Bassoon

Despite its reedy musical moniker, a piano holds pride of place at the Corinthia’s lounge – it’s cleverly integrated into the bar counter. Hiring designer David Collins has paid off handsomely in this striking cocktail opportunity, which feels like a subtle pastiche of a cinq-étoile Parisian salon circa Josephine Baker. The list of heady creations is a well-considered mélange of antique classics revisited – think knickerbocker martini, lavender & lemon soda with gin, Hannah Wooley’s punch. Elsewhere, the sensational Bassoon brandy crusta (with Cointreau, maraschino liqueur, dates, lemon juice & Peychaud’s bitters) is a particular high, & presentation is impeccable – dig those candied lychee puffs, olives & savouries served on silver stands. Prices are at the high end of the spectrum, & it remains to be seen whether the style barometer will turn towards traditionally ungroovy Whitehall.