Must-see nightlife in The United Kingdom

  • Bull Inn

    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.

  • Old Timers

    Exeter

    Scuffed floorboards, crowded-in tables and walls smothered in an eyebrow-raising array of collectables set the scene at this atmospheric drinking den.

  • Swallow

    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.

  • Traveller's Rest

    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.

  • Three Kings

    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.

  • Switch

    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.

  • Ship Inn

    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.

  • Maritime

    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.

  • Wheatsheaf Inn

    Shropshire

    Under the medieval Broadgate, the quiet little Wheatsheaf Inn has stone walls, exposed wooden beams, toasty fireplaces and local ales.

  • Old White Swan

    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…

  • Ye Cracke

    Liverpool

    A traditional pub with a beer garden; the fact that John and Cynthia Lennon liked coming here still draws the curious.

  • Tenby House

    South Pembrokeshire

    This lively pub has DJs on the weekends, and a sunny, flower-bedecked courtyard for summer afternoon sessions.

  • Grasmere Tea Gardens

    The Lake District

    Pleasant cafe with views of the river and church – perfect for tea and scones or a slice of post-hike cake.

  • Old Firestation

    Bournemouth

    Mixes touring gigs, club nights and student parties; music takes in indie, punk, rock 'n' roll and old skool.

  • Hole in T' Wall

    The Lake District

    Bowness' oldest boozer, dating back to 1612 and offering lashings of rough-beamed, low-ceilinged atmosphere.

  • Sanctuary

    South Cornwall

    Classy little wine bar that serves several vintages by the glass, and also holds regular film screenings.

  • QUB Student Union

    Belfast

    The student union has various bars and music venues hosting club nights, live bands and stand-up comedy.

  • Unicorn Inn

    Yorkshire Dales National Park

    A determinedly old-fashioned free house with a lively atmosphere, sports screens and sticky floors.

  • Silk Mill Ale & Cider House

    The Midlands & the Marches

    On a sunny day, the courtyard at this pub serving real ales and artisan ciders fills with locals.

  • Old Killowen Inn

    County Down

    The Old Killowen Inn hosts regular impromptu trad music and set sessions on Saturday afternoons.

  • Tilt

    Nottingham

    Cocktail specialist Tilt mixes up classics and house creations in intimate, candlelit surrounds.

  • Queen’s Arms

    Brighton & Hove

    And they ain’t talking Victoria or Elizabeth! Plenty of camp cabaret and karaoke at this pub.

  • Golden Rule

    The Lake District

    Traditional pub with plenty of local ales on tap, mostly from the owners' Robinson's Brewery.

  • Fats

    Cumbria & the Lakes

    A less hectic alternative to Botchergate's pubs. There are DJs and comedy nights regularly.

  • Lammar's

    Manchester

    Popular bar with DJs and a live-mic night on Wednesdays that is especially well-frequented.

  • Mr Thomas' Chop House

    Manchester

    An old-style boozer that is very popular for a pint as well as a meal (mains £14 to £16).

  • Black Lion Hotel

    Yorkshire Dales National Park

    Friendly bar with low beams and lots of dining space, but lacks character and atmosphere.

  • Angel Inn

    Southeast Wales

    The crux of village life is never short of good beer and friendly locals.

  • Three Fishes

    Shropshire

    This quintessential creaky Tudor alehouse dates from the 15th century.

  • Bridge Tavern

    Hampshire

    A friendly pub in the heart of Portsmouth's old Point harbour area.

  • Kilbroney

    County Down

    The Kilbroney is a good place to catch trad music most Sundays.

  • CoCo

    Torquay

    Balearic beats, classy cocktails and a sea-view terrace.

  • Revenge

    Brighton & Hove

    Nightly disco with occasional drag and cabaret acts.

  • The entrance area to Cargo, a popular club in London's East End

    Cargo

    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…

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    Churchill Arms

    Notting Hill & West London

    With its cascade of geraniums and Union Jack flags swaying in the breeze, the Churchill Arms is quite a sight on Kensington Church St. Renowned for its…

  • Outside The Missing Bean

    Missing Bean

    Oxford

    Check out the artisanal roastery that’s responsible for one of Oxford’s favourite cafes, then pause over a flat white before grabbing a bag of the house…

  • Nantyffin Cider Mill

    Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog

    Although the food isn't what it once was, this 16th-century drovers' inn is still an atmospheric place for a drink, with bare stone, exposed roof beams…

  • WOW

    Cardiff

    A strange mix of industrial and camp (exposed ducting, chandeliers and a sequined fireplace), WOW offers 'cheeky hour' drink specials from 4pm to 9pm…

  • Planet Coffee

    Yorkshire

    At the heart of Hull's trendy Newland Ave district, this was one of the first independent coffee shops to open in Hull and still has a crowd of faithful…

  • Dome

    Plymouth

    Expect grandstand water views and a wide range of cocktails (from classic bellinis to espresso martinis) at the Dome. Plus a pianist tinkling the ivories…