Top spot for a night out

With its buffed mahogany tables, starched waiters and sky-high prices, it may not be the place for a swift pint before the football or a tequila slammer on a girls' night out. But the quiet and suave Claridge's Bar in Bond Street must be doing something right as it has been named London's most popular nightspot.

More than 800 restaurant and club reviewers voted for their favourite venue in the capital as part of the Zagat's 2003 Nightlife Survey.

Claridge's Bar, which nestles in a corner of the prestigious hotel, came in top despite charging £9.50 for a glass of champagne, £4 for a bottle of Becks and almost £30 for a lobster sandwich.

Zagat's asked its reviewers to decide which venue offers the best ambience, choice of drinks and value for money. Claridge's Bar, which has no dress code or guest list, won thanks to its "comfortable" seats, "civilised" feel and "great cocktails".

Londoners may be surprised by the list compiled for the American restaurant and bar guide. At No 2 is the Oxo Tower - a venue renowned for its
high prices and suited City drinkers.

Chinawhite, in third place, caters for a younger crowd - well, those who can get in. The members-only club is famous for its tough door policy, C-list celebrities and It girls.

And at No 4 is a chain which could not be more different from the upmarket top three. The JD Wetherspoon pubs, which have bright lights, rows of slot machines and garish brass and wood decor, charge just £1.49 for a Becks and £7.99 for a jug of Long Island Iced Tea.

Nina Zagat, who publishes the annual guide, said they had tried to include venues for all occasions and all types of people.

"It is true JD Wetherspoon did not score as highly on things like interior design or its champagne appeal," she said. "But people want different things at different times and this pub chain offers something people like.

" Our reviewers said it 'pleases people with cheap beer and acceptable food' and there are many people in London who like the service and cheap prices this group offers."

The accolade was a surprise to staff at JD Wetherspoon. A spokesman for the company said: "It's bizarre. Blimey. We have never been in the company of Claridge's. We are aware our pubs are popular but it is good to be recognised alongside such well established names."

The Zagat's 2003 Nightlife guide was compiled by a team of British reviewers and lists the best venues to go to after work, for cocktails, for decor and even for stag nights. The nightclub Fabric, which attracts a loyal weekend crowd, is listed as one of London's best, along with Herbal and The Cross.

Ronnie Scott's, the legendary Soho jazz club which offers guests the chance to see some of the best jazz acts in the world, also made the Top 10, just behind struggling chips and mussels restaurant chain Belgo.

Nina Zagat, a New Yorker, has been compiling the restaurant guide for more than 10 years but this the first time she has compiled a London nightlife guide.