Why the action is smokin' on the terrace

Clubbers should get down on their knees and thank those of us who smoke cigarettes. Seriously. Instead of all the "ooh, can you move away from me" and the pathetic "polite" coughing they do if they so much as catch a whiff, non-smokers should be queuing up at the bar to buy us nicotine fiends a drink.

Why? Two words: outdoor terraces. Surely the most delightful aspect of summer clubbing is discovering a danceteria with an outside space. Picture the scene: you're a raver who's a little worse for wear, the music is pounding, the lights make it feel like World War Three is going off in your head, people are bumping into you and you have one of those blinding moments of clarity so familiar to seasoned clubbers. "Why," you quite reasonably ask yourself, "don't I just go home?" Then, like a beacon of hope shining through the sweaty madness, you spot a chink of sunlight and a sign that says "outdoor terrace".

This, my friend, is the cure to all your clubbing woes. Here's an area full of like-minded types lolling around, getting some air and generally chilling out. Once you're settled, just take a look at the new arrivals as they stumble out of the club door. Like disco moles, they blink in the sunlight, unsure at first as to whether this oasis of chill is what they need.

Ten minutes later the same ravers are sitting relaxed, feet up, eyes closed and enjoying a respite from the mayhem of the dance floor. It's also the catalyst for some really stimulating conversation. Take this exchange I overheard on the outdoor terrace at The Cross last weekend, for example: Clubber 1: "Alright mate?" Clubber 2: "Sweet mate, sweet." Clubber 1: "Where you from mate?" Clubber 2: "Absolutely battered." Clubber 1: "What?" Clubber 2: "What?" Clubber 1: "I just asked where you were from and you said 'absolutely battered'. Where's that then?" Clubber 2: I genuinely don't know what you're saying to me mate."

See? Without the aid of quieter outdoor spaces, this captivating meeting of minds might never have happened. And with the advent of the smoking ban, more and more London clubs are investing in somewhere weed fiends can puff away and Wildean banter like the above can flourish.

If you're looking for some outdoor action this weekend, there's a number of excellent options. Lazer Magnetic at Camden's Hi Sushi Salsa bar (Sunday) sees Faze Action's Simon Lee and others dropping the beats on the huge terrace overlooking the canal. Over at The Cross there's a Space party (Sunday) which runs from 8pm until midday on Monday. Tonight's best bet is Alwayz On Frydaze at Egg with Bovvered hosting the sun terrace, alongside live sets from Ratty Rat Rat and Trafalgar. So get a little light in your life and hit the terrace this weekend.