If you're not into the club scene, or scoff at over-pretentious bistros that take themselves too seriously, you may find this list of five of Britain's top bars enlightening...
Googies Art Cafe - Rendezvous Street, Folkestone, Kent
Popular with the local creative community, from art enthusiasts to activists, and filled to the brim with quirky charm and culture, Googies Art Cafe is a true gem of the South-East. Different local artists exhibit their work on the walls of Googies every month.
The coffee is second-to-none, the staff are friendly and welcoming, and the food is simply to die for, with a broad range of delicious dishes available, including daily specials and a diverse children's menu, all prepared with care and pride.
They were even nominated for the prestigious Taste of Kent award within six months of opening! A wide range of refreshing soft and alcoholic drinks are available, including an extensive array of beers, wines, spirits, cocktails and even some specialist beers and ales. (Googies recently played host to Folkestone's first annual Belgian Beer Festival to much success.)
This place really thrives in the evenings, providing the perfect spot to meet a friendly and diverse crowd with Googies' intimate basement-turned-venue playing host to various acoustic musicians on Friday and Saturday nights. There is also a live pianist on Sunday afternoons, and a variety of clubs meeting throughout the week. A real delight.
Alley Cafe Bar - Longrow West, Nottingham City Centre
Hidden away in Nottingham's busy city centre, many would miss the Alley Cafe Bar, a hip, earthy cafe with a whole lot of soul. The cafe is small and intimate, and provides a pleasant sanctuary for those seeking to avoid city centre bustle for five minutes!
If you're put off by the idea of exclusively vegetarian cuisine, you really needn't be; it's far more than lettuce leaves and tofu - and these guys are really creative with their menu!
With a wide range of vegan and vegetarian dishes available, with everything from bar snacks and bagel to all-day breakfast, delicious soups, tasty salads and everything in between, you're guaranteed no pretension, just good, honest vegetarian food.
Ethics are very much at the heart of this beautiful bistro, all of their beverages are fair trade and vegetarian.
Music is also very much at the heart of this venue, Alley Cafe Bar always has the perfect vibe, and plays host to local DJs on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. This place is awesome, check it out!
Dirty South - Lee High Road, Lewisham
A popular venue amongst London's music scene, and seemingly frequented by a variety of renowned musicians and DJs, The Dirty South is one of the capital's most-loved bars. A colourful crowd of people seem to convene here, without the bar seeming to cater to any one 'scene'. The drinks are reasonably priced, the staff are laid-back, and the acoustics within the venue are superb.
The management seem to book an ever-diverse range of acts, from local heroes to flavours of the month, notable appearances of recent memory include Alabama 3 and Dodgy, and for smaller acts, the Dirty South could be viewed as a proving ground; a gateway to other venues in the capital.
Overall a great spot for music lovers, and if you're looking for a place to check out the hottest new bands, you're bound to catch them here
The Lady Luck - Canterbury, Kent
The Lady Luck Bar is the ultimate haven for South-East counter-culture; an unpretentious rock bar located in the centre of Canterbury, one of the UK's most delightful cities.
Alternatives, ahoy! This place is no stranger to leftfield, and is popular amongst Canterbury's thriving student community. A wide range of events are held here, from frequent Pirate Parties to the infamous 'Sunday social', which typically entails alcohol, video games on the large TV, a bring-and-buy sale, and various alternative crafts and artwork to buy. - Makes for the perfect lazy Sunday!
There is a real sense of community surrounding The Lady Luck, and the staff are down-to-earth and always pleasant. The bar also boasts a jukebox full of old favourites, bound to please anyone from gritty rocker to punk enthusiast.
If you're aching for something a little different, in a city that could sometimes be accused of being a little too reserved, this is the place for you.
Socio Rehab - Northern Quarter, Manchester
A gritty, no-frills cocktail bar in the heart of Manchester, Socio Rehab is the perfect spot for those seeking something a little different. Dimly lit, walls adorned with fantastic art, the bar has a great vibe, pumping out classic tunes at a good volume, making the bar perfect for a night out or sneaky after-work tipple.
Wallets at the ready, mind! Those looking for Wetherspoons prices should venture elsewhere. Still, these creative cocktails are worth every penny, and not light on percentage, either!
With a vast array of drinks available, there's no better place for cocktails in Manchester. The staff are expert bartenders; and for those with such aspirations, the bar even offers mixology courses.
Britain's top bars
And there you have it! Five of Britain's best bars. - Should you ever find yourself in one of these fair towns, looking for somewhere to sip a cold one and rest on your laurels, these fantastic bars all come highly recommended!
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