Must-see nightlife in Southeast England

  • The Lifeboat

    Kent

    If you're looking for a pub with real atmosphere, head in the evening to this oh-so hipsterly authentic, wood-rich tavern where there's regular live jazz,…

  • Foundry Brewpub

    Canterbury

    Canterbury’s brewpub pumps out award-winning craft beers in the industrial setting of a former foundry where New York's first streetlights were made. It…

  • Micro Roastery

    Canterbury

    Owned by an Anglo-Peruvian couple, this highly aromatic cafe imports, roasts, grinds and sells its unsurpassed beans and blends. There’s local art on the…

  • Thomas Becket

    Canterbury

    A classic English pub with a garden’s worth of hops hanging from its timber frame, Thomas Becket attracts many a modern-day pilgrim to its ales…

  • Black Dove

    Brighton & Hove

    Eclectic hang-out with shabby-chic furnishings, huge antique ceiling fans, a bar stocked with unusual tipples and a quirky basement snug. Live acoustic…

  • Concorde 2

    Brighton & Hove

    Brighton’s best-known and best-loved club is a disarmingly unpretentious den, where DJ Fatboy Slim pioneered the Big Beat Boutique and still occasionally…

  • Old Neptune

    Kent

    A ramshackle pub about as far onto the beach as it’s possible to get (it’s been washed away several times by high tides) with cosy winter window seats and…

  • Steinbeck & Shaw

    Canterbury

    Canterbury’s best city-centre nightspot has a supercool, 21st-century interior with urban and retro elements. The weekly program is a mixed bag of rock…

  • Parrot

    Canterbury

    Built in 1370 on Roman foundations, Canterbury’s oldest boozer has a snug, beam-rich, slightly upmarket pub downstairs and a much-lauded dining room…

  • Brighton Rocks

    Brighton & Hove

    Incongruously located in an alley of garages and used-car lots, this cocktail bar is firmly established on the Kemptown gay scene, but welcomes all-comers…

  • Coalition

    Brighton & Hove

    On a summer’s day, there’s nowhere finer to sit and watch the world go by than at this popular beach bar, diner and club. All sorts of events happen here,…

  • Patterns

    Brighton & Hove

    Some of the city’s top club nights are held at this ear-numbing venue. The music is top priority here, attracting big name acts and a young, up-for-it…

  • Alberry’s Wine Bar

    Canterbury

    A stylish after-hours bar where you can relax over a cocktail or rare rum upstairs before heading down to the Cellar Bar. Occasional live music at…

  • A Bar

    Brighton & Hove

    Extremely hip bar and sauna in the Amsterdam Hotel; its sun terrace is a particular hit.

  • Legends Club

    Brighton & Hove

    Located beneath the Legends Hotel this is arguably the best gay bar and club in town.

  • Dorset

    Brighton & Hove

    In fine weather this laid-back Brighton institution throws open its doors and windows, and tables spill out onto the pavement. You’ll be just as welcome…

  • Queen’s Arms

    Brighton & Hove

    And they ain’t talking Victoria or Elizabeth! Plenty of camp cabaret and karaoke at this pub.

  • Revenge

    Brighton & Hove

    Nightly disco with occasional drag and cabaret acts.