Bars & Pubs

Under the row of flags on the stern, stylish Covent Garden Hotel, this bar-restaurant is one to impress with. Join the crowd of well-to-do creative types for champagne-fuelled powwows and sophisticated banter. The seven modish cocktails (£10.50) show daring: take the Lady Marmalade, comprising Hennessey cognac, Cointreau, lime, own-made marmalade and lemonade. The similarly priced signature martini is a Max Passion of Belvedere Orange, Passoa liqueur, Chambord, passion fruit and lychee juice. Wines start with a Telero Bianco del Salento at £6.50/£22. House platters include a ploughman's at £25, beefburgers are £15.50 and bellinis start at £11.50. Waiters squeeze their way between the half-moon chairs from the zinc bar creating a buzzy, brasserie atmosphere.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9