AT THE CLUB FACE

ALTERED STATES@ rocket

After a well-earned break, following the closure of Heaven for refurbishment, Altered States returns to a monthly Friday night slot, this time on the north side of the river, at the Rocket. Their last gig at Heaven was legendary, with more than 1,500 people dancing the night away, so this new gig will be worth a visit just to experience the vibe. This Friday, Eve Records present their new recording, "Girotondo", in addition to a live set from K90. James McInnes and David Craig keep the beats hard and fast on the techno tip.

Fri, 166-220 Holloway Rd, N7 (0181-740 8752) 10pm-6am pounds 10/pounds 8 NUS

FUEGO@ fuego

Friday night is the perfect night to party to erase five days of work from your memory. For thousands of suits in the capital, the problem is that many establishments want you to go home and change before you can drink and dance yourself into oblivion.

Fuego takes pity on such poor champions of industry, and offers an oasis of Latin food, drink and dancing on any night. Authentic Latin rhythms rule on Monday, with Jose Ayala, while DJ Raff plays housey anthems and dancefloor fillers from Tuesday to Friday.

The excellent food is reasonably priced and can be eaten in a separate restaurant, or at the bar.

Located on the city side of town this is a good place to start, or end, your weekend celebrations.

Mon-Fri, 1a Pudding Lane, London, EC3 (0171-929 3366) closes 2am free entry

DOUBLE BUBBLE@ mars

Double Bubble was created to provide a platform for "unknown" DJs with lots of talent but few opportunities, and after dabbling for a while at Velvet, they've found an excellent home at Mars.

The success of the night means that founder members and DJs, Jules Spinner and Tim Nice, are not so unknown in 98, but the club still provides a much-needed platform for lesser-known DJs. Tonight's gig boasts The Space Brothers and Loop Da Loop as well as Jules Spinner and Alex G on percussion. "Phat tuff funky house and bubblin' beats" are served up for a young cosmopolitan crowd. These gigs come up once a month (last Saturday of each month) and offer more beats for your money than most other Saturday night gigs. Excellent value for money.

Tonight, The Basement, 12 Sutton Row, Soho W1 (01438 833370) 10.30pm- 4.30am pounds 8 members/pounds 10 others

PURE SILK@ sw1

Norris "the boss" Windross is on the decks tonight, so you know you're gonna hear thick slices of bassy underground garage - UK-style. SW1 may not be one of the best-looking venues in the capital, but it does seem to boast some of the better nights around. In addition, the size of the venue provides an excellent underground feel and you'll have to travel pretty far to find a gig with a superior vibe.

Bruce Dyer, Daryl B, Rashid and EZ MCs give support on the decks with uplifting anthems and soulful US garage. Dress to impress.

Tonight, 191 Victoria Street, SW1 (070500 787 37455) 10.30pm-6am pounds 10 before 3am/pounds 7 after.

FRESH & FUNKY@ hanover grand

London's phattest R&B gig always has punters queuing down Regent Street. The night offers R&B, hip-hop and grimy beatz upstairs, while rare grooves and jazz funk vibes rule in the basement.

No dress code and excellent value for money, but arrive early, as the crowds of latecomers who descend around witching hour make queuing a lottery.

Everything gets a turn on the Technics, from slick soul to hardcore rap. The end result is a no-nonsense event, full of dark tunes.

Wed, 6 Hanover St, W1 (0171-499 7977) 10pm till late pounds 5