The research found that while the new style nightlife has brought benefits, 'old' problems of excessive drinking and violence are unlikely to disappear.

BBC: 'Flashy' bars upstage a pint and kebab

The Melrose Avenue bar celebrates drinking en francais with 10 French wines by the glass, 15 champagnes and a few French-style beers.

BBC: Vive la France in Los Angeles

His style is rooted in the Gypsy Lautari tradition of slowly paced melancholy love songs, laments and drinking songs.

NPR: A Suave Romanian Sings the Falsetto Blues