Nightjar

Despite an unprepossessing location beneath a parade of tacky takeaways, this 1920’s American-style jewel offers decidedly uptown drinking in sophisticated surrounds – in fact Nightjar’s witty garnishes would guarantee its cocktails a place on any ‘world’s best dressed’ list. Pitcairn punch, for example, is accessorised with sprigs, twigs and a frosted pine cone – like Santa’s grotto in a folksy blue tin mug. Elsewhere, rare fruits and ‘health-giving’ exotic teas inspire 2013’s new mixology mood, as sweet waitresses deliver a string of universally exceptional ideas – try clandestino sour (Woodford Reserve bourbon, blue corn infusion, lemon, tapioca sugar, lucuma powder and similar exotica muddled to devastating effect in a paprika-dusted ceramic mug). Such winning peculiars, combined with quality tapas, cheese, charcuterie boards and a late licence, have rightly gained Nightjar a fan club – so be sure to book ahead if you’re after a table.