1. Bourne and Hollingsworth - Rathbone Place
This tiny little
slip of a place is just a newsagent to the naked eye. But once you spy
the sneaky stairs, you're treated to a gorgeous 30s bar and some
excellent cocktails. The £7.50 Sebastian Martini wins points for being
the most divine - passion fruit, vodka and champagne in that ever
important martini glass. (Cocktails always taste better in a martini
glass, don't you think?) Think flapper dresses and feathers and you've
got the look just right.
2. Bob Bob Ricard - Upper James Street
This
new haunt is taking trendy Soho by storm. It's a breakfast bar, a diner
and cocktail bar all rolled into one. How very U S of A. Press a dinky
little button at your table to order more champagne (very nice touch) or
have one of the charming waitresses bring you a rhubarb gin and tonic.
It's not cheap though. Drinks are around a tenner. It's worth it; you're
paying for style here.
3. Fluid - Charterhouse Street
Cocktails
AND arcade games? Yes please! Throw in some sushi and this is a
fantastic little find in Clerkenwell. With favourites like Space
Invaders and Pacman on the old school arcade machines, you'll have a
great time getting in touch with your inner child. They play great music
and do a mean Polish martini. I'm more of a fan of their long drinks,
but if you really really want to, you can have yourself a Wasbabi
Martini. It's a pricey night out though - most cocktails are £7-8.
4. Lab Bar - Old Compton Street
This
is one of the most popular cocktail bars in London and its easy to see
why. The cocktail list is gigantic. You'd be very very hungover if you
tried to work your way through it. It's not the cheapest cocktail bar -
the drinks will set you back about £8 each, but the mixologists are some
of the best in the business and if you can't decide what you want, you
can always get them to whip up something new. Having your own signature
cocktail is pretty cool y'know.