Oscar (bar) at the Charlotte Street Hotel

Is there ever a time when the bar at the Charlotte Street Hotel isn’t packed? Even when the neighbourhood is quiet, Oscar remains a civilised hot ticket for the local sharp-suited crowd & seating is at a premium – although there’s plenty of standing room by the bar. The mixologists work with flair & passion, shaking up innovative creations such as Modena Manhattan (an infusion of balsamic vinegar, strawberries & bourbon, sweetened with crème de fraise) or summery carrot cooler (Calvados, apple schnapps & apple juice over ice, topped with carrot juice & sugar syrup). They’ll happily mix up a sidecar or gimlet too. To eat, there are fashionable sharing platters & easy-to-eat finger food (duck spring rolls, club sandwiches, cupcakes) – leaving your other hand free for that cocktail, natch.