London’s nightlife is currently buzzing with everything – from some of Europe’s liveliest nightclubs, right through to hip stylish bars and traditional old London taverns. Night-time hotspots can be found across the capital, although there is a particular concentration in the West End, especially around Soho (which is the main hangout for the ultra-hip and London’s gay community). The legal drinking age is 18 and almost all the clubs exact an admission price (often increasing after 2200 or 2300), which can be pricey (particulalry in the West End). Dress codes vary depending on the calibre of the club but it may be wise to leave the trainers at home. Although there are plans for a major shake-up, England’s licensing laws mean that pubs and bars still traditionally close at 2300 Monday to Saturday and at 2230 on Sunday. However, many places have special licences that allow them to stay open later. Clubs usually open at 2100, fill up by 2300/2400, and stay open until 0300 during the week and 0500 at weekends. Drink prices are exorbitant in London and can vary from pub to pub and club to club. A pint will be anything from ?2.10 upwards and a glass of wine generally starts at ?2.50. Again, the West End prices are (in most cases) insultingly high. Few venues can be defined by their music, featuring different styles on different nights, with regular sets by guest DJs. The best way to keep abreast of goings-on is to check out the listings in the weekly Time Out magazine ( website: www.timeout.com ).

Bars:   If a traditional English pub is what you are after, try the 17th-century George Inn, 77 Borough High Street, SE1 – the only extant example of a galleried coaching inn in London. Nearby, a popular watering hole for patrons of The Globe theatre, tourists and locals is The Anchor, Bankside, SE1. This 17th-century haunt is quaint and quirky, while its Thames-side terrace is a delight on those rare sunny days. Alternatively, in the city centre, make for The Crown, 51 New Oxford Street, WC1, which boasts some of the cheapest beers in the West End. A welcome addition to the Soho scene is Yo!Below, in the basement of Yo!Sushi, 52 Poland Street, W1, featuring Japanese cartoons, karaoke-singing staff, self-service beer dispensers and masseuses. For beer lovers, the Freedom Brewing Company, 41 Earlham Street, WC2, is essential as it brews its own beer. Match, 45-47 Clerkenwell Road, EC1, is the brainchild of London cocktail guru Dick Bradsell, offering a wild range of familiar and not so familiar cocktails. Point 101, 101 New Oxford Street, WC1, is a late-night West End bar that defies the archaic drinking laws with plenty of space and up-to-date dance sounds. Vertigo, Level 42, Tower 42, Old Broad Street, EC2, at 180m (590ft) above the ground, is one of the UK’s highest bars and boasts stunning views across the city from the floor-to-ceiling windows. A real London secret is The Bell & Crown, 11-13 Thames Road, W4, a riverside pub in West London with outside tables and good pub food. The Fire Stables, 27-29 Church Road, SW19, is an excellent award-winning gastro-pub in Wimbledon Village, perfect for relaxed weekend mornings.

Casinos:  There are over 20 casinos in London. For contact details and other information, refer to the British Casino Association, 38 Grosvenor Gardens, SW1 (tel: (020) 7730 1050; website: www.british-casinos.co.uk ).

Clubs:  In 2001, UK garage is still the ‘in’ sound of London, however, a variety of musical styles pervades clubs throughout the capital. Across the world the club beats of London fill up dancefloors and in the capital itself, the scene has never been livelier. The world-famous super-club Ministry of Sound, 103 Gaunt Street, SE1 ( website: www.ministryofsound.co.uk ), is still going strong a decade on, with its stunning sound system pumping out popular house and garage. Its big rivals today are Home, 1 Leicester Square, WC1 ( website: www.homecorp.com ), and Fabric, 77A Charterhouse Street, EC1 ( website: www.fabric-london.com ), both of which are relatively new super-clubs whose success is testimony to the strength of the London club scene. Some of the best UK Garage nights are held at The End, an ultra-stylish club at 18A West Central Street, WC1. In west London, head for the Notting Hill Arts Club, 21 Notting Hill Gate, W11, for a chilled atmosphere. South of the river, Brixton has gained a reputation over the last decade for lively nightlife. The Fridge, Town Hall Parade, SW2, is a long-time favourite and The Fridge Bar next door is one of the best bar-clubs in town. Scantily clad professional ‘dancers’ and a light show entertain punters at Stringfellows, 16-19 Upper St Martin’s Lane, WC2. The most popular gay night is G.A.Y. at The Astoria, 157 Charing Cross Road, WC2.

Live music:  International acts play at Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre, SW5, and Wembley Arena. Next door, Wembley Stadium was once a vast auditorium for massive stars – its last event before a five-year renovation was in November 2000. Mainstream pop stars can be heard at the London Arena, Limeharbour, E14. For a more unique atmosphere try the Astoria (LA1), 157 Charing Cross Road, WC2, or Brixton Academy, 211 Stockwell Road, SW9. The Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Shepherds Bush Green, W12, and the Forum, 9-17 Highgate Road, NW5, draw medium-sized acts, while the original Mean Fiddler, 28A Kilburn High Street, NW10, hosts folk, country and rock events. Pubs with regular live music acts include the Bull & Gate, 389 Kentish Town Road, NW5, and the Swan, 215 Clapham Road, SW9. For jazz head to the Jazz Caf?, 5 Parkway, NW1, or to Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, 47 Frith Street, W1, a legendary venue in the heart of Soho.