22 Below

Since the demise of Liberty’s basement Champagne bar, this arty urban bunker is the best alternative for some fortifying fizz before maxing out the plastic on a late-night shopping spree at the famous department store. Come back later for cocktails that stack up as among the very best in ‘Carnaby’: stunning stirs include Martinez (the Californian Gold Rush invention considered to be the modern martini’s forerunner) & sazerac – the Rhett Butler of cocktails. Otherwise, Barbie in a cage (a Hendrick’s & fresh watermelon flip) is a doll at £7.50. Pom-pom (vodka, lychee & peach liqueurs, bitters, pomegranate & lemon juices) & shi-shi (a gin & vanilla mix) are other chi-chi adventures that work here. With wines from around £15, Laotian beer & pukka picnic platters, 22 Below is a cut above.