La Lecciona beach

In the last few years, the area around the beach known as La Lecciona, some three kms south of Viareggio on the Versilia coast, has become known as a gay hang out. The beach itself is near Bar La Lecciona, which doubles as a fish restaurant and attracts some pretty crazy characters. There are also a number of shops and gay bars and a club nearby. For those who get the urge for some woodland wandering, the near by pine wood or 'pineta' is a daytime cruising zone.

It's Like a Jungle IV

The beats don't get much chunkier than those served up at this fourth annual jungle jamboree in the Ancienne Belgique. Bristol trio Breakbeat Era - formed by drum 'n' bass trailblazer Roni Size and featuring seductive chanteuse Lennie Laws - will headline, ably supported by a posse of artists from Size's influential label Full Cycle, including fellow Era member DJ Die. Belgian spin doctors Millennium Kru and DJ System-D are also on the bill, as well as several live bands. No sleep 'til sunlight.

Belgo

Already a successful chain in London, Belgo now comes to Dublin. This Belgian-influenced restaurant is located in a quiet side-street in Temple Bar and, more times than not, is oddly empty. In addition to the food, which includes a variety of sausages (wild boar for one), Belgo houses the widest selection of bottled beers in Dublin. The place is large, it's trendy and, except at lunchtimes and during early-bird, it's quite pricey for what you get. Some savings can be had, though, with the trademark Belgo Bargains: a 'Fiver Lunch' (Mon-Fri noon-3pm, until 4pm at weekends) and 'Beat the Clock' (Mon-Fri 5.30-7.30pm).