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London Bars

The English have a reputation for their drinking culture and London is a good reflection of this. From finding a pub on almost every street corner to some of the newest and coolest bars in the land, London has it all. From North London in Camden to the trendy area of Faringdon in the East, you'll find it hard pushed to be tea total here.

If on the other hand, you don't need that type of cultural fix, don't forget that there's the Tate Modern, the London Eye and hundreds of other attractions at your disposal.

London bars in the West End

The Met Bar: [The Metropolitan Hotel 19 Old Park Lane W1, 020 7447 1000] If you’re paparazzi then this is pretty much your hang-out for most of the night. More A-list clebs you can shake a stick at the Met Bar oozes chicness and sophistication.

Zen Lounge: [15 - 16 Berkeley Street Mayfair W1, 0207 747 9380] A Hip and trendy Mayfair bar for the rich and famous. With lush Oriental décor, funky soul to relax to, you’ll be wondering who’s round is it next. [Open Mon - Sat 18.00 - 03.00]

London bars in Covent Garden & Soho

American Bar: [The Savoy Hotel Strand WC2, 0207 836 4343] If you’re a lover of cocktails then the American Bar is the Savoy is the place to come. It’s not cheap mind you but you come to expect that in London. [Open Sat 11.00 to 23.00, Sun 12.00 - 00.00]

Chinawhite: [6 Air Street W1, 020 7343 0040] A well established joint and one that’s been popular for way too long. Chinawhite is still pulling in the crowds and we know why. Oriental in design, this cool bar will keep you occupied throughout the night. [Mon -Sat 20.00 - 03.00]

Opium: [1 Dean St W1, 020 7287 9608] A great place to wind down after a hard days shopping in the westend. Velvet and gold opulence makes this a great place to bring your partner, it’s enough to empress anyone.

London bars in East London

Medicine: [89 Great Eastern Street Shoreditch EC2, 020 7739 5173] This is a new venue in Shoreditch just on the East of the City of London. It’s a very cool area with many bars and clubs. This is split on 3 levels and music includes the likes of Norman Cook, Terry Farley and Andrew Weatherall guarantees a storming night. [Friday & Saturday: Free entry before 9pm after 9pm £5]

Fishmarket Champagne Bar: [Great Eastern Hotel Liverpool Street, Bishopsgate EC2, 207 618 7215] Fancy some oysters with your champagne? This is an elegant and sophisticated bar in the Great Eastern Hotel. There's an impressive champagne list and the menu’s from Conran’s Fishmarket Restaurant next door. [Mon - Fri 12.00 - 23.00]

London bars in West London

Elbow Room: [103 Westbourne Grove W2, 020 7221 5211] Located in West London and is a Hotel Enthusiast favourite – where can you play pool and still listen to cool tunes and drink great cocktails. This is the original Elbow Room and is an excellent place to meet up with friends and hang-out before the evening gets serious. They also do good food here.

The Electric Bar and Brasserie: [191 Portobello Road W11, 0207 908 9696] Again this is on the West side of London right smack on Portobello Road. Very trendy and ultra cool and has a brasserie, bar and a private members bar upstairs. Great food with an interesting menu and the cocktails are to die for. Sunday brunch is a real experience. [Mon-Sun 08.00 -22.30]

Woody's: [41-43 Woodfield Street W9, 020 7266 3030] Another old favourite in West London. It did try and change to become all member but everyone seems to be welcome here. The bar / club is split into 3 levels each playing a different beat but all as funky as each other. Good cocktails and open til’3am.