London Business City Guide: London pubs, bars and nightlife
You haven't really been to London without going for a pint in an English pub. The traditional dark and smoky watering holes are fast being converted into so-called gastropubs, bright an airy places serving scallops and rocket salad, but some authentic pubs remain.

London is justifiably famous for its nightlife: there's something to suit every taste, from smart cocktail bars to underground house parties to a virtually limitless array of live-music options, all at every hour of the night. The West End is the centre of it all, with more upmarket bars and clubs in Kensington and Chelsea, and younger and trendier places in Shoreditch, just north of the City.

London nightlife reviews

Ronnie Scott's
47 Frith St
West End
020-7439 0747
World-famous jazz club in Soho, the heart of the capital’s nightlife. Excellent live music, great food and drink and three bars guarantee a great evening. Admission costs £15-20.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
145 Fleet St
The City
020-7353 6170
One of London's more unusual pubs which was rebuilt after the Great Fire in 1666 and has survived to this day. Drinks are good but the atmosphere is even better.

Café Kick
43 Exmouth Market
The City
020-7837 8077
This one won't be for everyone, but it's paradise for football fans. If there’s no match on television, you can still play table football. Wide range of exotic spirits and imported beers.

Akbar
77 Dean St
West End
020-7437 2525
Fashionable, upmarket bar below the Red Fort restaurant. Well known for its exotic cocktails and good wines. Comfortable and luxurious.

Guinea
30 Bruton Place
Mayfair
020-7409 1728
A cosy pub, popular with the office crowd. Extensive wine list and range of British ales. Great atmosphere; food is also available.