Dukes Bar at Dukes Hotel

Dukes Bar is a clubby throwback to a less style-obsessed age – the sort of place to take Great Aunt Augusta when she’s in town. Perhaps better to order her a glass of Pimm’s than one of bar manager Tony Micelotta’s martinis. He may be a genial Italian but his speciality cocktail is utterly ruthless & considered by some to be the very best in the world. Pre-iced aromatic Plymouth gin or limited-edition double distilled Potocki vodka, lemon oil & dry vermouth rinse are mixed with some pride on a silver tray atop a rickety stool brought to your table & served in frozen glasses. Balsamic vinegar, rose petal & passionfruit variants are also available, but the original Dry, & a seriously dirty Dirty Martini are the ones to go for. Two per customer is the recommended limit – anything more might prompt Tony to have you sign a claims waiver.