As a graduation present, my mom and my best friend's mom are taking us to London. Naturally, we will want to go out at night and explore on our own. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what clubs or night time attractions would entertain two 18 year old girls?

There's absolutely nothing less reliable than a stranger's recommendations on London clubs, which come in dozens of categories, mostly graded by their music (House, Garage, R&B... the list goes on forever). And they - or at any rate many of the one-nighters that are often the most vibrant part of the scene - spring up and die almost in the same day.

Get a copy of Time Out now and plough your way through the club pages. That'll give you a rough idea of what's what (our terminology might be different from where you live). When you get here, get the latest edition and see what's changed and what's on when you're here. Get it at the airport and read it in the way in

Then get the Thursday edition of the Evening Standard and read its colour Metro Life section (not to be confused with the moronic giveaway morning "newspaper" of a similar name), which has a slightly later print date than the corresponding Time Out. That's about as close as you'll get to an up to date view of local nightspots.

try www.worldsbestbars.com

Hi! I hope that you have a great time over here - I'm thinking back to when I was 18 (about 12 years ago - ouch!) and racking my brains about where I used to go and what I used to do! What sort of music are you into? Would you rather a very 'clubby' club or are you more into a good bar that serves decent cocktails?

Incidentally another good site is www.viewlondon.co.uk for general London info - and if you want a guide to the busier bars with good Happy Hours etc then try www.latenightlondon.co.uk (this also has special offers, money off vouchers etc - which is very useful in this hellishly expensive city!)

PS. Forgot to say that most of the bars listed on latenightlondon.co.uk state 'Over 21s' but as long as you don't look too young, I wouldn't worry about that too much, generally they aren't that strict. Just hold your head up and look like you go there all the time...

You have to go to an over 21 club, anything else quite simply isn't smart enough - attracts 14+ year old age range, which I'd imagine you won't be aiming for.

If you, nor your hotel concierge can't get you on guestlists, you may wish to try using www.viewlondon.co.uk.

Embassy isn't bad, nor is China White, Cafe de Paris - hate the location, I despise Leicester Sq area. I prefer bars - Milk and Honey (members only after 11pm - may be a problem for you), Claridge's bar is very nice, and I think a good hybrid between huge club and intimate bar is Mayfair club which is very chic.

M_kingdon, I think while you gave a good amount of info these places are too upmarket for 18 year olds on holiday.

luvcheer2004 - I think they would enjoy the pubs and bars around Covent Garden.

I was thinking that they might like to try somewhere that I doubt they've experienced in the States.

Embassy isn't right at the top, but I still think you'd find it fun, or if you want somewhere large and quite sexy (although not to my tastes) - Tantra off of Regent St. , sticking with Regent St. Elysium is off of there too.

I don't want to see them wasting their money on four to six GBP cocktails that most UK bars serve - they are badly made and very watery, for two GBP more, you can have a far superior drink in infinitely superior surroundings. That's why I've gone for recommending high end bars, you're best off with a pub than going to some middle of the road bar - at least the pub will be cheaper!

As before, www.viewlondon.co.uk - lists virtually every bar and club, perhaps look here, narrow down your selection, then you can ask for specific experiences at these venues.

<b>As posted by m_kingdom2....

I was thinking that they might like to try somewhere that I doubt they've experienced in the States.</b>

HUH?????????

I'm making the wild assumption that they don't usually go to &quot;upscale&quot; (as an American would say) night life venues, London has some of the world's best - hence a new experience.

Not sure I agree, I think each city has their &quot;best&quot; places. I've been to a few in NY and various cities in the U.S. as well as European ones. The reason why I would think the places you listed are too upmarket for them is:
1. Its expensive for 18 year olds
2. They will probably be ignored as they don't fit in or know the &quot;scene&quot;
3.They are 18 and not used to being legally in bars or clubs at home.

Places in Covent Garden would be equally entertaining and easier for them in my opinion and they will probably have a chance of getting in.

This is from my experience of living on both sides of the pond at various points in my life.

It upsets me to see money wasted.

Being logical, they're going to be going out on more than one evening,I'd suggest getting used to &quot;the scene&quot; in Covent Gdn. then try out a more high end club which epitomises all that is good about the London scene.

NYC has fantastic clubs/bars, but I very much doubt that they are from NYC, after all, let's be honest, world over underage persons get into bars/clubs. I'm not fond of Covent Gdn. it's an unappealing area - I'd never live there.

As I've recommended twice already, viewlonodn.co.uk has all bars and clubs, good and bad, and some user reviews too!

As flanneruk said, I think you're best off doing your own research. Everyone has a different idea of what a cool club is. I always have this problem when I have company and take them to what I think is a cool club and they hate it. You could be a fashionista or a sorrority chic. You could like China Whites or the Hippodome. We don't know. Hard to make recommendations, in my opinion.

If you're after a younger London, something perhaps more &quot;studenty&quot;, then the national student union's web-site may contain recommendation for clubs, whilst you would not be able to take advantage of the student discount (possibly), it could indeed give you an idea of venues.

http://www.nusonline.co.uk/

AAFrequentFlyer - I think that the comment from m_kingdom2 was really referring to the age of the girls, I don't think that there was anything 'snotty' in the comment (for once, ha ha!) - just suggesting that it is much harder for an 18 year old in the States to get into the equivalent places. Which frankly delights me when I go there and get to feel younger!!

However the fact is that London is very expensive and whilst China White's and the equivalents can be great, they're not necessarily the best value for money for an 18 year old who just wants to let their hair down and (perhaps? forgive me if I'm wrong..) enjoy being able to drink and club legally for the first time.

So how about we wait until luvcheer2004 comes back and says what she and her friend are interested in?! And maybe we'll be able to come up with something that they can also enjoy with their mothers too one night!

I think it's a great shame that under 21s are not legally allowed to enjoyed night clubs in the US, but let's not start up a prohibition debate.

Also, comedy clubs, not at all my scene, but perhaps these (I'm thinking Camden town) appeal, but as Tallulah said, best to wait for some user input.

SiobhanP and flanneruk's advise is, as usual, impeccable. The weekly Time Out will give you a great overview of the club scene. If you want the latest edition before you leave for your trip, you can download a copy at www.timeout.com (for a fee). It can also be found in US bookstores carrying Euro magazines.

Thank you all so much for your help.

As for something different than what we experience in the US, that would be great! The town i live in is full of snooty upper-class people, and is quite in a little bubble. So, anything with culture would be wonderful too. Also, I heard from a friend that went to London not to long ago, that a bar called Nam Long Le Shaker was fabulous. What are your thoughts on this bar?

And as for music in clubs...ANYTHING! My friend and i have pretty eclectic tastes in music, so anything we can dance to!

Lastly, what are your thoughts on going to a polo tournament? Are these fun?

Hope to hear back from you all soon.
-:- Christina

P.S.
I do not live in NYC, however, i go there rather frequently to visit friends in the Hamptons. So, if the clubs in London are anything like the ones in NYC, i think my friend and i should be ok. Let me know your opinions on what the similarities and differences are between the two if any of you have been to a NYC club. THANK YOU AGAIN!

I like fabric, fiction and Dtpm. These clubs play the coolest(hard too) house music in London. People are friendly and unpretensious there. As these are polysexual clubs, girls don't get unwanted advances from drunken guys. Enjoy your trip to London.