Amaranto (bar)

Glitzy, opulent luxe; well-drilled staff; impressive wine library; some of Scotland’s finest malts; Cognac fit for Napoleon himself – Amaranto’s bar feels like a super-rich Italian’s villa, complete with lashings of blood-red drama in its expensively gussied-up rooms. Obviously, you’ll have to try the Hamilton Place martini (Cavalli vodka, Martini Gold by Dolce & Gabbana, & that all-important flaked gold sprinkle at £18.50), although the smart money is on the range of negronis – Cynar, sbagliato or the diverso with its memories of Sicilian orange groves. Also check out the cinnamon fig sour served with mounds of moreish salted nibbles. Rock up for lavender iced tea, classic English afternoon tea or the Italianate Dolce Vita version (think Anita Ekberg meets Marcello Mastroianni) – otherwise there’s a full Italian menu in the adjoining restaurant.