Keswick
A cosy corner wine bar that also serves good lunches and evening tapas (£4 to £10).
Must-see nightlife in Great Britain
St Ives
The open-plan Hub is the heart of St Ives' (admittedly limited) nightlife: coffee and burgers by day, cocktails after dark and a great location on the…
Cardiff
The 'home of the '90s vibe' is exactly what you'd expect it to be. If you were there in the Britpop heyday, prepare to bop around your handbag all night…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Shropshire
Under the medieval Broadgate, the quiet little Wheatsheaf Inn has stone walls, exposed wooden beams, toasty fireplaces and local ales.
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…
Liverpool
A traditional pub with a beer garden; the fact that John and Cynthia Lennon liked coming here still draws the curious.
South Pembrokeshire
This lively pub has DJs on the weekends, and a sunny, flower-bedecked courtyard for summer afternoon sessions.
Bournemouth
Mixes touring gigs, club nights and student parties; music takes in indie, punk, rock 'n' roll and old skool.
The Lake District
Pleasant cafe with views of the river and church – perfect for tea and scones or a slice of post-hike cake.
The Lake District
Bowness' oldest boozer, dating back to 1612 and offering lashings of rough-beamed, low-ceilinged atmosphere.
South Cornwall
Classy little wine bar that serves several vintages by the glass, and also holds regular film screenings.
Yorkshire Dales National Park
A determinedly old-fashioned free house with a lively atmosphere, sports screens and sticky floors.
The Midlands & the Marches
On a sunny day, the courtyard at this pub serving real ales and artisan ciders fills with locals.
Nottingham
Cocktail specialist Tilt mixes up classics and house creations in intimate, candlelit surrounds.
Brighton & Hove
And they ain’t talking Victoria or Elizabeth! Plenty of camp cabaret and karaoke at this pub.
The Lake District
Traditional pub with plenty of local ales on tap, mostly from the owners' Robinson's Brewery.
Manchester
An old-style boozer that is very popular for a pint as well as a meal (mains £14 to £16).
Cumbria & the Lakes
A less hectic alternative to Botchergate's pubs. There are DJs and comedy nights regularly.
Manchester
Popular bar with DJs and a live-mic night on Wednesdays that is especially well-frequented.
Yorkshire Dales National Park
Friendly bar with low beams and lots of dining space, but lacks character and atmosphere.
Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields
Cargo has seen better days but still packs in a crowd several nights weekly. Under its brick railway arches, you’ll find a dance floor and bar, and there…
