Great Night Clubs in Soho/ West End (London)

23 Romilly Street

Situated in an elegant Georgian house, only those in the know will ever find this fashionable Soho club. In the past this club was a members-only den, but it has joined the fray of style bars selling out and opened its exclusive doors to a wider public. The bijou basement Two Thirty Club always was a public domain, and equally swanky: a haven of comfortable extravagance, lush faux-fur cubes and a delicate taupe colour scheme dominate. Moving up to the once members' area, sink-into leather sofas which promote a relaxed lounge-like atmosphere with a creative edge. No longer restricted to members only, it's definitely worth trying any-which-way-how to eat here and sample some truly fabulous modern British food in an intimate setting. The venue is also a popular host for exclusive after-show parties and club nights for the discerning socialite.

Cafe Boheme

A bohemian bar-brasserie in the very heart of Soho where artists and drag queens mingle with media executives, and jazz musicians jam during weekday afternoons. There is no finer people-watching spot in town. While away the hours with a Hoegaarden, sample the fine cappuccino, or dine in the charming cosiness of the adjoining Bohème Kitchen. Choose from breakfasts and brunch, refreshing salad creations, or light meat and fish dishes. Alternatively head downstairs to the popular tapas bar, 'Barsolona', which is open from 5p. Guaranteed to be overflowing with atmosphere and with people, it's best to come in the early evening to secure yourself one of the wicker chairs. After midnight, Café Bohème becomes one of those last-drink emergency hotspots. You could, of course, skip the admission fee by staying all day.

Abigail's Party

Do join the party at Abigail's - but only if you're invited as a strict entrance policy is enforced. The unostentatious exterior reinforces the fact that it's quite an exclusive joint. Laid out over two levels, the ground floor lounge bar is decked out in glittery kitsch curiosities. A haven for trinket admirers, and with no windows whatsoever, you could mistake it for an illicit retro-futuro Aladdin's cave. Downstairs, the dance floor area is quite functional. The different environments incorporated into the party house give a choice of atmosphere to suit your mood. The drawing room exudes elegant sophistication, the dining room oozes chilled-out lazing and the bedroom is glam and groovy. Abigail's Party shakes some mean cocktails, including one of the best caipirinhas in London and serves a selection of snacks and salads. The bar bill tends to add up, but is still good value for central Soho.

Floridita

Located in the heart of Soho, stop by at Floridita for a taste of Cuba. In addition to Cuban food, culture and music, there's a great Cuban cigar collection to choose from. The menu has been specially designed by Chef Andrew Rose and has an interesting mix of Cuban and Latin American cuisine. Floridita has long been known in Havana as the 'Cathedral of Cocktails' and this sermon of concoctions continues in London. Move to the rhythms of live Cuban bands and have a blast in true Latino style. This is the place to experience a mosaic of passion called Cuba.

The Pigalle Club

Pigalle whisks you back to the genteel elegance and glamour of the 1940s cabaret scene. Soft rosy lighting, backlit booths, aged wood panelling, diamond mirrored walls, mezzanine dining and staff in retro attire create a richly decadent ambience. Add to that an assortment of classic cocktails, a menu of modern European food, a house band, DJs, cabaret performances and impromptu celebrity acts. Just dust off your fedora, wear your dancing shoes, and head here for an evening of burlesque entertainment.

Camouflage

It's not just the expensive air conditioning system that makes Camouflage the coolest venue in town. Ivory walls, swanky alabaster furniture, cutting-edge lighting and a spine-tingling sound-system have made this 450-capacity nightclub a craze in the clubbing world. Live acoustic sessions by upcoming artists and funky tunes spun by DJs keep revellers swinging till the wee hours.

Ruby Blue

This fantastic establishment overlooks Leicester Square, and offers you the chance to wine, dine, or groove the night away, depending upon your mood! The bar, Le Royale, serves up heady cocktails and pubgrub, while the stylish restaurant boasts of a contemporary menu that includes such dishes as pan-fried turbot, medallion of pork and black pudding, and pot roast chicken. Three themed booths (the Bedouin, the Savannah, and the Leather) are ideal for private occasions, and the nightclub offers you the chance to get your freak on! What more could one possible desire?

Verve

Walk into the trendy and chic Verve to get rid of pesky end-of-the-day stress. This venue is creating waves in the West End neighborhood. It boasts of a main bar and a high-spirited dance floor in the basement. The atmosphere in the bar is relaxed and informal in stark contrast to the energetic and upbeat ambiance in the club. Order a drink, settle into comfortable chairs and munch on some fish and chips with a salad; or else simply feel the music move through your body as you groove to the DJ's tunes in the club. Get your friends here and book this space for a private do; but make sure you reserve in advance.

Punk

Punk is a bar that features a wide range of entertainment. Punk has a permanent stage which features live music, comedy and even poetry. Most of the music is obviously punk, but you'll also hear a lot of hip hop music. The bar has a 270 capacity, so come early if a band you like is playing that night. Punk serves a wide range of drinks and there are also bar snacks.

Arts Theatre London

Shows at the Arts Theatre London include concerts, comedy, theater, film, and other eclectic events. This venue is also home to the London Cocktail Club, and has many bars that come in handy, in case you want a pre-performance drink. Parking is available on Upper St. Martins Lane. Check the website for upcoming events and further information.

Big & Clever @ The Velvet Room

When the weekend arrives, the Velvet Room transforms into a mauve Mecca of house to host the best in stateside funky house and garage. Resident DJ Nick Mitchell rubs shoulders and shares decks with the likes of top guest DJs Lyndon C, Future Funk, Lovely Pear, Miss Moneypenny's, and DJ Mahoney. A stylish clientele and state-of-the-art sound system confirm this place as clubbing central.

BASE @ The Velvet Room

Techno triumph BASE basks in the glory of being one of London's best loved, mid week club nights, attracting a frantic following of international proportions. Touching down at the petite purple palace of the Velvet Room every Thursday, residents Jim Masters, Trevor Rockcliffe and Brenda Russell are regularly joined by inimitable teckhouse giant Carl Cox and an array of DJs from around the world. Admission: £4 or £3 concessions before 11:30p, £6 or £5 concessions thereafter.