What did i do this weekend?

London is divided into two bits, the east and the west. I live in the west, but most of the 'hip' joints to go out with happen to be in the supposedly dangerous east!

This weekend was Shoreditch, around the Bricklane area. It is really vibrant and multi cultural with the buzz of Marrakech or some great market city like Constantinople in its peak. Kebab's, various exotic languages in the air, strange smells, feels like something's going to happen next....
This bar called 1000 cafe is the cheapest spot for a pint. The rest look really cool but they charge entry. It's got a good mix of the backpackers, yuppies, new in the city French and Europeans, desi's, rappers and British women. Based over 3 levels, they play house music and generally chilled out atmosphere.
Nearest tube: Aldgate east

Last evening I met a girlfriend over dinner, Walked around soho and Covent Garden. It is energetic on a Sunday night with neon lights from the west end cinema's beckoning. Expect to find only tourists though. We blew up a huge 20 quid on dinner at fancy Mexican joint called chiquittos if i remember correctly.
Also there is a lovely second hand book store called quinto's near Leicester square that I love with a mix of second and first hand books. It is possible to spend hours losing oneself here while waiting for friends who come late.
Nearest tube: Leicester square

The underground tubes are safe late night on weekends, the whole city is out innit?!