Bars & Pubs

With the dimming of Amber and the opening of Lucky Voice (see p70), it's all change on Poland Street. Polka, a Jamies chain venue, still attracts regulars to its intimate, candlelit, two-floor interior, the upstairs open from Wednesday to Saturday. Half the two-dozen cocktails (£6-£6.50) are inventions of the (mainly Italian) staff, including an Azzurro (Bombay Sapphire gin, juniper, anise syrup and fresh basil), and a Polka (raspberry cosmopolitan with Belvedere Pomarancza). The wine list numbers two dozen reds and whites, half of which are available by the glass, with the Babich Black Label Marlborough sauvignon blanc or the Grant Burge Barossa Vines shiraz offering sound Antipodean choices. Substantial meze boards (£16.95) and booze-soaking snacks (chicken and red pepper skewers, falafels and the like, from £4.50) complete the picture.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9