Must-see nightlife in Western Europe

  • Ye Dolphin

    North York Moors National Park

    The old town's three pubs all have their calling cards; at Ye Dolphin it's the real ale and folk music nights on Fridays, Saturdays and some Mondays.

  • Zoom

    Aliados & Bolhão

    Located in an old warehouse, this is the gay dance hall of the moment, with some of the best electronic dance music in town and an often mixed crowd.

  • Vignoble

    Plymouth

    A bijou hang-out where you can sample taster-sized glasses of your chosen vintages. It's at the Royal William Yard, 2 miles west of the city centre.

  • Chatleroi

    Antwerp

    Grungier and friendlier than most bars in ’t Zuid, Chatleroi has a deeply atmospheric interior and eclectic musical taste, whether piped or live.

  • La Fine Bulle

    Épernay

    This is a smart Champagne bar, boutique and restaurant rolled into one. Each week there are five/six (€15/18) Champagnes available for tasting.

  • Bar TR3S

    Príncipe Real, Santos & Estrela

    Gay revellers (real men and bears, according to the lingo) descend on the outdoor seating at happy hour at one of Príncipe Real's best gay bars.

  • La Cave d'à Côté

    Lyon

    Hidden in a tiny alleyway, this cultured bar and wine shop feels like a rustic English gentlemen's club with leather sofas and elegant armchairs.

  • Chusso Bar

    The Minho

    Beloved for its prime people-watching terrace, perched above bustling Rua Formosa, this former umbrella factory also hosts occasional live music.

  • La Shounga

    Nice

    Decadent all-day desserts, ice-cream sundaes and cocktails (from €5) are the reason to hit the sea-facing terrace of this vibrant mojito bar.

  • Ye Olde Dolphin

    The Midlands & the Marches

    Dating from 1530, Derby's oldest pub has regular live music in the beer garden as well as pub quizzes and 'medium nights' with guest psychics.

  • De Geus van Gent

    Ghent

    This congenial, multifaceted café with eclectic decor and at least 20 beers from the barrel hosts regular jam nights and live music.

  • Treacy's

    County Cork

    For an end-of-day pint and traditional live music, nowhere beats Youghal's oldest boozer, Treacy's, aka The Nook. Enter via the side street.

  • Scotsman’s Pack

    Peak District

    The Scotsman’s Pack is a traditional inn serving hearty food and real ale, named for the Scottish packmen who stopped here to sell tweeds.

  • Geira Adega Regional

    Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês

    Overhung with vines, this charming wine bar in the stone-walled heart of Campo do Gerês village is a pleasant place to sip a glass or two.

  • Soho

    Torquay

    DJ sets, gloriously over-the-top decor, neon-lit bars, 80 cocktails and friendly staff keep the party crowd happy at this harbourside spot.

  • Casa de Chá

    Funchal

    The tea garden in the grounds of the Universo de Memórias João Carlos Abreu is a tranquil place to relax over a cuppa between museums.

  • Green Place

    Amsterdam

    Small, but with a reputation for a good selection, good-quality product and fair prices, so much so that there may be queues. Cash only.

  • Twenty One Sound Bar

    Paris

    Stark steel and concrete amp up the acoustics at this hip-hop haven, with regular drinks specials and big-name DJs mixing on the decks.

  • Café de Paris

    St-Tropez

    The terrace is the place to sport your new strappy sandals at afternoon aperitifs. Service is the friendliest along the port.

  • La Bistro fait sa Broc'

    Lyon

    A lime-green and candyfloss-pink façade greets you at this retro neighbourhood wine bar where no two chairs match. Occasional bands.

  • Posh

    Príncipe Real, Santos & Estrela

    This gay disco opened in 2018, and features drag, electronic music, national and international stars, and a whole lot of hot people.

  • Rococo

    Ghent

    Lit only by candles, this classic late-night cafe-bar with carved wooden ceilings is an ideal place for cosy midnight conversations.

  • Stadskasteel Oudaen

    Utrecht

    This fortified 'troubadour's castle' dates from 1280 with chandeliers, canal terrace and an excellent microbrewery in the basement.

  • Castle

    Dorset

    A picture-perfect, rambling thatched inn with a swish new interior, garden and regularly changing selection of prime Dorset ciders.

  • Ouriço

    Ericeira

    One of Portugal’s oldest discos, catering to night owls of all ages, with a mix of pop, dance, oldies and dance-floor standards.

  • Chambers Bar

    Cork City

    Chambers is Cork's biggest and liveliest gay bar, with DJs playing till 2am, themed entertainment nights and outrageous cocktails.

  • Jukebox

    Ericeira

    This laid-back little spot blasts '80s alternative music (with occasional live music). It is known for mixing a decent cocktail.

  • Terminal

    Lyon

    This nightclub is a pulsating den of DJs and electro dance music, themed parties, disco nights and all sorts. Check the website.

  • Powerhouse

    Newcastle-upon-Tyne

    Mixed but mainly gay, this massive four-floor club has flashing lights, a pumping sound system and lots of suggestive posing.

  • Le Belgica

    Brussels

    DJs transform what looks like a traditional 1920s' brown café into one of Brussels’ most popular gay music pubs.

  • Cooley's House

    County Clare

    Trad musicians perform most nights in summer and several nights a week in winter at this sociable and low-ceilinged old pub.

  • Nougatine

    The Dordogne

    Time for a lemon-and-sugar crêpe break? This cosy spot serves nearly 50 varieties of tea alongside sweet and savory snacks.

  • Foundry

    Torquay

    Set in the historic Scala buildings, the Foundry sits in a cluster of clubs hosting top-flight DJs, acoustic acts and bands.

  • Barhaus

    Braga

    This popular spot with two indoor bars and a huge open-air patio draws a crowd with posh pretensions for DJs and live shows.

  • Pelikaan

    Antwerp

    A lively, inexpensive bruin café (traditional pub) with summer street-seating spilling out towards the cathedral.

  • Le Coffee Ride

    The Ardennes

    Cool decor, great coffee (from €2) and insider suggestions for cycling fanatics; located just above Coo train station.

  • Purex

    Bairro Alto, Chiado & Cais do Sodré

    This unsigned Bairro Alto spot draws a lesbian and mixed crowd, with DJ nights and a small dance floor. No cover charge.

  • St-James

    Lyon

    A classic wood-panelled pub with a friendly crowd, Irish brews on tap and all the key sports matches on the big screen.

  • The Tap

    The Midlands & the Marches

    The Tap serves its own brews, guest ales and over 80 craft beers from around the world in elegant Victorian surrounds.

  • Café 203

    Lyon

    This trendy corner resto-bar with sidewalk tables straddling both sides of a narrow backstreet buzzes day and night.

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