NIGHTLIFE
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Havana nights
REVIEW
Havana in the 1920s is the inspiration for this new bar, which is influenced by bodegas – the Hispanic off-licences on New York’s street corners. Niche, no? Genuine Liquorette is in a former Victorian pub in Fitzrovia, but it’s not just the decor that makes it unique – which is best described as ‘storeroom chic’, with neon signs, murals and 1970s collages. It serves Cha-Chunker cocktails; a vice-like machine with a metal point widens canned drinks so mini bottles of alcohol can fit in, after which you can mix your own drinks – no need for a hip flask, then. You can also browse spirits in cabinets and create bottled cocktails to take home, or have them delivered to your hotel. 6 Rathbone Place, W1T 1HL. T: 020-3319 6306. www.liquorette.co.uk
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Gordon’s Wine Bar
St Pancras Champagne Bar
The Sportsman Casino
London’s oldest wine bar has been uncorking bottles since 1890 in its candlelit stonearched basement. Get there early to grab a table. www.gordonswinebar.com. 47 Villiers St, WC2N 6NE. T: 020-7930 1408. E8. Station: Embankment.
Europe’s longest Champagne bar is on the Paris Eurostar concourse. Enjoy bubbly and seafood platters, with heated leather banquettes. www.st pancrasbysearcys.co.uk. St Pancras International, Upper Concourse, Euston Rd, N1C 4QL. T: 020-7870 9900. C8. Station: King’s Cross St Pancras.
Traditional and electronic gaming, including three-card poker and American roulette. Enjoy the poker lounge, sports bar, informal dining and elegant restaurant. www.thesportsmancasino.com. Old Quebec St, W1H 7AF. T: 020-3051 4616. D6. Station: Marble Arch.
Social 24
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Sample a wide range of wines from around the globe in this intimate venue, inspired by centuries of merchant ships sailing up the River Thames. www.traderswine.co.uk. Ivory House, Central Basin, St Katharine Docks, E1W 1AT. T: 020-7481 3796. Off map. Station: Tower Hill.
Smart bar next to Jason Atherton’s restaurant with an Art Deco interior, Prohibitioninspired cocktails and great views. www.citysocial london.com. Tower 42, 25 Old Broad St, EC2N 1HQ. T: 020-7877 7703. D11. Station: Liverpool Street.
Mews Cocktail Bar
The Vault
Deep leather sofas and an 18th-century chandelier set the tone for this exclusive cocktail bar, which is home to exquisite wines, fresh fruit and cocktails. www.mewsofmayfair.com. 10 Lancashire Court, W1S 1EY. T: 020-7518 9388. E6. Station: Bond Street.
The Nightjar Enjoy Prohibition-era cocktails at this stylish basement bar, with live music most nights. Check website for programme. The elaborate cocktails are amazing. www.barnightjar.com. 129 City Rd, EC1V 1JB. T: 020-7253 4101. C10. Station: Old Street.
Opium Cocktail Bar Tucked away in Chinatown, this is a warren of rooms styled like a 1920s Shanghai bar, serving eccentric cocktails and upscale bar bites. Reservations recommended. www.opiumchinatown.com. 15 Gerrard St, W1D 6JE. T: 020-7734 7276. E7. Station: Leicester Square.
The tiny, specialist whisky bar Milroy’s has tables made of barrels, while The Vault, behind the bookcase, is a hidden bar. 3 Greek St, W1D 4NX. www.thevaultsoho.co.uk. D7. Station: Tottenham Court Road.
The Zetter Townhouse Tony Conigliaro’s groundbreaking cocktails, in a lounge with eccentric decor incorporating leather armchairs, velvet cushions and a cosy fireplace. The bar is part of a hotel of the same name. www.thezettertownhouse.com. 49-50 St John’s Square, EC1V 4JJ. T: 020-7324 4545. C9. Station: Farringdon.
DID YOU KNOW?
Julie Andrews made her solo debut at the Hippodrome Casino in 1947.
Scarfes Bar This elegant bar is named after satirical British cartoonist Gerald Scarfe, who created the caricatures lining the walls. Wonderful cocktails. www.scarfesbar.com. Rosewood London hotel, 252 High Holborn, WC1V 7EN. T: 020-3747 8611. D8. Station: Holborn.
CASINOS The Casino at the Empire
This spectacular West End venue also has a restaurant and several bars, plus a dedicated poker room. www.thecasinolsq.com. 5-6 Leicester Square, WC2H 7NA. T: 020-3733 1315. E7. Station: Leicester Square.
Hippodrome Casino Massive casino with gaming on three floors, plus a restaurant and live music venue. www.hippodrome casino.com. Cranbourn St, WC2H 7JH. T: 020-7769 8888. E7. Station: Leicester Square.
Bunga Bunga Part restaurant, part bar, with live entertainment, to create a theatrical night out. Enjoy Italian cuisine as you watch the live cabaret acts. www.bungabunga-london.com. 167 Drury Lane, WC2B 5PG (and Battersea branch). T: 020-7590 3602. D8. Station: Covent Garden/Holborn.
The Comedy Store One of the country’s best and most famous venues for stand-up and improvised comedy. The Comedy Store Players (Sun) sees the likes of Paul Merton, Neil Mullarkey and Josie Lawrence, while it also hosts regular late-night stand-up events. www. thecomedystore.co.uk. 1a Oxendon St, SW1Y 4EE. T: 0844-871 7699. E7. Station: Piccadilly Circus.
Ronnie Scott’s The famous jazz venue has hosted top musicians for more than 50 years including Prince, Ella Fitzgerald and Miles Davis. The weekly Sunday Jazz lunch has no minimum age, which makes it perfect for families to enjoy music together. www.ronnie scotts.co.uk. 47 Frith St, W1D 4HT. T: 020-7439 0747. D7. Station: Tottenham Court Road.
Stringfellows Open since 1980, this club was established by the late Peter Stringfellow, and is one of the world’s best-known gentlemen’s clubs. Up to 70 Angels dance nightly on four stages. You can also dine in the five-star steak restaurant and visit the opulent, velvet-adorned Red Rooms. Free entry when dining. www.stringfellows.co.uk. 16-19 Upper St Martin’s Lane, WC2H 9EF. T: 020-7240 5534. E8. Station: Leicester Square.
IMAGE COURTESY OF GENUINE LIQUORETTE
L’escale Wine Bar
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