Neo

Granite walls & moody lighting give this swish basement the feel of a Bond villain’s lair, although the handsome space is actually a haven for Clerkenwell creatives in need of a decent cocktail. Retro drinks include sidecar, Tequila sunrise & a Prohibition-era Mary Pickford, & the list reads like a crash course in mixology history (did you know the Manhattan was first concocted for Winston Churchill’s mother?). Cocktail genealogists can admire the picadors, bellinis & daiquiris, beer fans may veer towards notable brews such as Estonian Viru, & two dozen approachable wines include some interesting names. Reasonably priced Italian food is on hand in the shape of paninis, bruschettas, pizzas & platters – nothing too fancy.