The Athenaeum’s former Whisky Room has been reimagined as an all-day brasserie, part of a snazzy redesign of the family-run luxury hotel. The library of vintage malts has been decanted to this brand new bar with its entrance on Down Street. The mustard and liquorice-tone lounge is a smoky 1950s-style looker, framed by a lush jungle foliage garden wall. It’s run in tandem with renowned restaurateurs, Chris and Jeff Galvin, with Giancarlo Mancino (he of the eponymous vermouth range) as cocktail supremo. Stirs, such as a clay pot-aged Negroni, often rely on craft spirits. A Brooklyn prepared Mancino-style is a rewarding version of the Manhattan’s lesser-known sister. We won’t spoil the surprise, but those of a theatrical bent should bag the house signature – in a bag. Bar ‘snacks’ include ‘hot dog deluxe’ and good yellowfin tuna burger with slaw: generous enough for two to share at this useful new bar.