Brasserie Max (bar) at the Covent Garden Hotel

Pitches have been pushed, deals closed, photo-shoots imagined & weddings planned here – what important business hasn’t been carried out at this Covent Garden classic? Boutique hotel chain Firmdale’s decorative ideas may verge on the ‘mumsy’, but bloody Mary, Kentucky autumn cup, Vesper martini & fig caipirinha (£12) have ‘come to daddy’ appeal on the cocktail list. As well as sassy slings & picture-pretty flutes such as peachy pompom, with its Parma-violet liqueur, Max also touts an all-day, all-embracing global menu that stretches from steamed dumpling platters to smoked salmon blinis, edamame & lamb kofte. Alternatively, enjoy the great afternoon-tea revival or drop by for breakfast – anything from brioche & café crème to kedgeree. A comprehensive wine list includes low-cash, rustic Italians & big-budget Burgundies if you fancy maxing the plastic.