The Arch Bar at The Intercontinental Park Lane

The InterContinental’s old Lobby Lounge has a new name & a new look that has greatly improved its image. The 1920s moderne-meets-Rat Pack interior now includes a brushed-glass bar set against a mural-like panorama of the Wellington Arch outside, while the range of cocktails is fashionably tilted towards gin. Choose from more than two-dozen brands: Hammersmith hipster, Sipsmith, Oxley, Bloom, 6 O’Clock, Berry Brothers & Judd No.3, & Beefeater 24 all have individualistic appeal derived from their complex botanical formulae. Order poor man’s punch (served in a teapot with china cups) & old-time tipple (Greenall’s Berkeley Square gin, cranberry, basil & cherry tomatoes) – or veer away from the juniper spirit if you must. Factor in intercontinental bites, plus a couple of cocktails each, & you’re looking at more than £100.