Nightlife in London springs from its cozy pub culture, which has developed over hundreds of years of bad weather and the best draught beer. London pubs are easy to find and very atmospheric in an old school sort of way. The only drawback for the die hard night lifers is that they stop serving drinks at 11pm and the tubes close shortly thereafter at 12.00 forcing people to head back home ensconced in their identical black coats pulled up against the late night air.  However, clubs rapidly take over from where the pubs leave off after witching hour. All across London, there are a great variety of clubs available for people of all tastes from fifties cabaret clubs to chic rave clubs offering loud dance music and strobe lights.

These popular clubs often come from illicit beginnings. You'll find many of London's major clubs in converted warehouses and under railway arches. The space that warehouses afford is perfect for large raves. As a result of their former underground existences, you won't find these clubs by hitting a certain area and walking the high street. You need to know someone who knows about the tucked-away location, although you can pass through by handing over £20 instead of whispering a password to the bouncer. If you want to see how exclusive nightlife in London can really get, you'll have to fork out a bit more and visit a member's club (consult a nightlife guide for addresses) where you stand a chance of spotting celebs, like Kate Moss.

There are certain general areas in London which have a good nightlife with west central being the most famous spot, especially the areas of theatreland and Soho, Mayfair and Notting Hill. If you're in North London head to Camden for the alternative scene and Brixton to the south is perfect if you prefer the larger club scene. To the north east near the famous city of London, which was bombed during the war, places such as Shoreditch are fast becoming a popular haunt for those who enjoy wine bars and minimalistic settings.

Finding the best clubs and bars in London is no exact science and you probably won't ever see the inside of the best clubs if you're not both rich and famous.  Nightlife in London does, however, offer plenty for the broke tourist and average Londoners who find more than enough enjoyment 'down the pub' and in your standard warehouse clubs.