The West End
This hugely popular lesbian and gay bar and club with a late licence plays pop and other nonsense (imagine Donna Summer's 'Last Dance') till the wee hours.
Must-see nightlife in Western Europe
Viana do Castelo
This is where the action happens on weekend nights, at this cosy bar on the old town's main square. Tables spill out and crowds hang out till closing time.
Northeast England
Encased in ivory-coloured tiles, this salt-of-the-earth 1850-built traditional pub is great for a pint of real ale while watching a Newcastle United match.
Nancy
This fun-focused bar has a roster of events, from flamenco nights to gigs. The mojito list features its own creations laced with raspberry, melon and mint.
North Cornwall
As its name suggests, this pub is right in the middle of town, and is usually packed at weekends. There's a large streetside patio for al fresco drinking.
Cardiff
A large bar with an open, breezy feel and a 1st-floor terrace with a view of the bay. DJs spin on weekends and there's occasionally live music on Fridays.
Finistère
This legendary spot is a beauty – part Irish pub, part French bar, furnished in rich burnished wood and nautical bits-and-bobs, with billiards upstairs.
Menton
The stone-vaulted back room at this Italo-Albanian-run wine bar makes a cosy spot for an evening tipple, accompanied by boards of cheese and charcuterie.
Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog
This ivy-clad, family-run, traditional pub is ideal for whiling away a wet afternoon with a pint of Timothy Taylor's ale, a hearty meal and a good book.
Glasgow
This lager labyrinth with its fantasy-realm elven treehouse feel could be an Escher sketch brought to life, and it's a cut above most Irish theme pubs.
Greater Glasgow
Designed by a Mackintosh disciple, this is Paisley's best pub, with original dark wood fittings and several guest ales on tap. There's no food, though.
Marseille
This popular pub has loads of beers on tap and a pleasant courtyard to chill in (note that this is not the hotel/restaurant of the same name).
Exeter
Scuffed floorboards, crowded-in tables and walls smothered in an eyebrow-raising array of collectables set the scene at this atmospheric drinking den.
Plymouth
The Swallow has been a friendly fixture of Plymouth's gay scene for 25 years. The vibe is relaxed, in keeping with its pool table and karaoke nights.
Trás-os-Montes
Good for a break between cultural attractions, this spot on Bragança's museum row serves tea along with delicious pastries made with local almonds.
Braga
Loungey cafe-bar on a bustling strip by the cathedral, great for sampling the speciality gin and tonics at night to the sound of live bands or DJs.
The Minho
Emblazoned with images of Che Guevara, this lively beer joint in the heart of Ponte de Lima's nightlife zone has long attracted alternative types.
The Lake District
With its sputtering fires and inglenook bar, this 16th-century coaching inn on the A591 makes a fine place for a pint and a simple pie supper.
Orléans
Scottish-themed sports bar popular for its wide variety of whiskies and beers, including 17 on tap, and regular rugby and football broadcasts.
Lyon
This long-running Irish pub draws a fine mix of expats and Lyonnais. There's live music from time to time, including the odd Irish folk band.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
This small late-night bar has dance music upstairs and more mainstream tunes downstairs. Look out for drag queen–hosted events and parties.
Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields
This down-to-earth and welcoming backstreet pub attracts a friendly bunch of relaxed locals for its quirky decor, great music and good times.
County Meath
Pop in for a drink on the large terrace overhanging the River Boyne at this central pub. It gets crammed at weekends when there's live music.
Biarritz
Grungy pub with a central location, big-screen sports and plenty of beers on tap – plus a loyal crowd of surfers, beach-bums and tourists.
Paris
Named after Venetian bar snacks, Cicchetti is a good spot for an aperitif (small plates €1 to €2) savoured over a glass of natural wine.
Swansea, The Gower & Carmarthenshire
A large rusty anchor sets an appropriately nautical tone for this appealing local pub, which serves the Gower Brewery's range of real ales.
South Devon
Eccentric old boozer decorated with thousands of key rings, stone jugs and chamber pots, presided over by a chatty parrot called Mr Tibbs.
Lyon
With its old-fashioned decor, La Ruche is not the triendiest of Lyon's gay bars, but it draws a loyal local crowd as well as tourists.
Shropshire
Under the medieval Broadgate, the quiet little Wheatsheaf Inn has stone walls, exposed wooden beams, toasty fireplaces and local ales.
Aliados & Bolhão
Porto’s gay hot spot has live music, drag shows and go-go boys. It’s open very late. It's especially fun on late-night Sundays.
Coimbra
A friendly no-frills drinking spot near the old cathedral. Join the students for cheap drinks and big (late) nights. Enough said.
Côte d'Azur
This lovely vine-covered cafe terrace in the very heart of Ramatuelle is great for coffee or light meals (mains €15 to €18).
Dauphiné
Low ceilings and a pirate theme make this rum bar an enjoyably grubby spot for a potent mojito or two (cocktails from €8.50).
Cascais
An Irish number with banter and a passion for the pint, O’Neill’s has eclectic live music at 11pm every night of the year.
York
Popular and atmospheric pub in a 16th-century building, with a small beer garden and a good range of ales. And it's haunted…
St-Tropez
Where the party winds up when you want to dance until dawn. The Tropéziens’ top choice, it's also distinctly gay-friendly.
Grafton Street & St Stephen's Green
A loud and raucous bar on George’s St, Nolita is the place to go if you fancy a bit of a party, rather than a quiet pint.
Dijon
This long-standing bar is a bit of a throwback, with a solid soundtrack of '60s and '70s music and extra-long happy hours.
Bairro Alto, Chiado & Cais do Sodré
O’Gílíns offers Guinness, big-screen sports and live music some nights. It's big with the Irish when the rugby's on.
Liverpool
A traditional pub with a beer garden; the fact that John and Cynthia Lennon liked coming here still draws the curious.
