Bars & Pubs

Housed in The Trafalgar hotel on Trafalgar Square, next to whisky rival Albannach, opposite the Canadian High Commission, Rockwell's a starkly lit, bright soaring ceilinged shrine to the early Noughties that doesn’t quite manage to hide its hotel lobby bar feel. Usually, you'll find a few gee-whizz tourists with high-waisted trousers, ladies who lounge in twin-sets and pearls, and some business brat pack types.

If minimalism melts your butter then you’ll marvel at the surroundings but, on our visit, it made for a moon-like atmosphere. That said, the drinks and the service are great. The former is a basilica to bourbon with an enormous array of American whiskeys, including Wild Turkey 17 year old at £40 a pop. An impressive old fashioned and a bloody Mary topped up with red wine are the pick of a pricey cocktail list. Boring beer list, though. Food comes in the form of sharing platters, soups, sandwiches and wallet-'n'-waist-busting burgers.

In the summer, see if you can wangle your way onto the lovely roof terrace for a close-up of Nelson’s Column.

Time Out London Issue 2004: January 15-21 2009