Bars & Pubs

Regular and much-publicised patronage by junior members of the Royal Family means you'll have to queue to get in here, even midweek; though when you're in this Mayfair basement, you're as likely to find yourself sharing a booth with thirtysomething IT contractors on expenses as with rock star brats or blue bloods. Still, there's a nicely unbuttoned, relaxed feel to the place (encouraged by the faux-Hawaiiana, which extends to the grass-skirted bar staff), and the cocktails are excellent. Our zombie wasn't cheap (£12), but worth it for the dash of absinthe added to the rum and grapefruit juice.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9