Bar trek
TRAVEL
If our guide to Scottish bars has left you itching to try somewhere completely new, check out these European hotspots and their unique drinking cultures.
Brussels
Over 400 regionally brewed ales await you in the smoke-filled bars of Brussels. a city packed with atmospheric watering holes. The St (3er district within the Lower Town is alive with trendy revellers dining al fresco in cafe-bars like Mappa Mundo. Popular too is the historic Grand Place area. where bars such as (‘ercueil serve beer in skull-shaped glasses. Sablon and the Upper 'l‘own‘environs of Avenue Louise are expensive but you‘ll find many a Bruxellois feasting on moules frites in the Place St Boniface area of the city. ((‘olin Hutchison) )t'lt‘lt‘.[)1‘1(.8‘.S‘(’/.)‘(1f.8'(‘()l‘(’l:\‘.(‘()nl
Madrid
While Madrid is superb sightseeing — try the Palacio Real or the stunning art collections in the Prado and Reina Sofia — only a fool would wait for dinnertime before finding refreshment. Break off in the early evening and head for the districts of Malasafia and La Latina. l5 mintttes walk north and south respectively frotn Puerta del Sol. Simple bars abound in the narrow alleys. ()rder cafias (small beers that won‘t have you falling over too quickly). which in many places come with gorgeous free tapas: spicy chorizo. plump olives or cured ham. Before you know it night could well be in full swing. (James Smart) H'H’lt‘.(’.\‘Illll(/I'l(1.('(HII
Malmo
Like the best of cities. Malmo offers a diversity of going out experiences. For a quaint beer al fresco (when it‘s not too cold) check out the
for
enchanting plaza of Lilla 'l‘org. and the throng of bars. restaurants and coffee houses that line all four sides of the cobbled courtyard. For something a little tnore lively. head south towards the Mollevangen district where the best of altemative after hours hotspots are located. Hang out with the in-crowd at the
trendy Tempo Bar. or hit one of
many great clubs such as KB. which
IN SPLIT, THE ATMOSPHERE BUBBLES LIKE A FROT HY BEER
hosts a diverse swathe of top live acts. (Malcolm Jack) )t'It'It‘. l'l.8'iI-.S‘It'(’([(’l1.(‘(IIII
Oslo
Forget the Viking ships at Aker Biygge port and the naked sculptures at Vigeland sculpture park: the place where all the blondes are heading this season is Griinerlokka. at the north-east side of Oslo. Originally a run-down district. Griinerlokka has regenerated itself over recent years as the newest attraction for the any and alternative customer to enjoy Norway‘s famous home beer. Ringnes. Venues to look out for are the newly opened Kaos. a daytime cafe that turns into a rock bar and funky gig club when the sun goes down. and Coma. a modern bar/restaurant where you can relax to the sounds of Scandinavian bands like Royksopp. (Gillian Carmichael)
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Split
Fans of picture-perfect towns may prefer nearby Dubrovnik. but Split's lively atmosphere makes it infinitely more entertaining. Croatia‘s second city is dominated by its waterfront. where you can sip coffee and pose in your shades. However. you're best off in the buzzing side streets and picturesque squares a few hundred metres back. where the bars are plentiful. the pizza slices cheap and tasty and the atmosphere bubbles like a frothy beer. If you want to get away from it all. the Marjan Pensinsula is only 20 minutes walk. with its wooded slopes. shineg coves and bar with views to die for. (James Smart) it'ii'ttzt'matia.hr
How much to get cultured . . .
As the panto season starts up, try some alternative seasonal entertainment.
I Bolshoi In Moscow
Get in the festive mood by watching the legendary ballet company perform The Bright Stream, Fyodor Lopukhov's political piece that was banned under Stalin. Tickets through www.operaand ballet.com: from £58 + flight to Moscow from London with www.ba.com: 2266. Total: £324
I Mozart In Salzburg Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Mozart (27 January 2006) with a trip to his home town. The city will be celebrating in style with concerts. exhibitions and performances. Concert at the International Mozart Foundation: from £10 + flight to Salzburg from Birmingham with www.flybe.com: 9127.
Total: £137
I Rent In New York
Indulge of a spot of Christmas shopping, go ice skating outside the Rockerfella Centre and then hit Broadway to watch this classic tale of New York living at the Nederlander Theater. Tickets through wwwticketmastercom: £52 + flights from Glasgow with wwcontinentalcom: £299. Total: £351
I Shakespeare In London
OK. so it’s not Stratford-upon-Avon but there's no better way to beat the January blues than with a trip to the capital to watch the RSC performing The Comedy of Errors. Balcony seat from www.delfont- mackintoshcom: £35 + advance tickets from Edinburgh to London with www.gner.co.uk: €39.
Total: £74
Prices and availability were correct at the time of writing but may alter quick/y.
1—15 Dec 2005 THE LIST 111