Anyone who's been drinking in Oxford will know how tricky it is to buy a drink after midnight. That's why this Cowley Road classic is such a winner for those who want to go hard rather than home. When bells across the city ring for last orders, head east to the (relatively) edgy part of town and follow the hum of reggae to this late night Jamaican drinking den.

Don't expect glamour, but be prepared for a hell of a party; this is where the remnants of the night come to keep it going. The proprietors have been giving people a good time here for the last thirty years. They're very much in charge and don't mind telling you if you're misbehaving (if you get in that is). There is a notoriously 'liberal' attitude to drink prices and spirit measures; both depend on how charming you are to the sexy barmaid. So, crack into the kaleidoscopic collection of rums and Caribbean beer, grab a seat and have fun with some 'interesting' characters into the early hours. Oh, and if you get there a little earlier, try some of their Jamaican cuisine. It sure gives Levi Roots a run for his money.

NB. Before hitting the rum, BarChick likes to have a sharpener at The Half Moon on Magdalene roundabout. Be prepared to snuggle up to strangers in this tight-nit and banging Irish pub. It's open until 2am (last entry at 1am mind...) and odds on you'll make some new best friends to join you for a few cans of Red Stripe.