Bars & Pubs

This is the London outpost of Oxfordshire's upmarket hotel and bar Crazy Bear. A charming hostess leads you to a low-lit, Lilliputian basement bar of quiet chatter, padded alcoves, swivel cowhide stools and low-slung leather armchairs. Swanky cocktails (£8.50/£9.50 for champagne variants) are the order of the day, and mixed to perfection. There are classics with a twist (lychee mojitos, strawberry and basil mules) and quirky originals like a Ginger Bear of Koko Kanu rum, chocolate liqueur, ginger and lemongrass. If mixed drinks don't appeal, there are three champagnes (Gallimard, Pol Roger Reserve and Billecart-Salmon) available by the glass, as are a dozen wines; a full wine list is also available. Beers are bottled and include Singha, Monteith's and Tiger. Whatever your choice, a level of sobriety is required for the incredibly glam but disorientating loos (the doors are hidden in the walls and everything is mirrored). Bar snacks include dim sum (£4), spring rolls and satays.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9