BARS

Volstead

Volstead, a 1920s-inspired lounge bar is an oasis of elegance and sophistication in an increasingly hectic and jaded West End. Something that comes as a direct result of a yearning to recreate the hedonistic party scene of that fabled and oft-imitated Jazz Age, the roaring 20s.

Les Deux

Remember Les Deux Café, the trendy Hollywood hangout frequented by Madonna, Tom Ford, and the like? Well, it's back after a three-year hiatus, and so is the A-list. You will go for the newly French-inspired menu, made up mostly of fancy cocktails and desserts, such as cupcakes, pastries, and a giant chocolate fountain. The Parisian decor hasn't changed much – peach-tinted mirrors, candelabras and dark colors abound. Fashion shows and classic films are projected onto a wall, and, of course, it's never a party unless there' s a DJ.

Claridge's Bar

So riddled with history is this Queen Mother of London hotels, the walls of the art deco bar at Claridge's are most likely only being held up by the interesting encounters it has bared witness to over the past century. And they definitely have not stopped. Possessing a mighty impressive wine list and with bottles of champagne not to be sneered at, Claridge's is a place to spot the innovators in music, movies and fashion.

Veranda Bar

With floor-to-ceiling windows providing a mezmerizing ocean view, it's no wonder that the Veranda is a staple for many of Hollywood's industry types.

La Camera

Located in the center of the city and featuring ultra-sleek designed interiors, La Camera is one of the Stockholm's hotspots. Having a cocktail list as extensive as they do doesn't always make it easy for the customer; however, in keeping the bar open 'til 3am one is given a little bit of an extra chance.

Bar Marmont

No place oozes old Hollywood glamour more than this favorite watering hole of many a cinema darling. Just after reopening once again, the bar receives a constant stream of A-listers staying or just visiting the famed Chateau Marmont, ensuring that the temperature in this locale is always on the hot side of the thermometer.

Bar Rouge

So called as it's proprietor is a Frenchman, this two sectioned Bar Rouge was designed by Imaad Rahmouni who's vision in was to instill that atmosphere of "see and be seen" amongst the bar's oh so social visitors. Great music, wonderful views of Pudong from the terrace and a bar with a very extensive wine list.

Artesian Bar

With dramatic bespoke interiors designed by Irish interior architect David Collins, this hotel bar specialises in rum cockails and stocks a staggering 50 different lables of the Caribbean liquor. Mojito's anyone?!?

Ice Bar

The bar that deals are made in. A favorite among Irelands heavyweights in the worlds of property, business and the arts, the Ice Bar is located in the Four Seasons hotel in the leafy suburb of Ballsbridge.

The Clarendon

Under the same management as Bang Café this gastro pub is constantly teeming with a young, friendly and very trendy crowd. Beit grabbing a coffee while shopping in the afternoon, or cosying up on the banquettes listening to the guest dj's after hours, Dubliners keep it constantly one of the better places to visit in the city.

1/5

This trendy locale has become quite the headquarters for Hong Kong's cogniscenti, with cocktails to die for and funky beats coming from the in house DJ, 1/5 (One Fifth) it's very much at the center of now.

Long Bar

Priding itself on being open to anyone at any time, Long Bar is, as you would imagine a bar with a long bar. 80 feet long in total. Airy, clean and bright, it's as trendy as the clientele that frequent it.

Light Bar

With imaginatively titled cocktails such as a Raspassion Martini and a Lychee and Elderflower Collins and walls covered with silly portraits by photographer Jean Baptiste Mondino, it's no wonder this is a fixture for hipster Londoners to kick back and relax.

Gran Bar Danzon

For those oenologists who don't have enough time to visit vineyards outside Buenos Aires, here's a good place to start sampling the local produce. Stocking an impressive 200 plus Argentinian wines plus an imaginatively composed list of cocktails and featuring sounds from some of the the city's best live jazz bands, it doesn't take much guessing to see why everyone's having a good time.

Skylon

Situated on the third floor of the Royal Festival Hall, Skylon is a bar and restaurant with one of the best panoramic views of the city's skyline. Having trained under chef Pierre Gagnaire chef Helena Puolakka brings her modern European cuisine to the, albeit divided, spacious 210 seated space. Designed by Conran & Partners a choice of formal and relaxed dining rooms means it can cater to every occasion.

Experimental Cocktail Club

Sometimes names of bars can be changed for good reason, and judging at how well this latest venture is doing, we think that they could probably do without the word 'experimental.' Already proving a massive success since it's launch in early June 2007, this cocktail lounge spearheaded by three young friends Romee, Pierre Charles and Olivier (all of whom are under 25) is a welcome addition to the Paris' trendy Montorgueil area. With interior designs by Cuoco Black and cocktails mixed with imaginative ingredients such as elderflower, sit back on the comfy couches, relax and enjoy the ecclectic tunes.

Lola

A new bar in the trendy Paquis neighborhood, Lola is the place to go for a drink. Delicious cocktails and candlelit atmosphere.

Simachev Bar

The "it" Russian fashion designer of the moment, Denis Simachev has opened the hottest hangout spot in the capital on the first floor of his glamorous boutique, located on Stoleshnikov Lane. Mix with the elite of the fashion, business and media worlds in a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere.

GQ Bar

It's no wonder that in the city with a girly Vogue Café there's a place for real gentlemen under the label GQ Bar. This spacious restaurant, located in a 17th century building on Balchug Street next door to the Balchug Hotel, is another jewel in the collection of the most successful restaurateur in Russia - Arkady Novikov. The piano bar is perfect for a business dinner, while the 24-hour bar is the best choice for an exquisite evening drink amongst the top 100 of Moscow.

S Bar

Uniquely decorated, the trendy new S Bar is a swift combination of high-end design and witty originality, kind of like Renaissance meets Alice in Wonderland. Located on the corner of Hollywood and Vine, the dramatic high-ceiling interior is the work of world-renowned French designer Philippe Stark. A talented mixologist fixes fresh and tasty cocktails, in harmony with the sophisticated, loft-like ambiance.

Le Lup

Paris's vibrant Left Bank nightlife has a new hotspot: Le Lup. The lush decor of red velvet and refined furniture welcomes guests into a warm and intimate atmosphere. From 9pm to 5 am, a deliciously original menu is served alongside a selection of cocktails. The fine food and chic surroundings are enhanced by a vibrant live music show that will keep you going 'til the early morning hours.

Foxtail

Another gem of a restaurant and bar from SBE, the group responsible for LA hotspots Hyde, Katsuya and S Bar, among others. Designed as a "supper club" by Frank Medrano and Steve Brabson of Franklin Studios, Foxtail mixes luxurious Art Deco and Art Nouveau influences to create an opulent environment. With acclaimed ex-Spago chef Antonia Lofaso at the helm, this is currently one of LA's most sought-after reservations for dinner and drinks.

Graphic

A view overlooking one of Soho's most glamorous squares, with decadently edgy yet utterly refined interiors, Graphic is a place to cherish. The extensive list of cocktails and drinks prepared by the fine mixologist are all exquisite, as is the food on the light menu.

Jicoo Floating Bar

Take a ride on the fluorescent Jicoo Floating Bar. The original bar takes its passengers on a ride from Odaiba to Hinode Pier and back every night. Don't miss its futuristic/pop interior, designed by Leiji Matsumoto and sporting a multi-hued LED light décor. An evening on the Floating Bar is the opportunity to enjoy spectacular views of Tokyo by night from sea level. The concierge will direct you to your best choice of night, as the Floating bar hosts different events ranging from special guests and DJ's to live gigs and belly dancer nights. The perfect setting for hoasting a glamorous private party.

Kita Aoyama Salon

Edgy and elegant, the Kita Aoyama Salon opened in July 2007 and is one of the night crowd's favorite spots. Manager Sadahiro Nakamura of Transit General Office, Inc., who also designed hotspots such as Sign and The Lobby, is the man behind this sought-after location. Try the mixologist's delicious fresh fruit cocktails or splurge for one of their vintage champagnes. The bar also offers a fine selection of cigars. Don't miss a night in this lavish, intimate setting, where private rooms and designer toys are available and the staff is led by John Lawrence Sullivan.

Maduro

At the Grand Hyatt Tokyo Hotel, bar Maduro welcomes guests into a warm and cozy atmosphere. Look out for the dramatic entrance: access to the bar is made by way of a bridge overlooking a pond. Under the high ceilings, live shows entertain the crowd every night, therefore a seat closer to the stage is recomended in order to take full advantage of the show. The bar serves champagne, wine and cocktails, including rare whiskies.

Salon Bar YOL

YOL ("the road" in Turkish) is a lively bar open 24 hours. The real attraction of this dramatic spot is its eclectic decor. The imposing wooden gate at the entrance from the Chinese Shin-era sits next to Japanese original Urushi and Nishigin-Ori, to European marble, as well as leather and velvet. The round-shaped bar and its mixologist offer a choice of more than 100 original cocktails, a large choice of wines as well as rare whiskeys and brandys. A few private rooms are available for members .

Cotton Club

Based on the legendary 1920s jazz club in Harlem, NYC, Cotton Club is unexpectedly revived in Tokyo's Marunouchi district. World-class international musicians play live nightly — from R&B to jazz, smooth jazz and cutting-edge fusions. In an utterly modern yet authentic setting, the elegant club offers luxurious booths that overlook the room of jazz aficionados. Exquisite traditional Japanese cuisine and an original cocktail list make this an exceptional experience.

Amour

Amour, sister bar of Le Baron de Paris, is a private, members-only club, renowned for karaoke and intimate parties. Each of the 4 rooms, designed by graffiti artist Andre and uber-designer Marc Newson, has a unique style, including one decorated entirely in gold. With an annual fee of 30,000 yen, you can be sure you are amongst the most elite partygoers in Tokyo.

Copon Norp

Tucked away in a discreet alley in Shibuya, Copon Norp is a café, restaurant and bar that attracts Tokyo's hip fashion crowd. Inside it's stylish and elegant with a luxurious rooftop lounge and an exclusive private room used by local VIPs for parties and meetings. Reservations essential.

Crystal Lounge

Crystal Lounge is a sophisticated restaurant and lounge bar designed by Yasumichi Morita. Inside, the luxurious decoration is inspired by fire and water and mixes Italian, Gothic and Renaissance motifs. A decadent pre or post club experience.

Jes de Peche

The Jes de Peche bar is inspired by Paris, hidden in a back alley of Roppongi in the space formerly occupied by the French restaurant "Mana House." The menu features just six unique drinks made with natural fruits, rare alcohol, and organic liqueurs. Expertly selected background jazz creates a relaxing ambiance.

Met at the Metropolitan

The Met bar is Bangkok's leading members' only bar located in the ground floor of the stylish Metropolitan hotel, sister to the London hotel of the same name. Designed by Singapore's most innovative interior architect, Kathryn Kng, this hip lounge is a dynamic, private place to party where city high-flyers meet to sip martinis while listening to eclectic DJs from around the world. If you like to be at the center of the action, this oh-so fashionable bar is just the place.

Vertigo at the Banyan Tree

Located 61 floors above ground, at the top of the renowned Banyan Tree Resort, Vertigo is an open-air rooftop with a breathtaking view of the city. Far from the frenetic pace of the metropolis, this sophisticated bar and restaurant is the perfect spot to set a rendez-vous and enjoy cocktails to die for.

Bacchus Wine Bar

This trendy venue is dedicated to connoisseurs of fine food and wine who can enjoy an impressive selection of more than 400 carefully selected wines in a stylish setting. If you want to discover a different ambiance, just climb the stairs and listen to the live DJ in the lounge area or chill out to the sound of some jazzy notes in the chic salon. Whether you're in the mood to party or to relax, you will surely find a room to suit your mood.

Tini

The latest venture from the team behind London’s Mahiki nightclub is Tini, a lounge bar in the heart of Knightsbridge. An unmarked door sets the tone for a sophisticated scene of after work cocktails and pre-dinner drinks. Guy Pelly, best friend of Prince Harry, is the driving force of the project and ensures the place is packed with the local Chelsea set.

Grey Goose Bar

There are “members’ bars” and then there are genuine private clubs. The Grey Goose Bar in Brussels is most definitely part of the latter category. Housed within the headquarters of Bacardi-Martini, the Grey Goose Bar is officially open only to employees, but has been unofficially colonised by the city’s chic set. Its popularity is not simply due to exclusivity – the drinks are top notch, as might be expected, and the Puresang-designed interior is spectacular.

Eclipse Barcelona

The first international outpost of London-based bar Eclipse has opened in Barcelona. On the 26th floor of the W Hotel, Barcelona, the new hotspot was designed by Ricardo Bofill and has panoramic views over this city renowned for its love of partying. As at the Eclipse bars in London’s Chelsea and Knightsbridge, the emphasis is firmly on inventive “mixology” and potent cocktails, which makes for a hedonistic atmosphere.