London - Nightlife

Slip past the paparazzi to party in Mayfair or see the next big thing play live in happening Hoxton.

From glamorous to seedy and everything in-between, the West End has it all. At its heart is Soho, with its cocktail of gay bars, Italian restaurants, sex shops and media types. Theatreland still pulls the crowds with big musicals, international names and innovative drama. Mayfair's nightclubs attract cavorting celebrities, princes and high rollers, while other West End venues attract serious music buffs or party people on a smaller budget.

From Hoxton's urban beats to Brick Lane bars and a pint with the stars of Brit art at a packed Spitalfields pub, this is London at its edgy best.

Pricey but worth it, Notting Hill is an upbeat mix of laid-back Victorian pubs, trendy clubs and too-cool-to-be-true cocktail bars. Mingle with London's hip crowd and share the dance floor with the beautiful people.

When the market goes quiet in Electric Avenue, the live venues, bars and clubs start to come alive in energetic, multicultural Brixton.

Most pubs are open until 11pm Monday to Saturday and 10.30pm on Sunday, although a sprinkling have 24-hour licences. For late-night partying, head for Soho or Hoxton.

Shop in the King’s Road to London Calling by The Clash; picnic in Hyde Park to Handel’s Messiah (composed in London in 1742); go clubbing in Brixton to Electric Avenue by Eddie Grant.