This genuine 1950s coffee house has played host to Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon in its time, and it retains an artistic, bohemian buzz to this day.

The food is excellent, the atmosphere agreeably relaxed and the club beneath it has a huge range of comedy nights, poetry readings and live music. Highly recommended.

263-7 Old Brompton Road, SW5 9JA; Tel: 020 7370 1434; www.troubadour.co.uk

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It may be a fair way out of London, but that tube trip to Ealing is well worth it to catch up with the new generation of British comedians at Ealing Live, a regular gang show about to go into its fourth season. The fact that it's already challenging the hegemony of the central London comedy clubs is testament to the kind of talent they've managed to attract in its fairly short history.

Tel: 020 8584 5282; www.ealingstudios.com/ealinglive

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It's almost impossible to find a seat in most pubs in the West End area between 5 and 8pm, but the Nell is handily equipped with an upstairs area which most people seem to ignore. If you're off to see a show at
Drury Lane, The Coliseum, The Donmar or the ROH, the Nell should provide you with a drink and a seat beforehand.

29 Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JS; Tel: 020 7836 5328

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West Kensington isn't known for its wealth of gastropubs, but this is an absolute joy. Everything about it is understated but high-quality, from the general atmosphere to the service to the excellent food.

29 North End Rd, Hammersmith, London, W14 8SZ; Tel: 020 7371 6806; Tube: Olympia or West Kensington

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The birthplace of Jerry Springer: The Opera is the spiritual centre of London's fringe theatre scene. BAC's success has been founded not just on the quality and diversity of its programme, but also on establishing the building as a cultural crucible. Scratch nights, where untested ideas can be shown to audiences who are encouraged to give feedback to the artists in the bar later, along with an extensive set of festivals mean that this is where to go to find the most cutting-edge theatre in the city.

Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN; Tel: 020 7223 2223; www.bac.org.uk

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Only a couple of years old and already firmly established as one of the most exciting and consistent fringe theatres in London, the Menier Chocolate Factory should be high on the must-see list of culture vultures everywhere. The programming is eclectic, but not perversely so, and with hits like Fully Committed already transferring to the West End, this venue has a sure touch for both commercial and critical success. The fact that it also boasts an excellent restaurant improves an already attractive proposition.

51/53 Southwark Street, SE! 1RU; Tel: 020 7907 7060 ; Tube: London Bridge; www.menierchocolatefactory.com

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