Pubs and clubs

For overseas visitors to England, a visit to an English pub is as important as seeing the Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle or visiting the White Cliffs of Dover. Pubs are a uniquely English phenomenon and the ingredients that make a good pub are a mysterious concoction.

Pubs are served in many guises, from little thatched cottages to large, purpose built operations. The former end of the scale is the more attractive to a visitor and their numbers are large in the South East of England.

Closely associated with pubs is "a Ploughmans", the traditional cheese, bread and pickle lunch. But most pubs now also have a restaurant and many of these serve truly excellent dishes, making them the best "eateries" in their area.

Pubs serve their food and drinks with views of the sea, at the edge of trout streams, with panoramic views across valleys, in woodland, by canals, harbour-side ... just so many places that add a joy to the delights of the refreshment.

Most of the older pubs have fascinating histories. The Bat and Ball in Hambledon in Hampshire is the home of English cricket and during games, the Inn would act as clubhouse. The quaint town of Rye in Sussex is home to the Mermaid Inn, once the haunt of smugglers and the much-feared Hawkhurst Gang. Artist John Constable stayed at the 15th century Swan in Fittleworth, West Sussex when painting landscapes in the area.

As day turns to night you'll find a vast range of clubs in which to spice up your nightlife. With the South East's thriving year-round cultural scene you can enjoy themed clubs with comedy, live music, retro nights, big bands, up-beat dance anthems and much more. Town and city centres come to life with the buzz and excitement of what's in store.

Around them you will find ten-pin bowling, casinos, multi-screen cinemas and similar entertainment. So there's no excuse for an early night!