Primo Bar at the Park Plaza

Tourists may marvel at this shiny new hotel’s much-trumpeted view of Big Ben, although blasé Londoners are more likely to be impressed by the glossy Primo lounge & its Asian-leaning cocktails. Split by a handsome bar, it offers two very different experiences: the larger space – think low-lit, low-slung, monochrome 60s chic – is the place to socialise over a bottle of wine (from just £19), house Champagne, Eurasian bites (Caesar salad, frittata, meatballs on ciabatta, chicken satay) & sexy cakes. However, it’s the live music lounge (all moody reds & blacks) that steals the show with its nightly jazz, swing, crooners & samba acts from 8pm. Cocktails match this space for drama: try cavallo (rum, passion fruit, umeshu & peach bitters) from a selection priced at under £10 a pop.