Akbar

The downstairs bar at the perennially fashionable Red Fort is a fine place for a pre-dinner cocktail, but Akbar also works as a destination in its own right thanks to a chic & confident spice-toned interior of walnut, sandstone, granite, marble, leather, kilim rugs & trinkets shipped from the subcontinent. Relax over lemongrass-infused Champagne cocktails (from £7.50), a more potent Agra – Bombay Sapphire, lemon & lime juice, pomegranate & fragrant mint charged with ginger beer – or alcohol-free lassis & mocktails. House lager is, inevitably, Kingfisher, while it’s advisable to order wine off the restaurant’s list rather than the bar’s limited selection. Fragrant nibbles include tikkas & kebabs to share. Prices are reasonable & the clientele includes the occasional Bollywood face.