Bars & Pubs

Once an intimate late-night and often louche drinking hole, the BDM is now a serious operation with a huge dining area at the back and a more limited selection of the thing that makes it tick - wine. This is not to say that the front bar, with its French soldier's uniform, red walls, wrought-iron and candlelight, is no longer a fine place to move seamlessly from chat to romance - it most certainly is. Help things along with a merlot - malbec (£3.45/£13) or Guerrieri Rizzardi pinot grigio (£3.60/£15.50) - perhaps even a Pannier Brut Champagne (£6.50/£29). Accompaniments include platters of cured meats or French cheeses. The basement offers more intimacy but comes with kitchen smells.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9