London's nightlife is the most vibrant in Europe. Although pubs close at 11, clubs and discotheques jive till early morning hours and the choice of music and ambience they offer is mind-boggling. With elegant cocktail bars and traditional pubs, lap dance venues and gay and lesbian clubs, International DJs, jazz to hip hop to club to rock to techno to bhangra and everything in between, London spoils you for choice.
'Where to go' is the eternal question for London's nightlife is something like Delhi's - what is the place to hang out today may well be a had-been tomorrow. You can pick up a copy of Time Out from newsstands to find out about the latest on the party circuit.
Two Pints of Lager and a packet of Crisps, Please
So goes a popular song by a British band and it effectively sums up the British approach to pubs - two pints and a packet of crisps is all they need. Too many 'traditional' English pubs have been sprouting up in our metros. When in London, visit an original and you will always look down upon these copycats. Wood panelled walls, thick carpets, dim lighting, yes, all the ingredients are there but have you stumbled into one that is pervaded with an air of disrepair? The feeling of nostalgia? Is it called something on the lines of The Seven stars/The King's Arms/The Three Arrows? Does it smell of stale beer, fish and chips? Does it have football on the telly? Congratulations! You have found an authentic English pub. Order a lager and celebrate.
You have more reason to cheer if the pub serves traditional ales. Ask for the Cornish Knocker. Light and a bit fruity in taste, legend goes that the Knocker is brewed by fairies. But don't let its taste deceive you - one pint down and you start feeling very, very happy.
