It's a shore thing

Fifteen years ago you didn't go near east London after dark. The pubs were plentiful - but only the steeliest of souls ventured in. By 2000 that had all changed. Artists, fashionistas and media types loved the area for its central location, cheap rent and "keep it real" ethos.

But now it's not just a tangle of edgy dive bars: it has actually got smart. Being on the edge of the City, cashed-up workers started going to the area, and sparked a blossoming restaurant and cocktail bar scene. The rest of London followed.

Spitalfields Market has been renovated and extended. All Saints has led the arrival of the most chic stores in the area. With the opening this summer of London's coolest bar, Shoreditch House, the makeover from grotty to glam is complete. Soon such swish bars as Notting Hill's Beach Blanket Babylon and All Star Lanes will have branches there.

So dress up and head to the new, smart Hoxton... and thank God you never got that interesting "directional" hair-do.

Shoreditch House
Ebor Street, E1 (020 7739 5040; shoreditchhouse.com). Open till 2.30am
From the people behind Soho House, this members' bar is the place to see and be seen. Our advice: befriend a member - they can get up to three people in.

Inside is a bowling alley, gym, a raft of bars and eating areas and the rooftop swimming pool. Here you'll see the beautiful people schmoozing - everyone from Kate Moss to David Schwimmer.

And this is the place to have a party right now: non-members as well as members can book out the great party rooms.
Lager £3.25, vodka tonic £5.75

Rivington Bar and Grill
28-30 Rivington Street, EC2 (020 7729 7053; rivingtongrill.co.uk). Till 12am This low-key bar, right, offers superb food and killer cocktails. Enjoy sensible British grub (fish fingers, chips, mushy peas, £11.75), while a buzzy atmosphere and white walls top off the chic vibe.
Lager £3.80, vodka and tonic £3.25

The Light Bar
233 Shoreditch High Street, E1 (020 7247 8989, thelighte1.com). Mon-Wed till 12am, Thu-Sat 2am
A stylish lounge bar for City suits and trendies too. Regular house DJs play until 2am at weekends; smokers love the enormous roof terrace and its amazing views.
Lager £3, vodka tonic £3.20

Lounge Lover
1 Whitby Street, E2 (020 7012 1234; lestroisgarcons.com). Mon-Thu, Sun till 12am, Fri-Sat 1am
Packed with eccentrically dressed fashion types, this kitsch-but-glam bar has a huge (but pricey) cocktail list. Lager £4.50, vodka tonic £7.20