The West End has become a tad maligned, of late, and even branded London for Tourists by the capital's residents and East End set... but it doesn't have to be like this.
OK, there is a greater concentration on guidebooks, SLR cameras and rucksacks worn across chests in this area of London - but that's only because there's so much to see here, there's so much life, so much verve, so much - dare we say it - love.
It's glitzy, it's glam, it's unapologetic and it's damn hard not to have a good night out here - so to help you on your way we've put together a list of what we think are the West End's best bars and clubs.
The West End's top bars and clubs
Tiger Tiger is all about bringing the fun. It may be associated with hen-dos, work parties and stag-dos but that’s because everyone knows that when you go Tiger Tiger, you commit to the fun. If the light-up podiums don’t lure you in then your hips must be made of stone. Look out for happy hours and offers.
There are probably better places to go during the day than Verve Bar but as time pushes on and the sun comes down, that all changes. It is a good place to take the kind of group that likes the idea of opting for Jaeger Bombs as the first round before moving onto the dance floor, followed by more Jaeger Bombs.
Spread across three floors, The Loop brings you triple the amount of ‘sexy’ that most West End clubs can handle. Presenting you with a restaurant, two bars and the Groovy Wonderland club (complete with light-up dance floor), you can’t fail to find some late night fun in here.
Rock and indie rules at The Borderline with long-running nights Bedrock and The Christmas Club taking over Friday and Saturday nights in the Soho venue. Get in before midnight for reduced admission and jump up and down to The Strokes until 4am.
When you want it loud, colourful and ever so slightly tacky, Strawberry Moons is there for you. Located between Oxford Street and Piccadilly Circus, this is the place to come for crowds. DJs play club hits, which means serious dancing, short skirts, muscle tops and a whole lot of action.
If you’re in the West End and you’ve had your fill of the tacky and the cheesy then there is always De Hems. A Dutch pub, it is stocked with the Netherlands’ finest along with some choice Belgian tipples. When avoiding the flashing lights, head here.
Hush is one of those stylish bars that does everything well. Cocktails, bistro, private courtyard… we mean everything. Whether it’s a daytime cocktail in summer or some midnight mingling, Hush is most certainly worth raising the volume for.
A Soho bar with a difference, Archer Street is a medley of sophistication and irreverence. Part hotel bar, part club, one evening there might be all about singing and dancing and the next it might be an appropriate place for an intimate evening for two – you just don’t know, but that’s the beauty.
Blink and you’ll miss the subterranean fun on offer at Cellar Door. Reachable via a staircase in Aldwych, this basement bar/club features cabaret, burlesque and live music nights that offer something a little different from the usual West End evening out.