Good Bars and Cafes in Clerkenwell/ Shoreditch/ Finsbury/ Barbican (London)

DreamBagsJaguarShoes

DreamBagsJaguarShoes is located in the Shoreditch district, and is reputed for its soothing interiors which change every now and then. The bar, though dark and gloomy with only a brick fireplace as its décor, is one of the coolest places to hang out. Hordes of youngsters hang out here to swing to the DJ's music. Sometimes this nightclub also doubles up as an exhibition space. Europe's most creative illustrators, fashion designers, photographers and painters display their work here. Furthermore, you can feel good about all the bidding and spending here; some of the money that the bar generates, right from the entrance fee to the exhibition fee, goes for charity.

The Eagle

The original gastro-pub, The Eagle remains one of London's most popular dining and drinking venues, and is always packed to bursting. Stake your spot on a beat-up sofa, or grab a seat on an old wooden chair or stool. You'll need to be there the moment it opens to guarantee a table, but it's well worth it. The food is fabulous, imaginative Mediterranean cooking, lots of grilled vegetables and beautifully cooked combinations. The best part is that the kitchen is in full view inside the pub itself so you can pick up a few cooking tips. Drink-wise, you could try the house brew, Eagle lager, but Guinness is the first choice for a lot of diners. Don't miss the wine - the list is short but interesting.

Greenery

A bustling delicatessen a few steps away from Farringdon Station, The Greenery is ideal for healthy vegetarian lunches. It is as fresh and bright as the name suggests, but it's also pretty small, so if you plan to eat-in rather than take-out for lunch, come early. The food is simple but tasty and if salads and sandwiches are not your thing, then choose from four or five daily specials, such as Lasagne, Stroganoff or Curry.

The Fox and Anchor

Opening at 7am to attend to the needs of workers at nearby Smithfield market, in recent years the Fox and Anchor has begun to draw in washed out clubbers as well as meat packers - which makes for a surreally mixed clientele. Established in 1898, subsequent restorations have respected its original art nouveau decor, so much so it was bestowed with an English Heritage Award in 1994. It's unpretentiously elegant, with an emphasis on good beer, top-of-the range butties and friendly service. If you want to treat yourself, get there early and tuck in to one of their legendary pub breakfasts.

coffee@brick lane

Coffee@brick lane is the epitome of modern, functionalist style. A no frills venue that places its emphasis on catering to the needs of its clientele, rather than perfecting the self-satisfying, oh-so-hip decor of so many of the area's cafes. So, grab yourself a coffee and a bite to eat (reasonably priced grande cappuccino and a ciabbata sandwich with aubergine and mozzarella) and relax with friends in the comfy seats, take your time surfing the net, or flick through a book from their small but carefully chosen library.

Saint's Bar

What's so saintly about this bar? Just the name! Located at the Crowne Plaza London Shoreditch, formerly the Saint Gregory Hotel, Saint's Bar boasts of stylish interiors decorated with white leather sofas and funky lighting. A chic and contemporary ambience pairs up with the bar's unlimited energy to make it one of London's most happening spots. An impressive cocktail list offers you a wide choice of drinks to go with your food. You can also relax on the roof terrace and admire the view. All-in-all, a great place to catch up with friends over drinks.

Queen of Hoxton

This modern bar is not only good for hanging out with friends, but also for business lunches. The Linguine Alla Vongole with baby clams, chilly garlic and white wine sauce, and the Pork Medallions on Sage Rosti with spiced apple and crackling covered in Dijon mustard are some of the highlights from the menu. The Queen of Hoxton also functions as a club with both live performances as well as DJ music, and also as an art exhibition center. Check website for further details.

Indulgence

Looking for a place with great food, an extensive drinks menu coupled with pleasant ambiance, then head straight for the Indulgence Bar & Grill restaurant. The food is absolutely scrumptious with a choice of additive free meats, and also fresh seafood delivered straight from the south coasts. Better still, the meals are all reasonably priced. When you visit this place, don't forget to sample the Grilled Lamb Chops and the Braised Lamb Shank. Check website for further details. 

Tabernacle

You can't miss Tabernacle even if it were on Pluto! This double storey slick and chic restaurant used to be a Victorian warehouse, but now the ground floor houses a hip bar, where many adventurous drinkers hang out. The restaurant is classy, and what catches the eye are the delicate handmade Italian chandeliers! But you will stop staring at them when the Steak Borlotti with Truffle laced Bone Marrow arrives steaming straight from the kitchen. It is open in the mornings, so a breakfast of muffins and coffee is available. Everything else comes without a good dent on your credit card, so drop in and not just for the Coconut Crème Brulée! Private parties can be arranged for at the Restaurant, Bar and the Lounge Bar.

The Lane

Considering the swanky decor and trendy ambience of this restaurant and bar, it's surprising that it's not located at a West End venue. The menu at Lane is uncomplicated, and gives you an array of good European dishes with a modern fusion touch to them. The bar gives you all that you need to unwind after a long day at work - a list of cocktails and other drinks matched by a laid-back atmosphere! The food is reasonably priced, and the wine list is impressive - do you still need a reason to make this your next stop out?

The Well

Bright red and deep burgundy dominate the dark interiors of The Well. But an aquarium built in the wall adds cheer to the environs! Now that you are in, ramble at the bar a bit to down a few beers. Then amble your way to the chic leather seating to sample the innovative cuisine. Saffron Risotto with Spring Vegetables and Parmesan is a good choice and Banoffee Pie, a better finish. Bottoms up to that!

Dans le Noir ?

The ambience at Dans le Noir ? is as unique as its recipes. Located in the chic Farringdon area of London, this restaurant-cum-bar and lounge offers guests highly modern French cuisine in a trendy setting, with separate "light" and "dark" areas on the premises. You can choose to have a drink at the well-lit bar, followed by a meal in the pitch dark dining area. The purpose of this is to allow your tastebuds to dominate the sensory experience. Opt for the Surprise Menu; you never know what's going to be served, and can try to guess what you're eating in the dark! If you like experimenting with your food and don't mind steep prices, this is definitely the place for you.