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Call it animated or noisy, but live ethnic music, flowing wine, smoky air and simple seafood are all part of the atmosphere of “Lost Paradise”. Always full to the (low) rafters, the crowd often spills out onto the canalside where tables are set up in spring and summer.

A thoughtful use of candles and soft music helps to create a pleasant and welcoming ambience to this lounge bar and restaurant. They serve imaginative and sometimes somewhat innovative Mediterranean cuisine each evening until 2am.

Marvellous, lively atmosphere and great Guinness, naturally. You can always count on action here – a concert of Irish music in the cosy square, a maxi screen for football games, while at Carnival and, of course, St Patrick’s Day, this is the place to be.

One of the many lively music bars that can be found in Campo S Margherita. Chet Bar is a popular joint and is, as the name clearly indicates, dedicated to that great trumpet player Chet Baker.

A magnificent start to an exciting evening – a special ACTV launch from Piazzale Roma transports hopeful clients down the Grand Canal to the landing stage of the beautiful Renaissance palace, alias City Casino, for a glittering night at the tables or the slot machines. It is also a short walk from the San Marcuola ferry stop.

This chic locale is the only place in Venice where you can enjoy high-quality cuisine and wine until the small hours of the morning, while being entertained by live music in air-conditioned comfort. No sleeveless tops or shorts, for men or women, are allowed.

An enthusiastic multilingual welcome is extended to all visitors in this lively wine bar that never seems to close. It boasts almost non-stop service, an extended “happy hour” from 4–7pm and a delicious assortment of Spanish-style tapas snack meals to accompany the wine.

An eclectic programme of events here never ceases to entertain, from poetry readings to art exhibitions and wine and food events. An added bonus is good wine and a fascinating menu of dishes based on traditional 15th-century recipes.

However late in the evening, you can turn up here and count on live music, a good glass of wine and a crusty crostino topped with anchovies or cheese. On summer evenings locals row up to the waterside entrance.

This tiny club, which does not open until 11pm, has a wonderful laidback atmosphere. Entrance close to the Accademia gallery.