London's Top Ten Nightspots

LONDON, Aug. 26, 2009 — -- From salsa to jive, mojitos to martinis, London's nightclubs and bars will leave you spoiled for choice. And whether you want to venture east to Shoreditch or hang out in the members' clubs in Kensington and Mayfair, you will find what you are looking for. Here's a peek into the decadent world of London's hottest nightspots.

Mahiki

Stepping into Mahiki is like walking off a London street and into a Polynesian paradise. Princes William and Harry are often spotted partying here, along with plenty of other celebrities. Grab a table upstairs and relax with an exotic tropical drink after work, or head downstairs for a night of dancing. On the long list of cocktails, classic favorites like pina colada mingle with Mahiki inventions with names like Neptune's Bounty, Lover's Cup and Coastal Kiss. Thursdays are particularly hot here -- and don't forget to bring your dancing shoes.

Whisky Mist

The owners of Mahiki struck gold again when they opened Whisky Mist last year. With a sleek, dark interior, Whisky Mist draws a similar crowd to its sister club, and is one of the hottest places to see and be seen in London's central Mayfair area. Membership -- which includes a personal monogram-sealed bottle of whiskey stored at the club -- is an option, but not a requirement.

Boundary

Boundary, which opened in January, is one of London's hottest new nighttime hangouts, yes, but it is so much more. Located in the trendy East London Shoreditch neighborhood in a converted Victorian warehouse, Boundary includes three restaurants and bars, a bakery and a food store, plus 12 guest bedrooms and five suites. The rooftop bar -- which includes a grill -- comes complete with a wooden deck, olive trees, couches, blankets and a panoramic view of the city.

Cargo

Another Shoreditch gem, Cargo is the place to go for an impressive variety of live music, film screenings and art. The music runs the gamut, with a DJ often taking over after a live performance to spin party-goers into the wee hours of the morning. On nice summer nights, kick back in Cargo's courtyard under the refitted railway arches with friends, drinks and some South American fare. Unlike many other places around the city, there's no cover charge here on Fridays.

Favela Chic

Favela Chic, which first opened in Paris 11 years ago, is an eclectic mix of many things -- a Brazilian-French restaurant-club in a converted warehouse in Shoreditch. A diverse, international crowd packs the dance floor late into the night nearly every day of the week -- expect a long queue, and a cover, on Fridays and Saturdays. Depending on the night -- or the time of night -- you might find a DJ or a live performance supplying the music, ranging from hip-hop to samba to electronica, and everything in between. Get there early in the evening to check out the menu of authentic Brazilian food. And don't forget to try a mojito.