Egypt Guide
The Nile Valley
Drinking
1 
Cocktail Sunset Bar Corniche el-Nil, near the Mercure Luxor A chic, ultra-relaxed floating ice-cream parlour with a cocktail bar upstairs, retro decor, mood music and a fine view of the Nile. They serve cocktails and spirits (around £E35), beer (£E20), wine (£E25) and fresh juices (£E18), but the only things to eat are cheese snacks or Swiss ice cream. Opening time: Daily 11am– midnight
2 King's Head Pub Sharia Khalid Ibn Walid Though the king in question is Akhenaten, this place looks and feels like an English pub, offering toasted sandwiches, soups, chips and a Sunday lunch of roast beef and Yorkshire pud. Its beer and cocktails are as cheap as anywhere, and there's billiards and satellite TV. Owner Gomaa Abu el-Fadl is a novelist, journalist and activist who enjoys a deep conversation. Opening time: Daily noon–2am (later if there are customers)
3 Murphy's Irish Pub Sharia al-Gawazat, off Sharia Khalid Ibn Walid Don't be misled by the deadsville eating area downstairs – upstairs is often livelier than the King's Head, with singalongs, Mexican waves, pool matches and sports TV, cheered on by boisterous Brits. There's also a small disco in the basement. Opening time: Daily noon–2am or later
4 Venus Bar Venus Hotel, Sharia Yussef Hassan A downtown joint with bargirls to attract baladi clients, that's also popular with resident foreign gays. Sells Luxor beer, Egyptian wine and spirits. Opening time: Daily till midnight, later if there are still customers