Best Nightlife Pubs

Just what London needs - another pub-slash-venue-slash-whatever trying to be everything to everyone. Ram Jam Records in Kingston has the audacity to bill itself as some sort of cultural hub, complete with live music, comedy nights, and what I'm sure they'd call "artisanal cuisine." I approached with the enthusiasm of a cat being dragged to the vet. And yet. Against my better judgment and professional cynicism, Ram Jam Records has managed to do something rather irritating: they've actually created somewhere worth visiting. The space, which shares real estate with The Grey Horse pub (because heaven forbid anything in London be straightforward), somehow works despite itself. Let's talk about the venue portion first, since that's where they seem determined to flex their cultural muscles. The intimate performance space has the kind of authentic grit that corporate venues spend millions trying to recreate. The sound system is surprisingly competent, which means you can actually hear the bands over the inevitable chorus of drunk people discovering their passionate love of backing vocals. The comedy nights are a mixed bag, but isn't that always the way? Some evenings you'll witness the next big thing in British comedy; others you'll endure twenty minutes of somebody's dated observations about the differences between men and women. But the ratio of hits to misses is better than most, and the intimate setting means even the awkward moments have a certain charm. Plus, the proximity to the bar means you're never more than 30 seconds from emergency relief. Speaking of the bar - and I can't believe I'm saying this - they actually know what they're doing. The bourbon selection is extensive enough to make a Kentucky colonel blush, and the staff can discuss it without sounding like they've just memorized the back of the bottle. The cocktails are crafted with surprising precision, though you'll pay for the privilege. But in a city where a mediocre gin and tonic can cost you the equivalent of a small car payment, at least here you're getting what you pay for. The food menu, which I approached with the sort of trepidation usually reserved for gas station sushi, turns out to be another reluctant highlight. The Jacobs Ladder Beef Rib (yes, I'm as surprised as you are) practically dissolves on contact, and the house BBQ sauce manages to be both authentic and interesting - words I rarely use together when describing London barbecue. Their Brisket Eggs Benedict, served during their various themed brunches, somehow elevates both components rather than just being a needless mashup. The staff, unfortunately, are genuinely lovely, which makes it harder to maintain my professional distance. They manage that rare balance of being knowledgeable without being pretentious, attentive without hovering, and - most annoyingly - actually passionate about the place. It's like they didn't get the memo that hospitality workers in London are supposed to treat customers as inconvenient interruptions to their phone scrolling. Location-wise, Ram Jam Records has planted itself in Kingston, which means you'll need to venture beyond the cozy confines of zones 1-2. But perhaps that's part of its charm - it's just far enough out to avoid the worst of the central London trying-too-hard syndrome while remaining accessible enough for when you need a proper night out. Let's address the pricing, shall we? It sits in that sweet spot where you can't quite call it a bargain, but you also can't complain about being ripped off. The cover charges for events are reasonable (usually around a tenner), and the food and drink prices reflect the quality rather than just the postcode. In London's current climate of daylight robbery masquerading as hospitality, that's practically philanthropic. So here I am, eating my words along with some surprisingly good BBQ, admitting that Ram Jam Records deserves its impressive Google rating. Whether you're after live music, comedy, quality food, or just a proper drink in surroundings that haven't been focus-grouped to death, it delivers. Book ahead for events, come hungry, and prepare to join me in the uncomfortable position of having your cynicism proven wrong. Just don't tell them I sent you - I have a reputation to maintain.

In the heart of Nenagh, Youngs pub stands as a testament to the timeless Irish tradition of gathering and good craic. The weathered stone facade catches the last rays of evening sun, while warm light spills from windows that have witnessed generations of storytellers, dreamers, and friends coming together over perfectly poured pints. As you cross the threshold of Youngs Nenagh, the immediate embrace of conversation and comfort wraps around you like a familiar blanket. The wooden floorboards, worn smooth by countless footsteps, tell their own tales of celebrations and quiet evenings alike. The air carries the rich harmony of laughter mingling with the gentle clink of glasses, a soundtrack as essential to the space as its very walls. The bar stretches before you like a well-loved stage, its polished surface reflecting the amber glow of carefully curated lighting. Behind it, rows of bottles catch and scatter light like liquid jewels, while the methodical pull of a perfect pint becomes a meditation in itself. The bartenders at Youngs move with the assured grace of those who understand their craft is equal parts science and social art. In quieter corners, intimate booths carved from dark wood offer sanctuary for hushed conversations and contemplative sips. These spaces feel like rooms within rooms, each with its own microclimate of companionship. The walls, adorned with a curated collection of local memorabilia and historical photographs, serve as a visual anthology of Nenagh's story, with Youngs playing a starring role in countless chapters. The generous main room opens like a village square, where groups naturally gather and dissolve throughout the evening. Here, the spirit of community that defines Youngs Nenagh is most palpable. Whether you're a regular whose preferred seat has molded itself to your form over years, or a first-time visitor drawn in by the warm glow and gentle buzz of contentment, you'll find yourself wrapped in the pub's encompassing welcome. The craft of hospitality here is evident in every detail - from the immaculate glassware to the perfectly maintained beer lines that ensure each pint arrives as the brewer intended. The selection of spirits and wines speaks to a thoughtful curation, offering both familiar comforts and opportunities for adventure. While Youngs may not serve food, it has perfected the art of quenching a different kind of hunger - that of belonging and connection. As evening deepens, the atmosphere shifts like a tide, carrying conversations to new shores. The natural ebb and flow of patrons creates an ever-changing tapestry of social interaction, yet somehow Youngs maintains its consistent character - reliable as a heartbeat, yet fresh as tomorrow's stories waiting to be told. The restroom facilities, often an afterthought in venue descriptions, deserve mention for their immaculate maintenance - a detail that speaks volumes about the overall standard of care that defines Youngs Nenagh. It's these seemingly minor touches that contribute to the overall experience of thoughtful hospitality. Here at Youngs, the true measure of value isn't found in the modest sum exchanged for a pint, but in the richness of experience that surrounds each visit. The staff's genuine warmth and professional efficiency create an environment where everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, can find their place in the ongoing narrative of this beloved Nenagh institution. As night settles over Nenagh, Youngs stands as a beacon of conviviality in the town's social landscape. Whether you're seeking the comfort of familiar faces or the adventure of new connections, this pub offers an invitation to be part of something greater than yourself. Step through these doors, find your place at the bar, and add your own chapter to the continuing story of Youngs Nenagh - where every evening holds the promise of becoming a cherished memory.