An essential new venue in the heart of the city - a modern infusion of colour and design. Stylish yet relaxed, cool yet welcoming, accessible and flexible. Open from lunch till late comprising 3 bars and a club over 2 floors. Enjoy a fantastic Happy Hour from 5-7pm

Abacus is a Bar in the heart of the city of London that provides pretty much everything you’d want. Open from 12 till late (midnight mon-wed, 2am thurs-frid), Abacus has 3 bars and a club stretching over two floors.

If you’re after an intimate booth for a date, a larger booth for celebrations, a table for a daytime meeting or simply a bar stool to prop yourself on; Abacus has the stylish environment to suit your needs over both the ground level Bar and the basement level Lounge Bar.

As would be expected Abacus has a tempting cocktail and food menu, although not huge there’s a good choice of classical and modern drinks and dishes. A Happy Hour between 5 and 7 helps to push aside any work worries and before you know it you’ll be up on the dance floor. Can get busy later in the week and be warned Abacus has a strict dress code – mostly suits here.

24 Cornhill
Bank
The City
London
EC3V 3ND

Agenda offers a smart, contemporary setting softened by the use of natural colours and textures set off with the occasional flash of colour. The wood panelling, soft leather sofas and cosy booths make this a place to relax and enjoy food, drink, music and dancing, to restore yourself for the next battle. Individual booths seat five to fifteen and make great bases for an evening's entertainment. The food is of the grazing variety, with dishes like cheeseburgers, ham, egg, and chips, and smoked salmon linguini, while the bar food menu is packed with comforting options. The drinks menu is worth deep study. No jeans or sneakers on thursday & Friday evenings

When you're looking for a smart but not overwhelmingly modern venue for your party, launch, or celebration, something with style but welcoming, too, with good food, dancing and drinking, then Agenda ticks all the boxes. There are different areas, like the Lounge Bar, the glassed Atrium, and the Main Bar, where you'll hear pop and classics, and the booths can accommodate smaller numbers for more intimate gatherings. The Club area breaks slightly with the natural tones of the place by use of its funky purple lighting, but it works great. The terrific bar food is perfect for sharing, or for buffet-style serving, dishes like duck spring rolls or cheese on toast. Drinks are fab. Maximum number is 600, so get ringing.

Agenda

When life in the big city gets a bit too much, those who take their relaxation seriously head for their favourite urban retreat.

London certainly provides an eclectic selection, from Tai-Chi workshops to massage parlours, but the perfect remedy is actually to be found nestling in the no-mans-land between Soho, Covent Garden and Holborn.

a.k.a is all about over-the-counter relief. Cocktails are prepared with clinical precision by staff whose calming influence becomes apparent as soon as you dive between the plate-glass doors and approach the eye-catching bar.

The cavernous interior is decidedly modern, but manages to reach a happy medium between bleak minimalism and the stomach-churning kitsch that seems to dominate so many emerging hostelries.

One feature that stands out is the projection set-up at the far end, where films are screened every Monday evening, and this seems to fit in well with the overall philosophy.

This is somewhere that seems to offer everything the young urbanite could hanker after – why bother with the cinema when you could be watching Ghost Dog at a.k.a, Mai Tai in one hand, cigarette in the other?

So, when you’re seeking an alternative treatment for stress, tension or hassle, or just fancy an evening of decadent lounging, head for a.k.a. Who knows, before long it might become prescription only!

AKA

Situated in the grade II listed County Hall, the London Aquarium is set just over the river from London's twin hearts of power and commerce. Sinuously sliding sharks, carnival-coloured tropical species, and touchable ray pools create a marvelously involving venue for unforgettable evening events. Guests can be thrilled by fearless divers swimming with the sharks, get hands-on experiences feeding the archer fish or rays, boogie away in the rainforest, or take in the breathtaking view of the capital from the Members' Terrace. What's cooking? Sushi might be too near the mark. The list of approved caterers allows you to choose the right refreshments for your party, from classic Franco-British dishes like smoked salmon with caviar followed by beef Wellington followed by creme brulee, or more modern dishes like chargrilled scallop with herb salad and crispy pancetta with cockle vinaigrette, followed by ballotine of chicken with sweet Thai stuffing and egg noodles, followed by lime pannacotta with amaretto biscuits and passion fruit syrup. Groups from the small to the huge can be very comfortably accommodated for an event they'll never forget.

The Aquarium

Abey Tavern
124 Kentish Town Road Camden NW1 9QB
Category: Public Houses & Inns

Acol is a members only bridge club with a licensed bar on the premises.

Situated bang in the middle of Fulham Road, Ad Lib is directly opposite the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. Along with other venues down the Fulham Road, reaching Ad Lib is not the easiest as tube stations are a good 10 min walk away in every direction. There are buses but traffic can be slower than walking speed round these parts. Your best option is to feign a heart attack upon reaching this Borough and catch a lift down in an ambulance.

However you reach Ad Lib, on arrival the venue will certainly impress. Small, though cozy with a Mediterranean feel, Ad Lib has very comfortable seating, big light front windows and cool tunes playing in the background (decks are spun later on in the evening). Plus the unexpectadly high ratio of women to men in the bar - a rariety in London bars. Now don't get excited boys, but this could be due to the time of day we reviewed the place, with the staff (ie doctors and nurses) from the hospital opposite having their apres work tipple or two. Clientel change through the evening to generally mid to late twenties trendies from the surrounding Fulham and Chelsea area.

Although a full restaurant menu isn't on offer, Ad Lib serves up some delicious snacks, such as the 'chicken & prawn won ton parcels' for £5 or 'duck spring rolls' for £4.50. Table bookings and reservations can be made for small groups or the whole venue - capacity of 120. If you're looking for a venue to hold an event Ad Lib would certainly be high up on our recommendations.

246 Fulham Road Chelsea SW10 9NA
Category: Bars

There's something rather fun about Adam Street, a private members club that spreads beneath The Strand. Maybe it's the fact that a solitary door leads to a surprising set of 18th cum 21st century vaults, or perhaps it's the friendly, successful, good-looking crowd (Hugh Grant is just one of the handsome faces that graces the place with his pin-up presence) that hang out here. Then again maybe it's because the vaults are literally the stuff of Dickens' novels (they were the setting for Fagin's Den in Oliver Twist). Whatever the reason, there's a lot to like about Adam Street - especially the restaurant. Set in a semi-circular vault, it's lined with sumptuous dark red banquettes and several mirrors, a must for the roving eye. The modern British club menu is probably best described as jazzed up public school comfort food, so think salmon fishcake with baby spinach and rhubarb crumble; simple but exclusive. Nick Tarayan's individualistic wine list included a Club Selection of wines by the glass so that you can have yet more fun experimenting. Open to non-members for lunch. Mixing business with pleasure is encouraged at Adam Street. Hurrah! Adjoining the inviting main bar is the all-white Gallery displaying privately curated art exhibitions, and the very small 'n' special Private Dining Room with room enough for up to just ten people at most. Down another set of red carpeted stairs, meanwhile, is the biggest of the bunch - The Rehearsal Room. Back in the days when Adam Street was the actor's club The Green Room, actors from the nearby theatres would hold read-throughs and rehearse scenes in this elegant cross-vaulted space. Today it has its own bar, plasma TV, DVD player, sound system, disco ball and 'sprung dancefloor' for... you guessed it, dancing. Dinner, party, meeting, private viewing, reading, presentation, lunches, breakfast, launch, show-case, exhibition, whatever the occasion these flexible private rooms will no doubt do you proud. If you want a weird or wonderful party do ask, there's nothing they've said no to yet.

Adam & Eve

81 Petty France Westminster SW1H 9EX Category: Public Houses & Inns

Adam Street Club

There's something rather fun about Adam Street, a private members club that spreads beneath The Strand. Maybe it's the fact that a solitary door leads to a surprising set of 18th cum 21st century vaults, or perhaps it's the friendly, successful, good-looking crowd (Hugh Grant is just one of the handsome faces that graces the place with his pin-up presence) that hang out here. Then again maybe it's because the vaults are literally the stuff of Dickens' novels (they were the setting for Fagin's Den in Oliver Twist). Whatever the reason, there's a lot to like about Adam Street - especially the restaurant. Set in a semi-circular vault, it's lined with sumptuous dark red banquettes and several mirrors, a must for the roving eye. The modern British club menu is probably best described as jazzed up public school comfort food, so think salmon fishcake with baby spinach and rhubarb crumble; simple but exclusive. Nick Tarayan's individualistic wine list included a Club Selection of wines by the glass so that you can have yet more fun experimenting. Open to non-members for lunch. Mixing business with pleasure is encouraged at Adam Street. Hurrah! Adjoining the inviting main bar is the all-white Gallery displaying privately curated art exhibitions, and the very small 'n' special Private Dining Room with room enough for up to just ten people at most. Down another set of red carpeted stairs, meanwhile, is the biggest of the bunch - The Rehearsal Room. Back in the days when Adam Street was the actor's club The Green Room, actors from the nearby theatres would hold read-throughs and rehearse scenes in this elegant cross-vaulted space. Today it has its own bar, plasma TV, DVD player, sound system, disco ball and 'sprung dancefloor' for... you guessed it, dancing. Dinner, party, meeting, private viewing, reading, presentation, lunches, breakfast, launch, show-case, exhibition, whatever the occasion these flexible private rooms will no doubt do you proud. If you want a weird or wonderful party do ask, there's nothing they've said no to yet.

Adam Street Club 9 Adam Street Charing Cross WC2N 6AA
Category: Private Clubs

Gay men and their friends go here to drink, to have a good time, and to make a political statement. British tabloids shocked the world in 1999 when they reported that this pub had been bombed, with three people dying in the attack. Within 6 weeks, the pub reopened its doors. We're happy to report that the bar is better than ever, now also attracting nongays who show up to show their support.

Very popular for dinnertime romantic interludes or a simple after hours cup of coffee, Café Adriatico's adult atmosphere is a perfect place to see how middle class Manila lives. Its location on Remedios circle even makes a (short) nighttime walk possible. The menu certainly covers its bases, with Filipino selections, Continental cuisine, and recipes from around the Southeast Asian region, rounded off by the cabaret tunes played by the resident British pianist.

Adriatico
12-14 Mitre Street The City EC3A 5HN
Category: Bars - Get here from Aldgate

Ah Bar is just what the Brixton area needs, a stylish bar-restaurant with friendly efficient service (from the ever-charming Helen) and food and cocktails 'to die for' -. Very reasonable prices for extremely high quality modern european food make it a regular destination for brunch and dinner, not one only to be saved for special occasions. For my partner and I, whiling away a weekend morning or afternoon with the newspapers in elegant surroundings, (take note of the extremely delicious white-leather bar) with the most comfortable chairs you will ever find in a restaurant, whilst indulging in delicious eggs benedict or full american/english washed down with a unbelievable chocolate martini - is heaven on a plate! It is unusual to find such an elegant bar, serving such outstanding food without pretension or high prices.

Ah Bar
272 Brixton Hill Brixton SW2 1HP
Category: Bars

The Akbar is located downstairs of the Red Fort (delicious Indian Soho restaurant). As you go down the stairs tea-lights, the scent of incense and lotus flowers floating in a large bowl mark the way to this beautiful basement bar.

Simply decorated with white walls, a chrome bar and low-lighting, the main features in the Akbar are the alcoves; which are lined with dark red leather seating. Though fairly small, I’ve never had a problem finding space to seat myself in these discreet, cozy alcoves.

Seductive and secretive, the Akbar is an informal, relaxed environment which can be used before or after the fine dining on the ground floor or, alternatively, for quicker, lighter meals.

Being situated in the heart of the film, t.v. and media world, Akbar is designed to appeal to the younger fashionable crowd who wish to relax in style. Natural stone floors, with luxurious rugs, leather armchairs and low tables and an extensive bar together with an eclectic mixture of art and sculpture create the stylish atmosphere.

Onto the subject of the drinks, with a bottle of Kingfisher coming in at around £4 and a glass of house red over £5 the prices certainly only suit those out to impress. Nibbles are about £6 and are no doubt fantastic considering the pedigree of the restaurant upstairs. The Akbar is a lovely space and is worth considering if you’re in Soho for a drink. (Updated 11/08/2005)

eath the Red Fort restaurant – famed for its more elaborate Indian cuisine this bar is small and beautiful. You won’t get more than sixty people in here so if you don’t spend the evening here maybe pop by for a ‘sharpener’! There are two barrel-vaulted rooms if you’re coming with friends and the service is very good – but not good enough to justify including a service charge even when you buy at the bar! Comfy, dimly lit it’s always an option worth considering.

Akbar
77 Dean Street Soho W1D 3SH
Category: Bars -

NO DESCRIPTION YET

Situated two minutes away from Shepherd’s Bush tube, this compact, long-established wine bar is a nicely placed spot, much appreciated by locals – which means it can get pretty crowded

Albertine
1 Wood Lane Shepherd's Bush W12 7DP
Category: Bars

Aldgate Colony Wine Bar has very good food and wine - all reasonably priced, a great place to unwind after a hard day in the City. The Staff are very friendly and the Bar has a great garden to relax in on those rare summer days!

Aldgate Colony Wine Bar & Restaurant
48 Aldgate High Street The City EC3N 1AL
Category: Bars

Aldgate Exchange serve a variety of beers, real ales, wines and spirits as well as a selection of Thai and English dishes. They also have karaoke nights and fruit machines

Aldgate Exchange
133-137 Whitechapel High Street Whitechapel E1 7PE
Category: Public Houses & Inns

A friend was reluctant to go into Elk. He was worried it would be full of moose. (ho ho). Well, this Elk down the Fulham Road was certainly full (and quite an attractive crowd as it turns out). Full of all sorts squeezing up to the bar, passing beers over heads, actively seeking eye contact, wiggling hips to a range of party tunes. Let’s face it, Londoners (not to mention Australians, South Africans, New Zealanders, Scots, Irish, Welsh, Northerners, Southerners) know how to have a good Saturday night out. And everyone seemed up for playing hard at the Elk, even the attentive bar staff.

An All Bar One in a previous life, Elk has a warmer look than its predecessor. Miniature burgundy leather chairs, bum height lean-along bars and round-the-edge sofas are there for those who get in early enough. If not, there are waist level tables to place your empties as you dance to the mix of music on offer. There’s a small space in front of the DJ to try out your motown moves or your RnB dips otherwise it’s a question of dancing where you can.

But all packed bar nights must come to an end and just as you’ve got into the swing of things time is being called. Not to worry, if you’ve not had enough of Elk country you can come back for the English breakfast, check out the restaurant food, watch the footie or try out the free Sunday night comedy slot. Overall, the Elk does all right as an ‘all rounder’.

All Bar One
126-128 Notting Hill Gate Notting Hill W11 3QG
Category: Bars

Allsop Arms serves traditional pub food and a wide range of drinks including real ales. They have fruit machines and Sky TV which shows all the main sporting events. Catering for private parties of up to 50 guests is available upon request, and you are advised to phone for details. Seating on the pavement area is provided, weather permitting.The Allsop Arms is a fairly standard pub. Guinness is pretty average. Whilst not a ditry pub at all, I felt the tables could have been cleaned a little more often. The Allsop Arms isn't bad whilst waiting for a train or catching the end of the cricket or football after work.

Allsop Arms
137 Gloucester Place Marylebone NW1 5AL
Category: Public Houses & Inns

Did you pay attention to the likes of FiFi Folle and Claude Le Clochard in GCSE French? Well you'll wish you had when you go out for dinner here and can only order 'poulet' because that's all you recognise. Terence Conran's first venture into neighbourhood restaurants offers an authentic French feel and very authentic food. Not in a school-trip, fish soup, runny omelettes and pervy waiters way either you may (or may not) be pleased to here. This is pricey but worth it classy cuisine with an emphasis on fine wines and fine ingredients: check out the charcuterie, cheese and dessert trolleys, very 70s housewife. Oh and if there ever was a restaurant to try (and like) escargots…this surely must be it.

Almeida is that rare thing, a Conran restaurant which is popular with locals and glitterati alike. Innovative menus, friendly staff and fantastic food make it an oasis of refined elegance amid the faceless chains of Upper Street. While other Conran enterprises have lost popularity and punters, Almeida has gone from strength to strength.

A commitment to classical French food is at the core of Almeida’s success. We decided to celebrate summer’s delayed arrival with a meal from their specially devised Provence menu. Rum punch cocktails provided the perfect aperitif and made up for the disappointingly tasteless olives.

I have eaten plenty Salad Nicoise in my time; some were sublime, others a slimey combination of rancid lettuce and tinned tuna. This was something completely different. A Provence Nicoise features neither tuna nor lettuce being composed of the saltiest anchovies, gorgeously runny egg, juicy tomatoes and other assorted greenery. My partner’s serving of a single sardine was a disappointing size and tasted of overly pickled herring.

Sea bass is usually a safe bet and this tender slice crispy white fish was no exception. Cooked to perfection its simple flavours worked well with side orders of creamy spinach and juicy tomato salad. My partner again chose badly and his Salmon was so undercooked we originally mistook it for Sashimi.

Our ‘pot’ of house rosé was perfectly satisfactory and complimented a hearty, healthy meal with a refreshing rustic twist. Almeida is a jewel in Conran’s crown but they need to ensure complacency doesn’t set in. The Habitat interior looks dated and the chef needs to make extra sure the quality of the food is as high as the price.

Almeida
31 Almeida Street Islington N1 1DA
Category: Bars

Packed out with the trendy every Friday and Saturday, this ad agency bar has a ground floor and basement filled with leather sofas and a huge floor map of London. Good location but impossible to relax in. Think rush hour on a Tokyo tube and you’ll get the picture, although some of the clientele you’d pay good money to squash up against.

B is for busy as the Tube at rush hour; that's the Alphabet Bar. So don't come expecting a relaxing drink. Still, brushing up against sexy big spenders can be good for the wellbeing, can't it? Groups big and small (eight to 150, since you ask) can be catered for amongst the car seat furniture, comfy sofas, in-house DJ console and the map of Soho, aka the floor. Popular buffet choices include duck spring rolls with plum dipping sauces, deluxe handmade canapés, and chunky chips with mustard mayo and ketchup, although bespoke menus are available. And you're never short of a choice of drinks; the cocktail bar has over 30 tasty gems, as well as beers and spirits.

Alphabet Bar
61-63 Beak Street Soho W1F 9SL
Category: Bars

NO DESCRIPTION YET

Alpine Club
55 Charlotte Road The City EC2A 3QF
Category: Private Clubs

Alwyne Castle is a pub with a real family atmosphere serving a selection of beers, wines and spirits. Children are permitted until 7pm and they have Sky TV showing all major sporting events on a big screen TV. Food is only served at private functions. Catering for private parties of up to 70 guests is available upon request. In addition to outside seating, the Alwyne has a small conservatory attached- v nice spot if the weather is still too cold to allow for sitting outside. Great pub for quiet afternoon drink but it does tend to get v busy at the weekends. It's actually the home of the Highbury Korfball team: www.higburykorfball.com so netballers be aware!

Alwyne Castle
83 St. Pauls Road Islington N1 2LY
Category: Public Houses & Inns

Amadeus specialise in International fine dining and can cater for private parties of p to 25 guests upon request.

Amadeus
25 Richmond Way Brook Green W14 0AS
Category: Bars

NO DESCRIPTION YET

Amazon Table Dancing Club
7-12 Walkers Court Soho W1F 0ED
Category: Adult Venues

Drinks

Various beers. London Pride £2.65/pint (September 2004).

Food

This pub specialises in Thai food ("Jume and Niddy's Thai Kitchen"), and has a pretty good menu. The menu states that they can make any of the dishes vegetarian (presumably by substituting tofu for meat/fish, though I didn't ask) and also that "we will do our best for vegans". Our waiter got a bit confused about what was vegan and said the corn cakes were, then came back and corrected herself after talking to the chef.

The vegetarian starters are priced at about £4, and include spring rolls and corn cakes (neither are vegan), and curry samosas and tofu surprise (both vegan, the tofu surprise is really rather good). The Yam Hed (warm mushroom salad with rice noodles) can be (possibly already is) vegan, costs £4.95 and is yummy (although not for those who prefer their food less chillified). This is good food, I want to go back and have more.

We came back in September 2004 but didn't take proper notes of the menu and prices. I'm not sure the tofu surprise is still vegan; the coating tasted of egg.

Google suggests that food is not served on Sundays.

Service and Ambience

The right hand side of the pub is table service, although you are also allowed to go up to the bar for drinks, and pay for rounds there individually or put them on the tab. There is also a more restauranty bit around to the left of the bar and out the back. The rest of the pub is more standard pub service for drinks but if you want food you ask for a menu and a waiter takes your order and brings you a bill later. On our first visit in 2002 food orders seemed to take quite a while to come, even though it wasn't hugely busy, but then there were six of us. Second visit in September 2004 it was all very quick.

There is a cat. (At least there was last time, didn't see it this time.) And a sufficiency of beermats. Alan says this is "a traditional English Thai pub".

Facilities

There's a ladies' and a gents' at the back of the table service area to the right of the bar, don't think there are others elsewhere. The ladies' is rather small, with only a single cubicle, but nicely decorated and very clean.

Andover Arms
57 Aldensley Road Hammersmith W6 0DL
Category: Public Houses & Inns

Andrew Robson Bridge Club is a members only bridge club that also offers tuition for all levels of bridge players.

Andrew Robson Bridge Club
31 Parsons Green Lane Fulham SW6 4HH
Category: Private Clubs

Anexo is becoming one of trendy EC1’s prime places to eat, drink, relax & party. Its unique Gaudi-esque twisted metal, mosaic tile decor & exposed brickwork adds to the relaxed Spanish theme. The top-floor bar makes a brilliant party venue for up to 90 guests, with a quality sound & multi-media system incorporating a large projection screen, together with a small dance floor. Professional, friendly staff help make any function a success. Happy hours, tempting cocktails & cool music will help loosen any crowd up for the evening. A top floor mezzanine area with a balcony overlooking the bar is also available for private parties. Justly popular corner bar & restaurant, where excellent tapas, priced from £3 a plate, complement a lovely tiled & mirrored space adorned with giant metallic lizards. More substantial bites, inclu-ding favourites such as paella & fajitas, are also available, & prices are as refreshing as the range of cocktails, starting at just £4.50. Late-night DJs & a small downstairs dance floor are further pluses.

Anexo
61 Turnmill Street The City EC1M 5PT
Category: Bars

Description

Angel & Crown
58 St. Martin's Lane Covent Garden WC2N 4EA
Category: Public Houses & Inns

Angies Freehouse is a pub that serves a variety of beers, wines and spirits. They also have background music, a darts board and a fruit machine.

Angies Freehouse
33-35 Woodfield Place St. John's Wood W9 2BJ
Category: Public Houses & Inns

Next to Henry J Beans on the Kings Road is the discrete entrance to Chelsea’s address of the moment, Apartment 195. Dress up smart casual, leave the trainers at home, ring on the doorbell and hope that whoever peers at you through the intercom camera wants to let you in.

The bars are upstairs and the attractive, little-black-camisole wearing waiting staff will point you in the right direction. The main bar looks over the Kings Road. Its open plan, smart drawing room-like area crosses the gentleman’s club of yesteryear with touches of ‘so now’ décor: bamboo sculpted flowers, vibrant cartoon westerns and two giant button collages: one depicting a crown, the other HRH on a one-penny stamp. There is also a more intimate salon and an even smaller TV room.

This Evening Standard bar of the year 2003 is one of those places that you feel like you only got in by accident – was a new bouncer on that day? Is it the barmaid’s birthday and they’re in a good mood? - but after a brief pause in your stride, you regain your step and, feeling like you are indeed worth it, march on over to the bar as though interpreting eight pages of swanky cocktails was what you were born for.

There are some 40 cocktails to choose from, each with a very fruity description. I opted for a rum and passion fruit based Buzz Lightyear. Can’t quite remember why except there comes a point when choice and tempting words overwhelm you so that you just have to go for it. Wine, Champagne, smoothies, cigars and just plain old Diet Coke are all available at prices a pound or two above the London average. Sausage and mash, ribeye steak and cheese burgers are available (£8-15) if you haven’t eaten.

Apartment 195 is like a members-only bar without the doorlist and the attitude which makes it actually pleasantly laid back. The staff are friendly, not snooty and the other customers have come to relax and chat, not eye up what everyone else is wearing. The lounge music doesn’t interfere with your conversation just makes you feel as smooth as the cocktails.

Apartment 195
195-197 King's Road Chelsea SW3 5ED
Category: Bars

Now, we've all heard of the Firkin Brewery – those crazy guys who go in for naughty puns and take over your favourite local in order to spice it up with 'fun' gimmicks and modern décor. Aren't the Firkin pubs always a bad thing, a pernicious evil of modern Britain not to be encouraged?

In a way, you'd think the Firkin concept could only be more successful in an area like Baker Street – which, for all its resonances of Sherlock Holmes and that slinky song from the eighties, isn't famed for its charming watering holes anyway. In any case it's certain that there's an easy to please market round here – local office workers, in particular.

And indeed, the Firkin Beer Company Apollo, sitting on a quiet road off Baker Street, is fairly humming on most weeknights. They get the odd tourist too, but in the main these drinkers have the thirst of those who are suffering from cruel and unusual levels of office air-conditioning.

On liveliness, then, the Apollo scores pretty highly. It hits an ideal level – enough people to provide atmosphere, not so any that you can't find a chair. And the enthusiasm of these drinkers is probably increased by the deals – of which several are in evidence.

Visually, it's not such great value for money. The green and blue walls are too dark for friendliness, and the big faux-leather-framed mirrors and prints are banal. The seating is fine apart from a red three piece suite that's clearly intended to be cosy but has seen better days and just says 'junk shop' to my eyes.

All things considered, is the Firkin thing OK in this location? Personally, I'm not convinced. A bar should either be charming or cool, and this place is neither. The deals and the perky punters go some way to compensate; but when it comes down to it, the Apollo is firkin mediocre.

Bit of a shortage of proper beer whenever I've been there but the lager is quality and served very cold as it should be. Cheap food (I think it was about 7 quid for 2 meals?) that was pretty good, slightly contradictory in that the menus are on gastro-style clipboards while the selection is fairly trad pub food (fish & chips, caesar salads etc.) Worth the 3 minute walk from Baker St station, and it's off the main road so isn't too plagued by tourists looking for 221B.

Apollo
28 Paddington Street Marylebone W1U 5QZ
Category: Public Houses & Inns

Alt country and cosmic Americana with Poco Pow, plus live sets from The Snakes and The Dog Roses.Used to be one of the best pubs in the area...Until the gastro phenomenon came upon us. Well, i guess it worked for the apple tree because it is now populated by people who prefer Latte to Lager... but its no longer for me. They have budvar on tap....but at extortionate prices. Great bar staff but its a shame this once great pub has fallen ito line with the rest of the pubs in the locality.

Apple Tree
45 Mount Pleasant Holborn WC1X 0AE
Category: Public Houses & Inns

Aquasia Restaurant Bar & Terrace is an award winning destination offering à la carte Mediterranean-Asian cuisine, creative cocktails, extensive wine list, Champagne Sunday Brunch, Afternoon Tea, Live Entertainment and a 01.00 am late license seven nights a week.

The contemporary design of Aquasia Restaurant is complemented by its mouth-watering Asian-Mediterranean menu. The restaurant is flooded with natural daylight and is located at one of London's best spots for sophisticated waterside dining. The 80 cover restaurant serves a full à la carte menu along with special seasonal menus, Sunday Brunch and Afternoon Tea.

Aquasia's menu, inspired by Asian and Mediterranean influences, features beautifully executed dishes, derived from fresh, natural ingredients and an innovative use of herbs, brought to life by Executive Chef, Michael Gresslin.

Aquasia Bar is the fashionable heart of the hotel and a style destination in it's own right, attracting a local Chelsea following. The elegant bar has a glamorous reputation for its style, exquisite drinks, cool atmosphere and commanding views over the marina.

The Drinks Menu offers a selection of traditional, modern, seasonal, 'Bling', short and long cocktails to suit everyone's taste. The bar's wine consultants, Fields, Morris & Verdin; part of Berry Bros & Rudd, helped craft the exceptional wine list. The menu also offers a full range of spirits, champagne, teas and coffees.

The Bar Menu (available from 10.30 am - midnight) changes regularly and is made up of everything from quick and familiar snacks to tapas and caviar.

The Cigar Menu gives the cigar connoisseur the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy one of the fine cigars from the humidor. Their fully trained team will be happy to prepare each cigar.

In the evenings, the view from the bar over the yachts gives a feel of modern Riviera glamour and makes it hard to believe that you are only moments from central London.

The ever-popular Aquassia Terrace is one of London's largest al fresco drinking and dining destinations, accommodating 35 covers and the perfect location at which to escape the chaos of town and relax in beautiful, calm surroundings. With its sheltered location and elevated view of the harbour, you would be forgiven for thinking you were actually on the waterfront somewhere in the Mediterranean.

The terrace is divided into two sections so that guests can choose from the bar or restaurant. The natural wood sun deck is a great spot at which to watch the sun go down with one of their fresh cocktails made with aromatic herbs and fruits.

Aquasia Bar plays host to a variety of live entertainment throughout the week. The week's musical schedule culminates on Sunday evenings with the introduction of Sunday Lounge Nights, featuring Swerve, one of London's premier funky acoustic lounge duos who have built up a reputation for effortlessly sophisticated and versatile cool grooves.

First things first: the hand dryers. Those little bastards are the most powerful things you'll ever use. You have been warned so don't come crying to us after you've have had your internal organs realigned by their jet propulsion. Apart from that, you'll find this place populated by men in shirts – most of whom have the word Estate Agent tattooed across their forehead – and pretty ladies in stylish but skimpy attire. Which is nice. BBQs when the sun shines, two floors and a big garden. See: nice.

Aragon House
245 New King's Road Fulham SW6 4XG
Category: Bars

There's something so unassumingly cool about this place that you'll want to move in round the corner just so you can say it's your local. Full of people who are secretly really important record producers all digging the vibe in an assured manner. The big screen TV and free matches are an added bonus. Eat 'til midnight Fri & Sat.

Arch 635
15-16 Lendal Terrace Clapham SW4 7UX
Category: Bars

Description

Archway Tavern
1 Archway Close Highgate N19 3TX
Category: Public Houses & Inns

This 18th century pub had a magnificent Victorian 'make-over' which has, miraculously, survived intact.
The decor is lavish, with beautiful etched and cut glass, decorative mirrors,an embossed ceiling and richly carved hardwood joinery.
Most notable are the partitions which divide the front bar into three separate cubicles. Their purpose was to separate the different social classes and were commonplace in the late 19th century. Today they are very rare indeed. The pub and street take their name from the Duke of Argyll who had a mansion where the Palladium now stands.
Its location just off Oxford Circus mean it's busy most of the day, later morning or mid afternoon are quietest.
There's a good selection of real ales and reasonably priced food

Argyll Arms
18 Argyll Street Soho W1F 7TP
Category: Public Houses & Inns

Description

88-90 George Street Marylebone W1U 8PA
Category: Public Houses & Inns

Tel 020 7589 8558
Price £27.00   Wine £17.00   Champagne £45.00
Opening Hours Mon-Sun 5pm-12M (Sun -11.30pm)

At this affluent Walton Street meeting point, Chelsea types swap stories of their latest deals against a backdrop of ever-changing art. Substantial prices keep the plebs out, while the cultural connection draws a slightly older crowd than nearby Eclipse & Townhouse.

Art Bar
87-89 Walton Street South Kensington SW3 2HP
Category: Bars

Artful Dodger serves a variety of beers, wines and spirits as well as a selection of sandwiches and snacks. Sky Sports, a pool table and a dart board are provided as additional entertainment. They also have a private function room and beer garden which are available for use upon request.

Artful Dodger
47 Royal Mint Street Whitechapel E1 8LG
Category: Public Houses & Inns

Arts Bar & Grill
150 Bayswater Road Bayswater W2 4RT
Category: Bars

Spend some time strolling around the Arts Club courtyard garden or debating in one of its elegant reception rooms and you'll be in illustrious company. Since its birth in 1863 for those professionally involved in the Arts, literature or science, the Arts Club has been no stranger to A-list celebrities - Charles Dickens, Mark Twain and Anthony Trollope were once members. Others have designed Wembley Stadium, the Law Courts and most of the London Underground. Still, you can't have everything, can you? Today, this Mayfair 18th century town house is an exclusive and versatile venue for wedding receptions, private parties, conferences and the like. The food has a reputation for being excellent. Choose from a succulent three course meal, canapé menus or finger food menus (all GM free). If you plan the wine to flow choose the Garden or Main Dining rooms, which have their own dance floor.

Arts Club
40 Dover Street Mayfair W1S 4NP
Category: Private Clubs

Aspinalls is a casino that offers black jack, roulette, poker and has card rooms. They have a restaurant and a bar. The casino club is for members only. Application takes 24 hours.

Aspinalls
28 Curzon Street Mayfair W1J 7TJ
Category: Casino Clubs

Astons serves beers, wines and spirits as well as a selection of traditional dishes. Children are warmly welcomed and catered for. They also have quiz and fruit machines. Pavement seating is also provided.

Astons
12 Seymour Place Marylebone W1H 7NE
Category: Public Houses & Inns

Relax, listen to a classical pianist and sip your favorite cocktail. Spend time with friends as you enjoy the panoramic view of the splendid open-air markets, the shops of Faneuil Hall Marketplace and cobblestone walkways - a perfect blending of Boston’s historic past with the present. Light menu available. Collared shirt required.


Operating Hours
02:00 PM - Midnight (Opens Daily)

Other Information
Light menu available
Bar snacks served


Contact Number

Atrium Lounge
61 Gloucester Road South Kensington SW7 4PE
Category: Lounge Bars

A

trium Lounge

Attica was formerly called Sax, and as a result has a legacy of appropriate paintings on the wall. These paintings might not to be everyone’s taste; a kind of early 80’s soft porn and oddly executed so that the sax player’s hands look twice the size of his head! But it’s all part of a determinedly retro theme that includes neon tubes lining the wall.

Behind the restaurant is a very loud club and the idea is to eat out front and then go into the club free (and without doorman aggro), Food is ‘European’ and the night we went was a bit overpriced. Mistakes were being made which weren’t meal-threatening, but nonetheless indicated a certain lack of quality control in the kitchen. The menu is eclectic and possibly over-ambitious, although at the time of writing the new chef had not been in position long and should find his feet soon.

The idea of a club/restaurant already works in snobbier places in Knightsbridge and Attica has always been popular with moneyed youth. A good destination if you’re looking for a classier night ‘up west’.

I went to attica after hearing alot of great reviews, to be honest I was quite skeptical, but boy was I impressed, this place has come from being one of the worst, forgottten and rotten, to again showing everyone else how it's done! It's now owned or run by Alex Lambrechts, a new guy to the london scene, but from what I can see, he's not new to this game, the style is similar to before ie. you get all the usual celebs, but it's a little less bling and a little more rock! drinks still possibly the most expensive in london, and tables £500 minimum spend, ouch! but be warned, there's a line down the street and the tables are usually taken so get in early! the staff are unusually friendly, and only to eager to help, the music was hip hop and rock. well I highly recommend it... but leave your boyfriend at home!

Attica
24 Kingly Street Soho W1B 5QP
Category: Night Clubs

Begorra! A pub more Irish than Oirish. Auntie Annie's' garish exterior might lead to expect theme-pub shenanigans, but inside it may surprise you. It's a smart, roomy place with candles on the tables and a good atmosphere. When we stopped in for a few jars, there was a good mix of people enjoying themselves. The music was a contemporary blend thankfully free of the Saw Doctors and so on, and Auntie Annie's also hosts regular live music nights. Should you need a break from the black stuff, an excellent range of whiskies await behind the bar.

180 Kentish Town Road Kentish Town NW5 2AE
Category: Public Houses & Inns

NO DESCRIPTION YET

Authors' Club
40 Dover Street Mayfair W1S 4NP
Category: Private Clubs

a relaxed and funky / stylish bar with a unique atmosphere within the heart of Finchley.  It has a very female friendly vibe and is also attracting the style conscious set within and around north London, even with it's drop-in local celebs from the world of show biz!  Tantalise your taste buds with our wide selection of premium beers from around the world, especially our Belgian range, either an apple fruli or a white beer.  We also invite you to try our extensive wine list, from new and old world, along with a premium range of speciality spirits from around the globe!  Not forgetting our cocktail, champagne and shooter menu.  There is masses of choice from our lunch or evening menu's.  With changing daily specials and a variety of delicious food dishes, this has to be the perfect place for a cosy relaxing meal or party get together, business meeting, or any special event!   We also offer all day table service for food and drink!  So whether its a kick start to the week or a late night full on party, sipping cocktails and downing shooters, with resident and guest DJs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, we're sure you will find Autumn House as your 'MEET - EAT - DRINK' oasis

Autumn House
133 King Street Hammersmith W6 9JG
Category: Bars

Autumn House
133 King Street Hammersmith W6 9JG
Category: Bars

Claphamites have taken this relaxed & comfortable space to their hearts: they ‘cannot recommend it enough’. It’s certainly attractive with its kind lighting & haphazard country-house look & the series of small interconnecting rooms create a pleasing sense of intimacy so often missing in larger gastropubs. The menu is comforting, too, & cooking is, happily, better than it need be: fresh tagliatelle with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella & basil is a winning starter, while crab cakes & sausage & mash are among popular mains. Further pluses are the inexpensive wine list & ‘great’ Bloody Marys & roasts, making it a ‘brilliant place to while away a Sunday afternoon’. Service is ‘variable’ but ‘generally amiable’.

The Abbeville
67 Abbeville Road Clapham SW4 9JW
Category: Bars

Previously The Salt House, The Abbey Road is an established gastropub in the heart of Beatles territory.

Good solid cuisine, a pleasant atmosphere, a wide selection of wines and reasonable prices make this a good option for eating and drinking. Fantastic beer garden. Excellent service especially by a waitress called Eleanor. Very friendly and helpful lady. Was disappointed in some of the promises made and not met though. No fault of the staff on the night but if you ever book the place for a private party - make sure you get all the "promises" in writing. For example, I was told that we could have the dinner area at the back together with the beer garden from 7.30pm. But on the night, we were told that the restaurant was being used until 10pm and in fact we still didn't have use of it until 10.30 (after nagging several times). I shudder to think of what might have happened if it rained - fortunately it didn't. Great venue though!Free wi-fi, superb food and impressive look and feel! The Abbey is a brilliant low key business lunch destination that will be certain to impress your clients. They even have a superb private dining/meeting facility that is totally unique to anywhere else in London that is available by prior appointment.

On a non-business front I have found The Abbey a superb and friendly pub to have a post work drink for a long time now. The pubs opening hours (midnight Sun-Thurs and 1 a.m. Fri & Sat) also provides a more relaxed drinking environment i.e no 11 p.m drink guzzling. And finally....the staff are all gorgeous!

The Abbey Road
63 Abbey Road St. John's Wood NW8 0AE
Category: Public Houses & Inns

Combining a ‘cosy’ pub feel with ‘good fusion’ food, the Abingdon is a gastropub that truly fits its category. The antipodean chef offers a twice-daily-changing menu that showcases a genuine flair for eastern flavours & a knack for sourcing good local ingredients: simple steak with béarnaise sits comfortably next to Sri Lankan-marinated chicken with spicy dhal & leek & thyme risotto with parmesan. The menu’s diversity, a ‘relaxed’ vibe & ‘helpful’ staff ensure that most diners leave satisfied. This is despite an inadequate ventilation system that fails to cope with cigarette smoke.

The Abingdon
54 Abingdon Road Kensington W8 6AP
Category: Bars

This is a quiet pub which is really nice if you want to meet friends and actually be able to have a chat in nice suroundings. I have been previously during the evening and enjoyed it but went for lunch and the food was absolutely brilliant!! so very nice food The Academy is the kind of trendy upmarket bar that only sells highly priced lager and coffee. Looks pleasant enough, if that's what you're looking for. If on the other hand you want a real pub with ales and atmosphere, go to the Prince of Wales, on the corner of Princedale and Queensdale Roads.

The Academy
57 Princedale Road Holland Park W11 4NP
Category: Public Houses & Inns

A vastly underestimated pub, the Adelaide's got it all: Great atmosphere, cracking bar staff, good range, superb food, and just to top it off, a heated and spacious beer garden.

Thanks to its location, I've never seen it too rammed, and clientel are a friendly bunch too. From Sunday afternoon chill with the papers to live nights and DJs, this landlord's doing a rip-roaring job...

...if I didn't have to work, I'd be applying for residency.Affiliated to The Sun and The Falcon in Clapham, and as well run and friendly. Hard to resist the Thai BBQ from the garden in summer. Friendly Irish guy behind the bar with some feeble support from the rest. Nice relaxed atmosphere though, thoroughly recommend it for the summer, but perhaps a bit lacking in atmos for winter when the garden is out of bounds.

The Adelaide
143 Adelaide Road Hampstead NW3 3NL
Category: Public Houses & Inns

Tucked away in an inhospitable alley, ‘The Cod’ is nevertheless the first port of call for new arrivals to South Ken, so there’s always a fresh crop of American ex-pats to help youthful Sloanes conjure a ‘good atmosphere’. The friendly bar serves drinks accompanied by decent snacks, while in the dining room expertly executed brasserie classics are served in smart surrounds in which the ceiling slides back for the most unexpected alfresco in town. Considered to be ‘one of the better weekend brunch places in London’, the only complaints from dedicated fans concern the ‘tiny portions’. ‘Shape up, Admiral, or I’ll stick to Pimm’s pitchers next time,’ says one hungry diner.

The Admiral Codrington
17 Mossop Street South Kensington SW3 2LY
Category: Public Houses & Inns

What is quite possibly the most agrarian-slanted-yet-urban-located pub in Angel, The Agriculture is to drinking what rumpy-pumpy is to couples: a casual sesh during the week and, if you’re up to it, a longer bash at the weekend.

Continuing the theme… the fluorescent green lights bursting from the upstairs windows as you approach are like a lady of the night calling out to Kermit. Once inside, our frog-legged friend would successfully find a few hoes….hung on the walls….because they’re farming implements, naturally.

The beers may well be as average as an English summer, and the bar menu as woeful as a French Olympic bid (fear not Kermie, frog’s legs nes pas), BUT the interesting features – cast-iron bum-numbing stools, large staring windows and newly upholstered leather smooching-booths – make this the place to express your midweek Muppet.

Ironically, for a pub so agro-centrically named, the one thing it does lack is land, in the form of a garden bar.

Ooh-aah, ‘ee by gum, and ge’rawf moy laand.

The Agricultural
13 Liverpool Road Islington N1 0RW
Category: Public Houses & Inns

The Albany is a stylish and modern bar that also serves a variety of contemporary dishes. Catering for vegetarians is also provided.

The Albany
240 Great Portland Street Marylebone W1W 5QU
Category: Bar

The Albany
240 Great Portland Street Marylebone W1W 5QU
Category: Bars - Get here from Great Portland Street

Built in 1864, The Albert was named after Prince Albert. Serving a variety of beers, wines and spirits as well as a selection of English dishes, they can cater for private parties of up to 200 guests upon request.

The Albert
11 Princess Road Camden NW1 8JR
Category: Public Houses & Inns

If your looking for a traditional English pub then you you will love the Albert. They serve a great traditional calvary, fab for a good old fashioned Sunday Roast. The staff are friendly try to avoid lunchtimes as it gets jammed packed with local office workers. I love it anyway!!

The Albert Tavern
52 Victoria Street Westminster SW1H 0NP
Category: Public Houses & Inns