Simon Drake’s House of Magic, Secret central London location.

From the outside you’d never know Simon Drake’s house is magic. In an unsuspecting residential street you approach what appears to be a knockabout old Victorian pub, now boarded up with metal shutters. If your name’s down, you are coming in, through a red metal gate around the side. Once you’re inside though the illusion is broken and you find yourself immersed in the most outlandish venue we’ve visited in London. Bought by the prominent magician Mr Drake as his abode over 15 years ago, he set about turning it into self contained island of entertainment where guests can be plied with food and drinks before being terrified and amazed to varying degrees throughout the night. Although it’s often booked out as a whole for corporate nights the house also has a number of public nights throughout the year including the extremely well received Hallowe’en parties.

As you walk nervously through the gates and into the garden your ears register the sound of wildlife and, disconcertingly, wolves. As your eyes adjust to the eerie lighting and smoke the path leads you through a small garden home to glowing fishponds and mechanical critters that rustle about in the undergrowth. You find yourself shaking hands with a headless butler who ushers you inside the house and strangely enough this is the point where things start getting really strange.

Once inside the grand Gothic Red Room if you had any doubt before you immediately realise this is not going to be like a night out at your local. We found ourselves staring around incredulously at our surroundings, from the haunted portraits to the chandeliers and collection of creepy automata handmade by the owner. A tour of the house eventually brings you to the drawing room, which is a living homage to the owners’ 30 year career in the magic business. It’s like your favourite bar crossed with a museum of curiosities, with everything from vintage posters to toys, models and book shelves stuffed with interesting tomes on the dark arts.

For the sheer variety of entertainment Simon Drake’s is hard to beat. Over the course of the night and plenty of drinks we had our fortunes read, played on an old pinball machine, and were left suitably bewildered by the wandering band of close-at-hand magicians. There was a tour of the haunted cellar by the master’s butler which was part pantomime horror, part magic show and heavy on vampire based innuendo throughout. Finally, after generous helpings of the buffet, the show began and started with the brilliant Adam Kay (of the Amateur Transplants) who sang a selection of properly hilarious and downright offensive songs. After that the main event, we won’t spoil it for you but rest assured this is proper magic with blood and knives and levitation, the kind they used to show on the telly before it all became about plinths and conning bookies. It’s all as you’d hope from the glamorous assistants to the outrageous costumes and sinister showmanship.

Tickets for the night start at £45 including dinner and range up to £85 if you want seats reserved for the night. After the show the tables are cleared for dancing till 1am at which point anyone left inside is put in a box and stabbed with swords. It’s a pricey night out but where else are you going to see a man’s head come off these days (that’s not You Tube)? Think about it as if you’re planning a night out at a museum, theatre, restaurant, bar and club all in one… what’s more you’ll definitely be talking about this place for weeks to come. This is living folks (and significant amounts of dying related stuff too).

Seven at Brixton, 7 Market Row, Brixton, SW9 8LB

London’s no stranger to authentic tapas spots, but it’s not that many of them that take the Basque perspective and team it up with a load of old luggage – and hide an amazing squat-esque gallery for local artists up in their rafters. Seven is a new bar by Liam Brown and Jonny Rushton which aims to bring a bit of Bilbao to Brixton, and it will see your tapas and raise it to a pinxtos (tapas on a stick) and some damn good, and affordable, cocktails to wash it down while it’s at it.

Set inside Brixton’s brilliantly eclectic Market, Seven at Brixton is certainly a place that aims to set itself apart. Look around and you’ll see some solid wooden tables, dangling lightbulbs, big old legs of Iberian ham and a menu to match. It is absolutely the product of owners Liam and Jonny; their travels not only around the London bar scene but also Spain itself are clearly visible and every last detail in the bar has been carefully considered. Suitcases as tributes to the space’s previous owner – a luggage salesman – can be seen now housing the spirits, and luggage tags as reservation signs are a handsome touch.

The five rooms upstairs from the main bar have even turned Seven at Brixton into a functioning art gallery, with a sort of East London abandoned chic vibe, so when you’re done feasting on the gorgeous food, you can feast your eyes on the work of some up and coming local artists too. The guys take no commission on the work sold, and allow exhibitors to do so for free, they just want to see good stuff up there showing off local talent.

Back downstairs, the menu is something of a triumph. If you’re the sort of person whose fresh gambas and chorizo isn’t complete unless accompanied by a good old sherbert lined martini glass – beholding pomegranate, marmalade and apple vodka – then you’re in luck. From the classics of bocadillos with hand-carved meats to their signature pintxos, and cocktails that cover everything from Bloody Marys to their own Electric Avenue (for recipe see above), Seven at Brixton has it sorted.

If we really wanted to ham it up (jokes) we’d say that Seven at Brixton is an eclectic cocktail in itself. Take one solid measure of sharing platters, add a splash of authentic Latino beer and wine, sprinkle with a merry atmosphere and a twist of artistry, then serve right in the heart of a bustling market. Maravilloso.

(Beware though, due to the location in the market, it has to close at 10, so get down there early – but it is open in the day).

By Tom Pullen.

Aubin Cinema, 64-66 Redchurch Street  Shoreditch, E2 7DP. Tel: 0845 604 8486

Going to the cinema isn’t quite the wallet-friendly soirée it once was these days – especially in the capital – so if you’re going to park your behind before a silver screen for a couple of hours, you want to be sure it’s a good’n. Enter Aubin Cinema in Shoreditch. For roughly the same readies as most central London multiplexes, you can kick back in a full on sofa in this cute little cinema under a shop and enjoy the film in all the comfort it was intended. You can even bring a bottle of wine in with you from the bar, which is never a bad thing in our books.

The cinema itself has only been around for just over a year but has already got itself a quite a following (including some celebrity fans, ooh), but don’t let that put you off – this place is exactly how cinema is supposed to be. Entrance is via a small stairway, underneath the Aubin & Wills clothes store, and there is only one intimate 45-seat screen, next door to the small bar that serves everything from coffee to cocktails (and tasty chili ‘Jazz Corn’ from the old-fashioned popcorn machine). One of the particularly nice things about this place is that they show a deliciously eclectic mix of films, from good old (new)blockbusters to quirky arthouse numbers so there’s definitely something to suit all sorts of cinematic tastes.

The whole experience is very much ‘urban laid-back Shoreditch luxury’: minimal but cosy bar (with reasonable drinks prices), nice soft sofas with Aubin & Wills cushions, and Cowshed handwash in the toilets (well, it is co-run by Shoreditch House Members’ Club and Jack Wills, after all). The staff are very friendly and it seems as though everything has been thought through – there are cool buckets for wine in the bigger seats, blankets in case you get chilly and, best of all, it’s nice and small so it has a lot of charm. Don’t delay, take the missus/mister to the pictures today.

By Emily Monsell

The Palm Tree, 127 Grove Road, Mile End, E3 5BH

Pub of bygone age, but boy do they know how to have a good time.

The Palm Tree is Mile End’s diamond in the rough, tucked away from the main road and residing triumphantly canal side between the ecology park and the local climbing wall. It was once part of a terrace, but bombing in the war left it standing alone, surrounded by grass. Don’t be duped by its ambiguous exterior, as once you’re inside you’ve arrived back in the old East End, from the boxing posters of vintage champions, wooden booths, heavy velvet curtains straight out of your parents’ Polaroids to a cash register that wouldn’t be out of place down the antique stalls of Portobello. And if that was not enough nostalgia for you, it boasts one of the surviving East End ‘Fives’ dartboards (no, nor us, but Google it).

The bygone interior is only the start of the pub’s charms, the glinting golden wallpaper bounces off the eclectic mix of local Mile Enders, students and East End drinkers. Every Friday and Saturday night accomplished old crooners and Jazz players bring The Palm Tree to life in a spectacular way, a good ol’sing-a-long is compulsory; ‘My Way’ is guaranteed. The range of beer on offer is good, with a standard mix of wine and spirits. And if the crooners aren’t your bag, supping your pint laid out grass side (summer permitting) overlooking Regents canal, is no mean alternative.

By Caroline Maddison.

Balham Bowls Club, 7-9 Ramsden Road, Balham, SW12 8QX. Tel: 020 8673 4700

In days gone by bowls clubs have played more than their fair share in British history. With our proud tradition of inventing sports for the world to beat us at, we’ve held firm in the bowls department – Commonwealth champions no less. These oases of decency once peppered the nation, providing gentle competition and mature melting pots in a way that its brasher American cousin could never match. And many live on – including a particularly fine example in the North London Bowls Club.

It was whilst curling his wood towards a tricky jack in Plymouth Hoe that Sir Francis Drake first spotted the Spanish Armada advancing toward British shores. Famously, he dug in; intent on finishing his game before setting about finishing off Pedro and his amigos (commemorated in this sterling statue in Tavistock). In Balham Bowls Club, however, you’re more likely to be faced with gallons of rioja than galleons of war as it has now been faithfully turned into a wonderful drinking hole by Antic, the people behind Tooting Tram & Social and several other fine establishments.

They have faithfully retained the clubhouse decor, with trinkets, original score cards, honours boards and the curious little flags that commemorate the visits of nearby clubs adorning all surfaces. A sign suggesting that visitors must be accompanied by members greets you as you enter – but fear not, you’ll be fine. The BBC is a wooden walled warren of rooms, particularly cosy in these winter months, littered with old fashioned lamps, beaten up Chesterfields and mismatching wooden chairs – even the odd church pew – making for an unpretentious atmosphere of warming revellry. And there’s an outside bit for inevitable summer Pimmage.

The games vibe is still kept very much alive, with a selection of board games available behind the bar and we’re told two full sized snooker tables upstairs. Sadly the bowling green didn’t come with the deal for the building, and it’s currently festering away out the back until the council decide what to do with it. Nor did we sample the menu, but we’re told it scores very highly (it’s what’s apparently known as ‘global tapas’). We did have a sausage roll, though, which was outstanding – and there can be few finer judges of a pub’s culinary merits than that.

Balham, you jewel encrusted transport hub of the south you, with your collection of generic style bars – you have delivered a gem of a pub. Well worth getting better acquainted with the Northern Line for.

Island Queen, 87 Noel Road, Islington, N1 8HD. Tel: 020 7354 8741

Sometimes the best things are right under your nose or rather a short walk from the tube and a couple of right turns. When mentioning The Island Queen we’re greeted with either an over whelming pub-gushing or a complete blank face. For those who haven’t visited, there’s a treat in store. Nestled on a residential street, not far from Angel tube and just up from the Islington tunnel canal turn off, The Island Queen is here to serve her country.

This local boozer, run by Antonia and her dedicated staff, is oozing an old empire, cosy shipwrecked style. The high ceiling, glass frontage and beautiful large wall mirrors, hand painted with tropical foliage scenes, create a welcoming and eclectic atmosphere with an old gin palace feel. Add to that the bookshelves, bird cages, open fire and statue of the queen herself – this establishment is doing its unique pub name status proud.

They’ve recently relaunched their food menu, with a focus on seasonal fresh ingredients, (we can confirm the homemade burger is a treat) with plenty of options for meat eaters and veggies alike. There’s a range of beers and ales with gusto including Sierra Nevada, Fruli, Leffe, Doom Bar and a huge wine list that steers their Monday night Wine Club event (quiz on Tuesdays if you fancy stretching the grey matter). They have a little something for everyone, with a room upstairs for hire and outside drinking for warmer times, however the mulled wine maybe a better option during these nippy months.

A pub brimming with this much character you’ll be expected to share your drinking space with a mix of locals, destinational East Londoners and post-work drinkers during the week, with larger crowds at weekends – all looking for a decent drink with a hearty atmosphere. If you want an Islington boozer at its best, head down The Island Queen, after all it’s only a short walk and couple of right turns.

By Caroline Maddison

King’s Head Theatre, 115 Upper Street, Islington, N1 1QN. Tel: 0207 478 0160

The festive season is upon us and London is our oyster (card) to explore and find places of merriment to celebrate this fine season. But with the stress of present buying looming like a spectre from ‘A Christmas Carol’, most of us get as far as our local pub in search of cheer.

Next time you do make that journey though, go a little less local (unless you are local to Islington)and via Upper Street to the King’s Head. The quirky interior of photo covered walls and inviting easy chairs by the fire should be enough to tempt but it is what lurks in the back room that will keep you coming back.  For as you step through the discreet black doors like a trip to Narnia minus the White Witch, an intimate theatre space unfolds in front of you.  The doors close and the small assembled crowd takes it seat; emerging smiling and, let’s be fair, a little smug at their shared discovery.

On a site that’s history as a pub dates back to the 1500s, even mentioned within the pages of Samuel Pepys’ diaries, the space has previously been everything from a boxing ring to a pool hall and the photos show many a famous face has graced its stage. However, just because its presence is hidden to the casual passer by shouldn’t mean it remains so, after recently being rebranded as London’s Little Opera House, the theatre currently presents classic opera with new interpretations that have been known to spill out even into the pub itself. We went to see La Boheme, and it was bloody brilliant.

For a full bodied bottle of culture with a chaser of history, look no further.  Rumour has it that King Henry VIII, a chap who had a certain reputation for his high standards, used to pop in on the way to visiting his mistress. So please don’t take just our word for it, this one has the royal stamp of approval.

By Tanith Heap.

The Four Sisters Bar, 25 Canonbury Lane, Islington, N1 2AS. Tel: +44 207 226 0955

What do bread and burlesque have in common? Not something you’ve probably considered recently, but The Four Sisters has the answer. Restored to its former pub glory (along with its original name), the previous incarnation as 25 Canonbury Lane cocktail bar is no more. Owned by the people behind the Euphorium Bakery across the road, The Four Sisters brings a hint of boudoir to the top of Upper Street. Which is all very well since they have only gone and flipping launched a monthly burlesque night (every first Thursday of the month since you asked so nicely) ‘Canonbury Cabaret’ looks set to be one of the bar’s highlights if the launch party’s activities are anything to go by (take a peek at the photos on Facebook)

But don’t worry if ladies swinging on hoops above the bar ain’t your bag, the petite pub packs a lot in, its new interior of dark wood panelling reminiscent of good ol’ boozers along with a hint of luxe in its burgundy toned flock wallpaper and heavy framed mirrors – all set off with subtle candle light – means it’s not lacking in charisma.

With a good range of wines, the best of the classic cocktail list and a back bar snug area, you’ll not only get a friendly welcome, but this small pub comes with a big heart;  at the end of the month ‘Skint Sundays’ offers up free roasts to the first-come first-served with live rat-pack tunes as well as complimentary bacon baps on Arsenal home games. Add to that a monthly hip hop night, their recent Halloween smash and a local loyalty card in the pipeline, The Four Sisters are welcoming you into their family with open arms.

By Caroline Maddison