London

Converted from an old bus station in the 90s, the Ministry of Sound is a legendary spot in London's clubbing scene, and it's an international brand, too. Located close to Elephant and Castle, south of Waterloo, the club boasts five rooms, four bars, a VIP lounge, a courtyard area and what's said to be the world’s best sound system.

What could easily have been a gimmick actually became one of Kentish Town's favourite watering holes: a former public toilet transformed into a below-ground bar. There is another one in Camden now — walk up or down Kentish Town Road if either is full.

Housed deep below the ground (underneath London's Waterloo station) are The Vaults: a one-of-a-kind venue for experimental art in all its forms. Their calendar is updated regularly, and since anyone can rent a space to host an event (all rooms are for hire), the selection is expectedly both quirky and robust.

The energetic streets of Soho are the most popular nightlife destination. The neighbourhood still retains a somewhat risqué vibe with bars, cafes and restaurants that cater to hip crowds of international creatives. Soho is also known as the centre of LGBTQA+ community, so don't miss out on all the gay and lesbian party spots in the area. Soho is an absolute must-see, since it's so multifaceted. Dean, Frith, Beak, and Old Compton streets are lively around the clock, and long-running Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club can be found here. Shaftesbury Avenue attracts theatre-goers, while Carnaby, Oxford and Regent streets and the iconic Liberty's department store are there for your shopping needs. Music shops, small cafes and quaint bakeries are on every corner!

Known for its real ales, traditional pub grub and beautiful Victorian decor with mahogany panelling, The Argyll Arms is a slice of old London in the bustling shopping district of Oxford Street. Completed in 1742, the Grade II listed pub is named after the second Duke of Argyll and there is a rumour that a secret tunnel once connected the pub to the duke's mansion.

Thought to be London’s oldest wine bar — established in 1890 — Gordon's is a wonderfully atmospheric venue that feels like something from another era. This candlelit cellar-bar serves a wide range of wines, sherries and ports from the barrel, as well as big hearty meals. Always busy, you're advised to arrive around 4pm if you want to bag a table.

Below the busy streets of London's West End lies informal basement bar The Roxy. Popular with everyone from students to the after-work crowd, The Roxy has six weekly club nights pumping out popular, electronic and alternative music. Happy hour kicks off at 5pm and ends at 8.30pm.

Established in 1863, The Prince Alfred has retained much of its period features, including the original Victorian snugs — each with its own door onto the street and separated from each other by a wooden partition with a small access door. The PA, as it is known locally, also serves food in the adjoining Formosa dining room, and is located close to the picturesque waterside of Little Venice.