On a recent adventure to Kingston Upon Thames my friends and I decided to try out Essence. The fairly recently opened nightclub has been widely acclaimed so we went to see what the fuss was about.

Rumours did not lie, the décor was pleasant and colourful, the music was great, drinks were reasonably priced and the evening was a success. I’m told Wednesday and Thursday evenings are certainly the best nights there with a cool clientele and a lively atmosphere. There are also monthly Hed Kandi events for those hard core house music fans.

Essence can be found on the River Thames at Bucklands Wharf in Kingston. Visit the Essence Style Bar online for more information.

There are so many cool bar and restaurant venues in London and this is certainly one of the good ones.

Ruby Blue is situated in Leiscester Square, a high light because with the stylish, luxuroius and modern interiors of the venue it also has access to a terrace overlooking the popular tourist attraction. At night the terrace is lit up with blue lights making it a sight to remember amongst the backdrop of all the cinemas and theatres. Perfect for after work drinks, dinners and nights out, Ruby Blue can be found at Leicester Place.

Visit the Ruby Blue website for more information on the venue and for the drink and food menu’s.

If you’re into the indie/rock music scene and are in Sheffield, head to Leadmill. The live music and club venue is well known on the indie scene particularly for its association with the Arctic Monkeys, a Sheffield based band.

Being one of Sheffield’s main night spots many students are attracted by its cool and famous club vibe as well as its cheap drinks but it also has a large clientele of artists and the unemployed too, according to the website. With plenty of live gigs introducing up and coming stars this is one venue not to miss.

There’s a selection of club nights to choose from including Shag on Monday’s and Teenage Kicks on Tuesdays. Visit the website for information on more club nights and upcoming live gigs.

Although Pitcher & Piano is a chain company with hot spot restaurant and bar venues around the UK, the one in Nottingham has a certain speciality about it.

The venue is actually an old church, with a sleek and stylish interior. The cocktail and wine menu is extensive and the music is a mixture of pop, RnB and cheese which for a night out can be a good combination. With a cool vibe and a sophisticated crowd, the Pitcher & Piano located in the Lace Market in Nottingham is well worth a visit.

See the website for more information on the company, other venues across the country and the menus.

You may have heard of the CC Club in Piccadilly, London probably because of its endless celebrity attendees. The likes of Girls Aloud, Sugababes, Eastenders stars and Chelsea footballers to name a few have walked up the CC Club red carpet but you also may have heard of it, because of its R&B, hip hop, soulful house and funk party vibe. The popular and star studded venue holds club nights on Friday and Saturday nights which are fresh and glamorous. The purple venue is airy, cool and reasonably spacious with a Dom Perignon room available for private parties of 30 maximum.

Visit the CC Club website for more information about the venue, club nights and guest list.

My email account is constantly being bombarded with emails about ‘hot London clubs’ so for a friends Birthday we decided to check out Umbaba, an African inspired venue that has often been written about.

Pleasantly surprising, the venue is more spacious than some of the other ‘elite’ nightclubs I’ve experienced in London. The décor throughout the venue in keeps with the African theme and creates a light airy and relaxed vibe in the club. Music ranges from funky house to RnB Located off Carnaby Street in London the club is in the heart of the west end. There is an extensive cocktail menu but as you would expect the drinks are pricey. Single spirits and mixers cost around £9 but for a luxurious night out are worth it.

Visit Umbaba at 15-21 Ganton Street, London, W1 or go to the website to see the venue for yourself.

Not content with the fantastic shopping Liberty has to offer? Why not take a break in the Champagne and Oyster bar on the lower ground floor.

With sleek and modern décor the champagne and oyster bar provides a chic and enjoyable spot to relax inbetween or after a hard days shopping or even a lunch break or an after work eaterie. Enjoy delectable seafood, salad or soup complimented with fine champagne. From king prawns to English or Irish oysters there is a wide selection of divine seas foods to choose from.

Visit the Champagne and Oyster bar at the Liberty department store, London and visit the website to view the menu and prices.

Fancy a lunch date in style? Try the Shipp’s Tearooms in South East London. Sure its far to travel for a cup of tea and a cake for those not local but the décor makes it one special place.

With an extensive list of the finest teas including Earl Grey, East Teas and teas from the Organic Herb Trading Company accompanied by delectable cakes the Shipp’s Tearoom makes for a friendly meet up spot. Amongst the available food and drink you can also purchase china, teapots and tablecloths.

Visit the Shipp’s Tearooms at 4 Park Street, London, SE1 9AB, telephone: 020 7407 2692. The Tearoom is closed on Monday and Tuesdays but open Wednesday to Friday 9.30 am-5.30pm, Saturday’s 10am- 6pm and Sunday mid-day - 5.30pm. Visit The Shipp’s Tearooms website for more information.

One of London’s finest hotels, The Haymarket is situated in the centre of the mayhem, in the heart of the theatre district surrounded by some of the best restaurants, bars and tourist attractions. Do we need to mention how lovely the hotel is?

Amongst the 50 spacious bedrooms and suites with an exclusive townhouse, the English style hotel has a colourful, exquisite and stylish restaurant and bar called Brumus with brasserie style food, a wide range of cocktails and wines served by the glass. An 18 meter swimming pool, treatment room and work – out room.

Rooms start around £250 per night. For more information about the hotel, facilities, and to make a reservation visit: www.firmdale.com. The Haymarket Hotel is located at 1 Suffolk Place, London SW1. Telephone: 020 7470 4007.

Fancy some deliciously tasty cupcakes? The Hummingbird Bakery has just the ticket.

A recent shopping trip on Old Brompton Road in London led me to pass some very noticeable and very delectable cup cakes that hung in the window. Other than an amazing bakery in New York (mentioned on our sister site blogyourtravels.com) I have yet to come across some tasty treats in the UK. 2 Minutes from South Kensington tube stop, you can pop in to take away or eat in the quant café-like bakery. The butter cream iced cakes are to die for and melt in your mouth!

Chocolate and vanilla cupcakes cost £1.55 and the red velvet cupcakes are £1.85. If South Kensington is out of your way, try the other Hummingbird Bakery nestled in Portobello Road. Visit the Hummingbird Bakery for more information.