London: Nightlife

B Bar An African-themed lounge for sophisticated imbibing; settle into a chocolate-brown leather chair and raise a champagne cocktail to the queen – who lives across the street. 43 Buckingham Palace Rd.; 011-44-207-958-7000; www.bbarlondon.com
trendy | lounge

Dream Bags and Jaguar Shoes The East End's grungy sensibility saturates this local bar – once home to footwear and handbag shops – where the walls blaze with art exhibitions. 32-36 Kingsland Rd.; 011-44-207-729-5830; www.jaguarshoes.com
trendy | local favorite

Fabric Go early to dodge the queue for this serious three-room dancefest; Friday's "Live" event rules with its big, funky hip-hop beats, while Saturday goes house/techno. 77a Charterhouse St.; 011-44-207-336-8898; www.fabriclondon.com
trendy | dancing | dj

Pizza Express Jazz Club Slip downstairs for intimate, live jazz from established and rising stars; children are welcome and the pizza is tasty, making for a convivial scene. 10 Dean St.; 011-44-207-734-3220; www.pizzaexpresslive.co.uk
family | jazz

The Borderline Music reigns at this unpretentious club where some major indie acts got started; live bands share the week with DJ theme nights that rock. Orange Yard off Manette St.; 011-44-207-734-5547; www.meanfiddler.com
nightclub | dj

The Friendly Society Before hitting the clubs, duck into this hip, gay basement lounge for DJ-fueled cocktails and stylish people-watching from the white leather seats. 79 Wardour St.; 011-44-207-434-3805
lounge | gay | dj