Bars & Pubs

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South
Escape Bar & Art
An essential stop-off for all southsiders, this boho bar is all things to all comers – art gallery, DJ hotspot and late-night hangout. With a license to dispense beers and merriment till 4am Thursday to Saturday, it’s always buzzing and the bashed leather sofas and groovy projections add to the effect.
Escape Bar & Art, 214-216 Railton Road, Herne Hill, SE24 0JT (7737 0333/www.escapebarandart.co.uk). 11am-midnight Mon-Wed, 11am-4am Thur-Sat, 10am-midnight Sun. Herne Hill rail.

Dogstar
It’s been around for over 25 years, been immortalised in song and is still going strong. London’s original DJ bar remains the area’s most popular late night haunt as the regular roadblock queues attest. A recent-ish refit has tarted it up sufficiently to ensure it will be around for decades to come. The chameleonic music and event policy ensures there’s something for everyone, at all times of the day or night. All hail the Dogstar.
Dogstar, 389 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9 8LQ (7733 7515/www.antic-ltd.com/dogstar). 4pm-2am Mon-Thur, Fri 4pm-4am, noon-4am Sat, noon-2am Sun. Brixton tube/rail. Feature continues

Bedford
Part old-school pub, part gothic comedy and gig venue with a dash of enjoyably cheesy club this is a local boozer worth travelling for. It’s open till midnight on weekdays and 2am on weekends, making it a great place to linger after splitting your sides at their regular Banana Cabaret sessions.
Bedford, 77 Bedford Hill, Balham, SW12 9HD (8682 8940/www.thebedford.co.uk). 11am-midnight Mon-Thur, 11am-2am Fri-Sat, noon-midnight Sun. Balham tube/rail.

Da Vinci's
Italian restaurant by day, debauched pop hangout by night, this unassuming Italian eatery is blessed with a 24-hour license. The food is decent but the boozy after-hours happenings are the main event. Their busiest point comes sometime after 2am as merry punters converge for that final round and boogie on the small dancefloor. South London's own little slice of Gomorrah.
Da Vinci's, 6 Baylis Road, SE1 7AA ( 020 7928 8099). Waterloo tube/rail.

Mosquito
This suitably naff curry house is currently one of Clapham’s liveliest venues. Once diners have lined their stomachs with the tasty Halal cuisine, the early '90s rave gets cranked up and everyone starts tap-dancing on the tables. There’s a great party atmosphere seven days a week, helped along by the excellent cocktails and abundant Champagne.
Mosquito, 5a Clapham High St, SW4 7TS (7622 2060/www.themosquitobar.com). 5pm-5am Mon-Sun. Clapham North tube.

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