Open exclusively to Old Vic ticket holders until mid-evening, the Dress and Upper Circle bars at this most exalted of thespian temples are accessible to all, after the players have taken their final curtain call. The operation is now part of Mark Hix’s portfolio of tastefully tricked out, artwork-dotted, cool Britannia lounges. Craft beers, well-crafted cocktails and wines by the glass are served daily (except Sunday) until 1am, and later at weekends. Order Dorset Donkey (a Black Cow milk vodka, cherry & berry Mule with a sage kick), Temperley Sour (made with cider brandy), Espresso Martini or a Beefeater gin and green Chartreuse-laced punch at £9. Staff have seemingly been cast for their looks as well as their talent, and mocktails are available – too bad that hell-raisers such as Richard Burton, Oliver Reed and Peter O’Toole didn’t down more of these and less hard stuff during their time here.