A Night Out in London - Handbags, Heels and Passport
Video Playing Now: Handbags, Heels & Passport: A Girls' Night Out
Lisa heads out on the town with the girls, picking up a few poker tips on the way.
By Lisa Francesca Nand
It's party time again and there's nothing quite like a proper night out in London during the build up towards Christmas.
The twinkling lights, the energy, the dodgy office gatherings.... all give the city a certain buzzy vibe that's difficult to put your finger on.
But the trouble with going to the big smoke for a night out is there are so many different types of night to be had.
There's the late night bars of Soho, the more off-beat offerings of Camden and Shoreditch, celeb fuelled clubs surrounded by paparazzi (or so the papers would have you believe) and a whole world of great little back-street pubs to explore in any of the numerous villages that make up this city.
Having misspent many an evening in these hallowed lands I feel perfectly placed to advise on what makes a perfect girls (or boys if you fancy bringing them along) night out in London.
Soho
Since being cleaned of most of its brothels in the 80s Soho has become a centre of media enterprise, meaning it's overflowing with pubs, bars and eateries catering for the after work crowd.
Even on the coldest day streets are filled with drinkers, thinkers and rickshaw riders hoping to earn a few quid.
There's a great mix of traditional pubs, restaurants and swish bars. If you're out with the girls rather than popping out post-work you'll love Bar Chocolate on D'Arblay Street and Lab on Old Compton Street who do pretty amazing cocktails.
From there just go for a wander, you're in the perfect spot for some late night activity as far west as Kingly Street (where you'll find Red and Two Floors, both great hang outs) or if you're feeling brave (particularly after you've ditched your inhibitions in a private karaoke booth at Lucky Voice on Poland Street) head through China Town to Leicester Square where you'll find London's cheesiest nightclubs.
They're not cool but after a while you won't really care as long as there's a dance floor and room to swing your handbag. Soho's also where you'll find the granddaddy's of the night scene from Ronnie Scott's to the Groucho and relatively newer institutions such as Movida.
Mayfair
For something more sophisticated head to Green Park tube (well not all of us have a chauffeur) for Mayfair where you'll find some of the city's swankiest clubs.
Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell have been spotted in Taman Gang on Park Lane where a surprisingly laid back restaurant turns into a club around 10pm.
Mayfair is also home to celeb favourite Embassy on Old Burlington Street and if you fancy hanging with the jet set (and can blag the guest list) head next to the Ritz Hotel to Aura.
You might have to remortgage for anything more than lemonade but the never ending drinks list is seriously impressive.
For something completely different hire a private room at the Palm Beach Casino on Berkeley Street.
There's a gorgeous female-friendly bar and restaurant and they'll chuck in a poker lesson on request so you can swot up on your moves and impress the boys next time someone brings out a pack of cards.
Head out East
Go to Hell (sorry...) to kick off the evening in this striking venue crafted from the old Brick Lane Music Hall.
The warehouse vibe means you can grab a table and some deli-style food before going on to the Hoxton Pony (Old Street) for an organic cocktail using locally sourced ingredients and served in a self-cooling jar and later to Zigfrid Von Underbelly, one of Hoxton Square's funkiest bars.
Okay so we've just covered a tiny percentage of the bars and clubs available in the capital and I haven't even touched on the lovely local pubs I like to while away a weekend in. However it's December and time for proper partying.
When we've all calmed down a bit in the New Year and we're up for cosy little locals I will fill you in.
→ Learn more about London and find a great city break deal in our London guide.
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