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Best of London: Nightlife Part of the Places of a Lifetime series from Traveler magazine

Expert recommendations of the best clubs, bars, and other after-dark venues.

Photo: Clerkenwell District nightclub
Young people blow whistles while dancing in a trendy nightclub in the Clerkenwell district.
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The American Bar
"Salim Khoury does the best dry martinis in London."—Stephen Bayley, design consultant and author. Khoury has kept the Savoy Hotel's art deco bar ahead of the competition since 1969; his predecessor, Harry Craddock, wrote the definitive Savoy Cocktail Book. Savoy Hotel, The Strand; tel. +44 (0) 207 836 4343. www.fairmont.com

Favela Chic
Anything goes at this kitsch club. "Organizes some of the oddest nights in town, like Swaparama Razzmatazz—everybody has to swap clothes when music stops."—Mat Osman, musician and editor of le cool London. 91- 93 Great Eastern St., Shoreditch; tel. +44 (0) 207 613 4228. www.favelachic.com/London

Notting Hill Arts Club
"Small, unpretentious venue with eclectic music policy. The Brazilian Love Affair and Costa Urbana nights are absolutely great and absolutely packed."—Mat Osman, musician and editor of le cool London. 21 Notting Hill Gate; tel. +44 (0) 207 7598 5226. www.nottinghillartsclub.com

Ronnie Scott's
After its first refurbishment in 47 years, this legendary jazz club has pumped up the glamour. Impressive acts live up to long legacy of jazz giants including Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey. 47 Frith St. Soho; tel. +44 (0) 20 7439 0747. www.ronniescotts.co.uk

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Know Before You Go: London

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