Bars

Two floors, which are distinctly different make Red the perfect place, whether you want an intimate drink in a cosy booth or to party hard into the early hours. Private booths, chandeliers and elegant furnishings in the upstairs bar provide the ideal backdrop for lingering conversations over cocktails, while the low lighting and live DJs downstairs create the perfect ambience when you want to take things up a level. An intoxicating mix of delicious drinks, fabulous food and sultry surroundings make Red a destination venue for a stylish, laid-back crowd.

The Red Fort is one of the best Indian restaurants in London and lying beneath it is Akbar, a small, intimate basement bar where Indian culture meets Soho cool head on. Exotic and original cocktails using ingredients such as date-infused Havana rum can also be served with their contemporary Indian bar snacks, which are absolutely divine. Relaxing lounge bar beats move gradually toward R&B and funky house as the night moves on.

Home to some of London's finest bartenders and with a truly world-class cocktail menu, Lab is a big favourite with those in the know. The stylish retro interior and connoisseur beats from the DJs sets the scene for an atmosphere that is simply about having a great night out.

Situated in the heart of Soho, Alphabet Bar describes itself as a pioneer of 'shabby chic', which pretty much hits the mark if you wanted to sum up this place. The 'chic' comes from the massive selection of cocktails and the quality art from up-and-coming artists. The 'shabby' comes from some interesting furniture and the rather average bar snacks.

An exciting and eclectic bar and club set over five floors! From the relaxing Lounge to the cool Glam Bar or the stylish Studio to the tune-filled Club, On Anon has a room of every style for every occasion. It even has an ultra-kitsch log cabin, with porthole cabin windows overlooking Piccadilly Circus.

Stylish design and a relaxed atmosphere are just for starters at Motion, which boasts an especially stunning location right on the edge of the Thames near the Embankment Tube station. With the action split over two floors - offering an eclectic mix of funky cocktails, mouth-watering food and a happily mixed crowd - Motion is a major landmark on the riverside scene.

If you're after a bar serving up some noise to accompany your drinks, then head down to Camden's Bar Monsta for some live music with a healthy dose of rock and metal. There are no fancy cocktails or bar snacks, the furnishings are in need of replacing and the whole place needs painting, but, if this bothers you then you have come to the wrong place!

On the site of a former Tube station and flower market, The Langley is a hidden classic. Featuring original brick walls, murals, a funky restaurant and spacious booths, this is a hang-out for those who value great music and great service.