Over the past two decades, Turnmills has established itself as one of London's most influential entertainment venues. Easy to reach from the City, Docklands and West End, Turnmills is located just 2 minutes from Farringdon station.

Turnmills is renowned for the chart-topping DJs who frequent The Gallery on Friday nights. Dance until 7:30 AM to thumping beats by the likes of Tall Paul, Benny Bennassi and Judge Jules.

The Turnmills complex houses two restaurants, a bar, gymnasium and recording studio and of course their world famous nightclub. Having been granted the UK's first ever 24 hour entertainment licence and with a generous late licence, Turnmills has developed an unrivalled reputation for event promotion and first class club nights.

Turnmills has a bit of a bad reputation for aggressive bouncers and a sterile warehouse-like ambiance, but I have found both claims unfounded. Besides, it’s the strong drinks and phenomenal sound system that keep the clubbers queuing.

Be savvier than the masses by booking tickets in advance so that you can jump the queue, get discounted admission and get your dance on as soon as you arrive.

Thai Square is a contemporary Thai restaurant located in the award-winning Putney Bridge Building. Take in the breathtaking view of the Thames while sipping a Woo Woo on their relaxing full-length balcony.

The Putney Building has been received various design awards for its distinctly nautical construction. One of the most unique buildings in London, it resembles a ship with metal beams, long glass windows, and rope-threaded timber panels.

Special care has been taken to ensure that it preserves an authentic Thai ambiance. Eight statues of Buddha are dispersed throughout the restaurant and as tradition dictates, they are fed and watered daily.

Thai Square is divided into three distinct areas. The main restaurant features Thai cuisine prepared by Prawat Ngam-Arom, a distinguished Thai chef from Bangkok. The menu offers nearly 100 items ranging from a multitude of starters, soups, noodle dishes, Thai salads, curries, rice dishes and Thai specialities.

After dinner, saunter over to the bar to sample one of their many sinful cocktails or to indulge in a glass of champagne. Meander towards the back of the restaurant to the Cigar Lounge which features DJs spinning house music and funky tunes on the weekends. This sultry lounge is stunning in its modern simplicity coupled with rich jewel-toned velvet couches and elaborate etched glass walls. If you don’t want to share the opulence with the masses, reserve this intimate space for a private party with your trendiest entourage.

On the weekends, arrive early to secure your space on the throbbing dance floor and be prepared to wait longer than usual for a cocktail as this is one of the hottest spots in town. This is undoubtedly a fantastic venue if you are seeking somewhere classy yet relaxed enough to lose your inhibitions and shake your stuff on the dance floor.

Walkabout is a popular Australian bar/restaurant chain with 48 locations throughout the UK, 17 of which are located in London. On most nights, live bands play rock and indie hits as well as anthems from the last three decades. Old school hits such as “Jessie’s Girl,” get the crowd revved up on the dance floor. This is an excellent find for a traveller on a budget as all meals are only £3.50! Their eclectic menu features many Aussie favourites such as kangaroo and springbok (a breed of antelope). For the less adventurous diner, Walkabout has burgers, salads, sandwiches and an all-day breakfast.

I ended up at the Temple location merely by chance one Friday evening as it appeared to be the only lively bar in the neighbourhood. I was a bit taken aback by the £5.00 cover charge as it is more of a sports bar than a nightclub, but I gave in for lack of other enticing options.

I was initially excited, as the bar was packed wall-to-wall and everyone seemed up for it. The thrill soon wore off after five minutes here. The bar staff were terribly inattentive and I estimate I had to wait seven minutes to get served.

I sipped my weak Jack and Coke and was quickly annoyed by sheer amount of lager lout types constantly bumping into me. The sound system was blaring obnoxious, overplayed songs from the early nineties, and it was virtually impossible to carry on a conversation over the din.

Luckily, the upper level has ample seating, so I lounged on a bench away from the seething masses.

All in all, it is what it is- a chain. What it lacks in décor and atmosphere it makes up for with cheap eats and reasonable drinks. My advice is to keep walking…