Darkness falls across the land. At the midnight hour, corpses rise from their graves to terrorise the living. Yes folks, Halloween is nearly here again. Originally it was an Irish pagan ritual involving costumes, masks and bonfires to placate the evil spirits. Many of the other things we associate with it, such as vampires, werewolves and zombies came much later thanks to Hollywood imaginations. For an evening of chills and thrills why not try the creepy sounding Death and Co in New York? Or head for the Habita Hotel in Mexico and celebrate the Day of the Dead.
Frighteningly good bars for Halloween drinks:
Despite the ominous name, there's nothing gloomy about this speakeasy styled bar. Hiding behind distinctive doors, the interior exudes a cool, jazzy vibe, low-lit and intimate. Kerosene lanterns and crystal chandeliers add to the atmosphere, scattering shadows up the gold-flecked walls. The cocktails are truly superb, mixed by bartenders, who learned their trade at the likes of the Pegu Club and the Flatiron Lounge. There's also a plentiful array of well-chosen wines, scotches and whiskies. This is one for people who like their bars grown-up and atmospheric rather than riotous and super-trendy. And the name? Well, in yet another nice touch, it's a reference to a Prohibition-era art movement.
This place is truly special. Hidden behind a little door on Joiner Street in London Bridge station, this sprawling underground space is a members’ bar with a difference. Dark and Gothic in atmosphere this is the place to come if you have a penchant for avant-garde theatre, performance art, cabaret and circus. On any given night you might see aerialists twisting from the ceiling or run into arts installation. It's also the home of the Shunt collective and, as such, has been the setting for their unique theatrical spectacles Amalto Saltone and Tropicano. There is always something of interest to see - or maybe participate in. Drinks are basic – beer and wine and nothing fancy, but that’s not the point here. Atmosphere is all, and your experience will differ depending on what night you rock up, but if you bring an open mind (and a fiver if you’re a non member) you’re bound to have a memorable night.
Take a comfortably worn-in space, fill it with shabby-chic furnishings and a diverse clubbing crowd and add massive exclusive musical and cultural events voila, you have secret recipe to Alchemia’s long-lasting success. Stationed in a modest-looking building in the heart of Kazimierz, the old Jewish district turned contemporary-arts and bohemian nightlife centre, this street-level club draws legions of freethinking artsy types, enthusiastic nighthawks and partygoers with a soft spot for high-flying jazz, blues and experimental acts. The decidedly flash-from-the-past interior of retro funky furniture, wall fixtures and nostalgia-filled knickknacks may remind you of your grannies house but they create a uniquely indie space for serious socializing and down-to-earth drinking. Those in search of creative alcoholic chemistry should beeline to the bar, for skilful barstaff are known for their alchemist-like artistry in concocting dangerously desirable drinks.
The Habita is Mexico City's smartest contemporary hotel, an uber-boutique of considerable style. But it hides its greatest asset up on the roof. Looking out over the surrounding streets of the city's upmarket Polanco district, the decked roof terrace features a sleek bar area and a funky lap pool lit by a lightning effect wall mural. Serious swimming is clearly not this pool's raison d'etre, instead it's all about the atmosphere and the cutting edge look the place, as live DJs provide the aural backdrop for the bar's beautiful crowd of young, pre-clubbing types. Though obviously a superb place to hang out on a hot summer evening, patio heaters and an open fireplace make it equally palatable come winter. Videoes (and the odd football match) are occasionally projected onto the side of a nearby building.
The base2stay in London combines the comfort of luxury lodging with the most budget-friendly type of service: self-service. 
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