The Aubrey at The Kensington Hotel

A sumptuous hideaway for liquid indulgence, this timber-clad boutique hotel bar features a striking dark-blue glass ceiling. Perhaps start the evening with a flute of Prosecco from The Aubrey’s 13-strong list of Champagnes & sparklers. Cocktails, however, take centre stage, encompassing classics, signature concoctions & weekly specials. Commit yourself to an Apple Sin & you’ll be zapped by Archers, absinthe, apple juice & lime. Drinks are delivered with care alongside bijou nibbles (olives, popcorn). The restaurant off the bar is equally elegant (green leather banquettes, parquet floors), but can be painfully quiet. From an appealing menu of modish British food, a starter of seared scallops with celeriac & apple mash & cumin sea salt was underdone, although a rib-eye with hollandaise & fat chips was spot on. Desserts are rich & alluring. Prices seem steep (£18 for a wild-mushroom risotto; £22 for the rib-eye), but service is attentive.