June 14, 2008...10:53 am

Bars in London

In London these days, drinking is the new dancing, and bars are the new nightclubs. An explosion of club-bars has invaded the previously forgotten zone between pubs and clubs, offering seriously stylish surroundings and top-flight DJs together with plentiful lounging space and a wide selection of Bourbon whiskey (the current “in” drink). Often incorporating both restaurants and dancefloors, the new breed of bars are designed as one-stop nightspots, combining all you need for an evening’s entertainment under one roof. Usually, club-bars are open from noon or early evening, allowing you to skip the cover charge (if there is one) by arriving early and staying put as the scene shifts around you. On the other hand, they tend to close earlier than clubs, usually between midnight and 2am, so you’ll need to move on to a “real” nightclub for serious nighttime action.