Gilt Bar at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower

This small, dark & sophisticated enclave for the seriously moneyed set keeps Harrods gawkers & Knightsbridge’s rucksack brigade at arm’s length, & cocoons its clients from the vulgarities of the world outside. Decked out in cream, gold & black, its main feature is threads of delicate glass baubles that hang from the walls & above the bar. The concise, heavily embossed menu offers expertly mixed classics such as a fruity bramble, served by prompt & deferential staff. It may be priced with middle-aged, multi-millionaire expats in mind, but the cocktails do include a pride of complimentary canapés, including foie-gras terrine on a mini croûte, fat olives, & mini asparagus vol-au-vents: that’s dinner sorted for the size zeros in this part of town.