Cool new bars loungelover the book club the bon vivant neon cactus louge bohemia apples & pears
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NIGHT�COCKTAILS�
LOUNGELOVER, LONDON
An oldie but a goodie. Loungelover’s
profile peaked four years ago
when Madonna held her 48th
birthday party here but it
still attracts a seriously chic
clientele and plenty of celebrity
customers. The decor is the real
pull here, unashamedly loud, fun
and always a talking point.
Loungelover, 1 Whitby St, London, E1
6JU; 020-7012 1234; lestroisgarcons.com
BEST�FOR����ACTIVITIES
THE BOOK CLUB, LONDON
This is for the easily distracted,
with everything from book
discussions, ping-pong tables and
speed dating. Downstairs is dancing
while upstairs is socialising.
Tipples Specially designed by
drinksmith James York-Pryce, expect
classics with a twist.
Nibbles All sorts, from buttered
kippers to risotto and stew.
Damage House wine from £3.40
per glass; cocktails from £6.50.
Guestlist Anyone welcome but you
might want to bring a ping-pong bat.
The Book Club, 100 Leonard St, London,
EC2A 4RH; 020-7684 8618; wearetbc.com
READ, DRINK, MEET YOUR
TRUE LOVE AND MAYBE
PLAY PING-PONG
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FROM�THE�MASSES
THE BON VIVANT, EDINBURGH
This little-known bar was taken over
by two friends who did much of the
refurbishment work themselves;
bringing in wooden tables and chairs,
all lit by candlelight. They’ve
successfully changed a tired old
karaoke pub into a warm and inviting
drinking den. Tucked away from the
main drag – this feels like stumbling
across a well-kept secret. Edinburgh’s
DJs pile in on a Friday and Saturday
night while Soul Sundays make this
a relaxed place to nurse a hangover.
Tipples Three weekly changing
cocktails, 30 malts, over 35 wines
and champagnes. Krug is also
available by the glass! Sheer genius.
Nibbles A tapas-style menu
with foodie clout including risotto
balls and wild garlic bruschetta
bites for £1 a pop.
Damage £7 a glass for Pol Roger
to £19 a glass for that aforementioned
(and wonderful) Krug.
Guestlist Open to all. Which is why
we love it so much.
The Bon Vivant, 55 Thistle St,
Edinburgh, EH2 1DY; 0131-225 3275;
bonvivantedinburgh.co.uk
IT’S LIKE BEING IN ALICE IN
WONDERLAND, EVEN BEFORE
YOU’VE HAD A DRINK
GO WILD IN SOUTH
AMERICA, WELL, LEEDS,
IT’S VIRTUALLY THE SAME
BEST�FOR����
ATMOSPHERE�AND�FUN
NEON CACTUS, LEEDS
Indie-chic Neon Cactus is a supercool,
South American-style bar with
no pretention, just a lot of fun.
Lounging’s the order of the
day against a soundtrack
of indie-electro beats.
Tipples Great cerveza,
sangria and a gorgeous
house margarita.
Nibbles Nachos, tacos
and burritos.
Damage Cocktails from £6.
Guestlist Anything goes.
Neon Cactus, 35 Call Lane,
Leeds, LS1 7BT; 0113-245 8400;
neoncactus.co.uk
BEST�FOR����
ECLECTIC�LIVE�MUSIC�
APPLES & PEARS, LONDON
The latest addition to east London’s
hip bars, this is yet to be discovered
by the masses. It’s tucked away on
a small street and looks pretty
innocuous but once you get inside
it’s stunningly cool complete with
intimate balcony, night-sky view area,
cool DJs and brilliant cocktails.
This is still pretty undiscovered so
this week you’ll get a table but next
week, who knows? You can always
pop outside to the secret bamboo
garden if it gets too busy. There’s also
live music throughout the week –
think eclectic, just like the bar.
Tipples Like the sound of a Jack
The Ripper cocktail or a Columbia
Martini? Get involved.
Nibbles The obligatory olives, bread
and humous, but enough to soak
up a strong mojito.
Damage Utterly reasonable. Which
makes a change in London.
Guestlist Expect men wearing
jeans skinnier than yours and
anticipate a short queue.
Apples & Pears, 26 Osborn St,
London, E1 6TD; 020-7247 717;
applesandpearsbar.com
BEST�FOR����A�DISCREET�
DIRTY�MARTINI
LOUNGE BOHEMIA, LONDON
This after-hours gem is tucked down
a dark staircase in east London’s
Great Eastern Street. Low-key and
lower profile this is the secret bar.
With space for just 40 people, this
bar is peppered with Ercol sofas and
original ‘Tulip’ tables.
Tipples Famed for their molecular
cocktails some of which arrive solid,
others are served in test tubes.
Nibbles Complimentary canapés
on your arrival.
Damage Cocktails from £6.50.
Guestlist By appointment only.
Lounge Bohemia, 1e Great Eastern St,
London, EC2A 3EJ; 07720-707 000
loungebohemia.com
SO SECRET YOU MAY
FEEL THE NEED
TO GO IN DISGUISE
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