Terrace Bar at The Montague

One of Bloomsbury’s best-kept secrets are the private gardens, complete with lush lawns & quirky sculptures, of the Bedford Estate. These green spaces are off-limits to virtually everybody, but you can at least look at them from the decked terrace at this well-run bar, hidden behind a fairly inconspicuous tourist hotel. Try it for a range of well-prepped classic cocktails, Pimm’s with afternoon tea, prestigious Champagnes, a worthy wine list, continental lagers such as Duvel & weekend barbies served by engaging staff. The decor is a mad clash of influences, eras & styles that is idiosyncratically English. It’s all so very Four Weddings, one imagines Hugh Grant & Duck Face might wander in for a pink gin at any moment.