Bars & Pubs

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East
The Russian
This late-night Shoreditch staple is strangely popular with the area’s trendy young things. It could have something to do with the delightfully seedy decor (think red leather banquettes, mirrors and poles), the unpretentious vibe, edgy electro-tinged music policy and bonkers Russian bar staff. Or it could just be because it’s one of the few places that are always open on their way home. Either way, it’s worth the trek up Kingsland Road, especially now the sex shop-esque basement has had a makeover.
The Russian, 267 Kingsland Road, E2 8AS (07809 425 905). 8pm-3am Mon-Wed, Sun; 8pm-5am Thur-Sat. Old St tube/rail.

Charlie Wright’s International Bar
Refreshingly laid back, this atmospheric haunt is far more fun than it looks. A Thai eatery-cum-pub by day with a suitably large screen to show sporting events it’s populated by an interesting mix of boho types and Gunners who pile in to watch the games. At night DJs come down, spinning anything from rock to reggae. It might look small but somehow there’s ample room to throw crazy shapes on the dancefloor.
Charlie Wright’s International Bar, 45 Pitfield Street, N1 6DA (020 7490 8345). Mon-Wed noon-1am; Thur-Fri noon-4am; Sat 5pm-4am; Sun 5pm-2am. Old St tube/rail. Feature continues

Indo
Many bars work hard to get that scuzzy, arty look. Indo achieves it effortlessly and is perfect for post-pub drinks when you don’t want to go too crazy. Work by local artists covers the walls, there are mismatched sofas, chairs and knick-knacks aplenty, stained glass windows, graff in the loos and a tiny DJ booth. The eccentric drinks selection might tempt you into hangover-inducing experimentation – a bright pink pint of Mort Subite anyone? – but it’s worth it for the lively chat and quintessential East End vibe.
Indo, 133 Whitechapel Road, Brick Lane, E1 1DT (7247 4926). Noon-1am Mon-Thur, Sun; noon-3am Fri-Sat. Aldgate East or Whitechapel tube

Mother
One of the original ‘Shoreditch Twat’ venues, there’s a certain poignancy to Mother these days. No longer the hipster sin bin of choice, it still draws sizeable crowds largely due to its rigidly late license – there’s no such thing as a school night here. Revellers spread out across two squashed rooms dancing, drinking and mating in that distinctly Shoreditch way. It might not be pretty but it’s always an experience.
Mother, First floor, 333 Old Street, Shoreditch, EC1V 9LE (7739 5949/www.333mother.com). 8pm-3am daily. Old St tube/rail.

Charterhouse
The designated pre-Fabric spot for those who are too cool to queue, this is one Farringdon bar which can claim to (usually) be a suit-free zone. All comers are catered for with a decent mix of music (from cheesy to electro), credit-crunch-friendly cocktails (£6) and a friendly up-for-it vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a no-holds-barred birthday bash. The only worry is you’ll lose track of time and forget to rendezvous with the rest of your friends at the club.
Charterhouse, 38 Charterhouse Street, Clerkenwell, EC1M 6JH (7608 0858/www.charterhousebar.co.uk). Noon-11pm Mon, Tue noon-midnight; noon-midnight Wed; noon-2am Thur; noon-4am Fri; 5pm-4am Sat; noon-5pm Sun.

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