WEST END. This vast, late-night bar teams up with its neighbor, The End, to form one of the area's hippest nightlife duos. Up-for-it 20- and 30-somethings gather for a scene that's consistently buzzy: an attractive clientele, great music, and decor that's transformed this onetime post office into a tribute to all things industrial-chic. Seating areas feature cozy leather sofas and offer weary clubbers a chance to catch their breath between DJ sets. Plus, the sleek bar serves an impressive roster of cocktails. TUBE: Tottenham Court Road or Holborn

WATERLOO. One of the best places in London to savor Russian vodka, this contemporary spot draws a well-heeled mix of young professionals and style-conscious locals. The gallery-like interior is dominated by stark white walls, modern art, sharp angles, recessed lighting, and a dining room with a high atrium ceiling. Enjoy a favorite brand of vodka (they offer more than 40 varieties) and even a bite to eat ­ if you've never sampled Eastern European cuisine, now's your chance, tovarich. TUBE: Southwark

High or low, whichever direction you fly, Cuckoo has long been renowned as one of the chicest nightlife options in town. Drawing a celebrity clientele amid the glamorous rock crowd, the cocktails here are sublime. The policy is members and guestlist only ­ dress glam to stand a chance of gaining access, then shimmy beneath an LED color-rotating ceiling. Thursdays offer live music, while the restaurant here serves above-average bar-fare. TUBE: Piccadilly Circus

EMBANKMENT. This huge, enormously popular gay club attracts folks from all over the world. The main-floor dance space stretches endlessly and stays packed through the night with gyrating bodies. A level higher, go-go boys take to their pedestals, and a more relaxed mood prevails. Up again, a busy bar takes care of liquid needs and invites socializing. Plus, everywhere are niches where patrons can meet discreetly when they need a breather. Fabulous dance music is standard, acoustics are great, and the party seemingly never ends. A great place to lose yourself for the night. TUBE: Charing Cross or Embankment

BELGRAVIA. The Lanesborough's guest list regularly reads like a "who's who" of the privileged class: movie and entertainment stars, foreign dignitaries, wealthy business moguls, and even the occasional royal. In the evening, many of these same people enjoy cognac, wine and premium cigars at the hotel's Library Bar. Managed by the legendary Salvatore Calabrese (one of the world's foremost cognac authorities and author of popular books on cocktail mixing), the hotel bar offers a refined setting with Chesterfield sofas, antique furnishings and loaded bookshelves. TUBE: Hyde Park Corner