LONDON 

The Zetter Townhouse Quirky cocktail lounge from the team behind last year's winner, 69 Colebrooke Row. Great nettle gimlets, and it's also open for brunch and afternoon tea. St John's Square, 86-88 Clerkenwell Road, London, EC1M 5RJ; 020 7324 4444

69 Colebrooke Row Still the home of adventurous cocktails, devised by drinks guru Tony Conigliaro, who has a research lab above the bar. Small but perfectly formed.69 Colebrooke Row, London, N1 8AA

SOUTH & WEST

The Victoria Lovely pub that's full of character. Nothing modern about this place: rather, it celebrates real ales and home-cooked grub. Perfect. 20 Chock Lane, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3EX; 0117 9500 441

NORTH

Popolo Popolo's retro-Italian interior makes you feel like you're in an old Milanese bar. The cocktail list is great and reasonably priced, too, paying special attention to the Mojito – no bad thing. 82 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 6SF, 0191 232 8923
Castle Hotel A small pub that's adored for its cosiness. Gets very busy at weekends, but worth it as a city centre place with a homely feel. 66 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LE; 0161 237 9485
The Cluny Tucked away from the city centre, this large, modern pub is also an excellent live music venue. Gigs most nights pack the place to the rafters. 36 Lime St, Ouseburn, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 2PQ, 0191 230 4474

MIDLANDS & EAST

The Bell Alderminster This charismatic country pub offers an award-winning choice of food and drink, including locally brewed Alscot ale. There are rooms, too, if the ale gets the better of you. Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 8NY, 01789 450 414

The Lord Clifden Lots of guest beers, killer jukebox, free wifi good artwork (including original Banksy), table tennis/football and a big playground of a beer garden make this one popular pub indeed. 34 Great Hampton Street, Hockley, Birmingham, B18 6AA; 0121 5237 515

Aqua Eight Most famous for its food, this East-Asian restaurant-lounge is also a relaxing place to drink, despite its highly stylised interior. There's a brilliant selection of spirits and champagne. 8 Lion Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1DQ; 01473 218 994
 

WALES

Chapter Arts Centre Turn up early or stick around after the show in the lovely bar and cafe of this cinema, theatre and gallery space. Market Road, Cardiff, CF5 1QE; 029 2030 4400, chapter.org
Milgi Lounge Vintage clothes-shopping, video screenings and art exhibitions in yurts are the big pull here, as well as the martinis and chai lattes. 213 City Road, Cardiff, CF24 3JD; 02920 473 150

SCOTLAND

99 Bar & Kitchen Well-stocked bar with lots of exotic liquors and regular live music – and very friendly staff. What more could you want? 1 Back Wynd, Aberdeen, AB10 1JN; 01224 631 640

NORTHERN IRELAND

Muriel's Bar This bijou bar is designed like an old 1920s haunt – think velvet stools, late-night dining and classic cocktails. Just don't be put off by the "regulars only" sign hanging in the window 12-14 Church Lane, Belfast, BT1 4QN; 028 9033 2445