Donovan Bar at Brown's Hotel

Smooth and dependable with a tasteful and nicely upholstered interior, the Donovan Bar is quietly stylish – if not the most exciting ride in town. However, at £15 per cocktail, this self-appointed ‘legendary drinking establishment' is possibly not for your average runaround tippler. Fans of sidecar and classics of similar vintage will find them among a list of contemporary ideas such as the rock (Glenmorangie 18-year-old whisky, fresh pineapple, black pepper and lemon juice spritzed with smoky Scotch), while gin lovers might fancy a Sipsmith and Aperol old fashioned, sipped to the sounds of live jazz most evenings. There's also a good range of grape and grain to go with proper English snacks – think devils on horseback, fishfingers with mushy peas and chips, Portland crab on toast or pork crackling with Bramley apple sauce