Brumus Bar at Haymarket Hotel

Brumus divides opinion. Some find the Haymarket Hotel’s bar styled to within an inch of its life, though those with a taste for the theatrical will feel at home in this berry-&-bruise toned modern baroque salon. It’s cheerful, if not exactly cheap. Oriental woods & quirky accents warm up winter nights, as will a bottle of spicy Gigondas at a cool £39 (one of many wines available by the glass). For summer, sip a Collins, sling, daiquiri or a glass of Pommery (£11) to chill-out sounds. Snack on global bar bites of tiger prawn tempura, spring rolls, fat chips & crispy squid. Service is both discreet & efficient, & Krug Clos du Mesnil costs £540, so come armed with platinum Amex.