London Bars & Pubs

Although its logo is the now renowned "@" symbol, this popular business restaurant caters to a decidedly suits-only kind of crowd. Fittingly, the modern European menu appeals to the business man on expenses, but truth be told, prices don't differ that much from comparable restaurants - it's just the said bankers' bills that amount to astronomical numbers. For those not in the mood for food, though, the minimalist bar is glamorous and original, projecting artful images onto a six-television screen video wall and large fibreglass structure.

7 St James's Street, London, SW1 United Kingdom

Under the sway of new head chef Steven Carter, The Atlantic Bar and Grill is enjoying a rejuvenating bias towards British food, with scrupulous sourcing for the creme de la creme of our ingredients. Carter's passion for British cuisine gives an innovative and inspirational slant to the contemporary, seasonal menu, including his speciality succulent black pudding, made with sweetbreads. Of all the bars in London, this is the most club-like and not really the place for an intimate, candle-lit tete-a-tete, especially since with its late licence, it cruises on until 3am.

20 Glasshouse Street, London, W1B 5DJ United Kingdom

Taking over the corner of Bateman and Frith streets in trendy, vibrant Soho, The Dog and Duck was continuously voted Soho's Pub of the Year in the early 1990's, and it is still one of the best to this day. It draws in the punters with a winning combination of cask ales and original architecture (dating from 1897), featuring Victorian-style tiles, mahogany panels and antique-mirrored advertisements. Proudly under a preservation order, it provides a peaceful environment for those seeking a drink in traditional surroundings in this high-flying London hotbed. This is a true pub; no food served.

18 Bateman St (Soho), London, W1D 3AJ United Kingdom

One of the first bars to get in on the Clerkenwell gentrification of the mid-90s, Cicada helped define the area's style and remains one of its most popular haunts. Naturally, then, it's laid-back cool all the way, with dim lighting, sumptuous leather sofas, refreshingly confined-to-the-background music and a neutral colour scheme. For those that fancy lining their stomachs before the night's merriment truly gets underway, Cicada serves up an exquisite range of Thai delights - with the chilli squid and the Thai green curry being especially delicious.

132-136 St John Street, London, EC1V 4JT United Kingdom

Packed on market days, the Ground Floor Bar is a slick modern drinking establishment in the heart of Notting Hill. Sip at an exceptionally frothy cappuccino while soaking up the affluent cool atmosphere and you might even spot a star. Local A, B and C list celebs have been known to pop in for a swift half or a pint. The food menu is decent and the Caesar and Waldorf salads have plenty of fans. Eat inside under the chandeliers and high ceilings or sit out on the side pavement for a vantage view of the market on Saturday afternoons.

186 Portobello Road, London, W11 1LA United Kingdom

Bar Monaco is yet another addition to the capital's list of trendy young bars. The decor has a distinctly funky feel with video visuals and sofas to sink into after a hard day's work. Popular with tourists and office workers by day, the ambience transforms come evening time when the young crowds pour in for some DJ entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. This split-level bar is also available for private party hire, and you can find another branch in Leicester Square.

18-20 Ganton Street, London, W1F 7BU United Kingdom

Well-situated near Covent Garden and Tottenham Court Road, this old timer is the perfect place to finish off a day of shopping with a relaxed flourish. Lying at the foot of a metal staircase, the basement bar is simply and refreshingly dressed with slate table tops blending beautifully with the granite backdrop. Serves a handy selection of salads, sandwiches, and a few cakes for bar-time nibbles, it also stocks bottled beers and cocktails, and an impressive selection of coffees.

198 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8JL United Kingdom

This is a busy city pub in trendy Notting Hill. Despite its slightly dingy, no-frills deco, it has a friendly atmosphere and is always packed with visitors to the capital due to its popular location. The Prince Albert is also home to the respected pub theatre, The Gate. There is a big screen TV showing sport, a pool table, and a couple of top quality game machines. On Portobello Market days, this pub is invariably crowded. It's not really a pub worth venturing out to but it serves the purpose if you happen to be in the area.

11 Pembridge Road, Notting Hill, London, W11 United Kingdom

The Golden Lion is a traditional local pub with a clientele consisting largely of locals. On match days, Fulham supporters pack out this relatively spacious boozer to the point that you can't get in unless you can prove that you support Fulham FC! There is a big-screen TV showing Sky Sports and there's often free food on big match days. Darts and fruit machines are also available here. The beers on tap are reasonably priced, and spirits cost about ?1.30. Expect to pay about ?2 for a glass of wine. All meals cost a bargain ?2.99 and desserts are available definitely worth a look if youre after a budget meal.

57 Fulham High Street, Fulham, London, SW6 3JJ United Kingdom

Expect a frivolous and merrily drunken atmosphere with students, hen night chicks, tourists, office revellers and other easygoing folk slamming tequilas, singing along to cheesy pop music and dancing. The food follows the general Tex-Mex theme, priced at around ?5 per dish and is served between 5pm and 11pm Monday-Wednesday and 5pm to 2am Thursday-Saturday. Beer comes in at around ?2.50 a pint and a glass of wine is similarly priced. There is live music every night from 8.30pm and at the stroke of midnight DJs take over on Wednesdays through to Saturdays.

5 Goslett Yard, Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0EH United Kingdom

Widely regarded as one of the best cocktail movers and shakers in town, this Bondesque nightspot operates a strict door policy and it really is hard to get in unless you're on the guest list or a member, or have secret-agent like abilities to gain access to places. The Player does however hold sway with some of London's more flashy crowds. Every imaginable cocktailing concoction (and a few unimaginable ones) cam be served up with style for around ?7. Elusive as well as exclusive, the only tangible sign it exists is the neon lettering above a heavily-manned purple doorway.

8-12 Broadwick Street, London, W1F 8HW United Kingdom

This newly refurbished four-floor bar and restaurant consists of five different interconnected environments to combine eating, drinking, dancing, chatting and lounging. You may have heard of superclubs, such as Home—Tiger Tiger is the "superbar" equivalent. The clientele includes all types and ages, flitting from the relaxed cocktail bar to the jazz lounge or louche Moroccan Kaz Bar. The main Tiger Bar plays a nightly poptastic blend, and the basement Club features guest DJs spinning standard commercial dancey stuff. The menu has seen recent rejuvenation and there is a set party menu for under GBP25. Admission after 10pm is GBP3 Mon-Wed, GBP5 Thu, and GBP10 Friday and Saturday. Dress is the smarter side of smart casual.

29 The Haymarket, (off Piccadilly Circus), London, SW1Y 4SP United Kingdom

Housed in the former Truman Brewery, a 10-acre site built in the 17th Century, Vibe Bar's plans go beyond the mere - but essential - provision of drinks. Rather its owners aim is to create a complete and unique music, fashion and art complex - and with a Diesel shop launch, the hosting of Channel 4's Flava and a host of film and TV shoots under its belt, who's going to argue? Certainly not the mix of students, artists and assorted other bohemians who enjoy Vibe's internet facilities, DJs, projectors and 12 foot screens.

91-95 Brick Lane, (The Brewery), London, E1 United Kingdom

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