose from, from IPAs to…

  • Starbank Inn

    Leith

    The Starbank is an oasis of fine ales and good, homemade food on Edinburgh's windswept waterfront. In summer there's a sunny conservatory and in winter a…

  • Le Merle Moqueur

    Paris

    The tiny, retro Mocking Magpie serves a huge selection of flavoured rums (more than 20 at last count) and unearths long-forgotten 1980s tracks from the…

  • The Irish Bar

    Viseu

    One of several bars near the cathedral, this classic pub offers Guinness on tap, occasional live music and terrace seating on a charming square near the…

  • Les Berthom

    Metz

    Les Berthom is a fine, central boozer for a swift beer or two after taking in the sights. There's an exhaustive list to choose from, including some great…

  • Winking Owl

    The Cairngorms

    Lively local pub that operates under the wing of the Cairngorm Brewery. It's popular with hikers and climbers, and serves a good range of real ales and…

  • Falmouth Townhouse

    South Cornwall

    Cocktails and continental beers served in a Georgian townhouse, all designer light bulbs and curvy furniture. There's a wooden patio behind, and hotel…

  • Le Ch’timi

    Nancy

    On three brick-and-stone levels, Le Ch’timi is the place to go for beer. It’s a beloved haunt of students, who come for the 200 brews, 16 of them on tap.

  • Café Suave

    Bairro Alto, Chiado & Cais do Sodré

    A laid-back spot that attracts a mix of foreigners and locals, with decent DJ grooves on weekends. It's a good place to start the night. Cocktails cost €5…

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