Pubs, Bars and Wine in Central London

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Unique Bars & Pubs

Pearl Restaurant and Bar - Chancery Court Hotel

Renowned for its cracking service and charming oppulence, this hotel bar is located in a part of town with few rivals.

The Pearl Restaurant Bar: another location where you can drink or dine.

Well placed if you're visiting Sadler's Wells or the Barbican, it's an excellent place to start the evening as you mean to go on. The name Pearl comes from the building, which was formerly the Banking Hall of Pearl Assurance (this is a very business-centric quarter of London). If you fancy a bite, you could hardly do better, since the chef is Jun Tanaka, who has appeared on numerous TV shows in the UK. The standard and creativity is of the highest order.

Coburg at The Connaught Hotel

Award winning bar, in what is consistently London's highest rated hotel. Charles de Gaulle stayed here with his

The Coburg Bar: Coburg was the former name of the hotel, before it was changed after WW1.

French government in exile, so it has the gravitas to handle the most demanding strata of guest. It does this however with friendly good humour and efficiency. The prices are steep, yes, but the service is smart and expertly done. A friend recently asked what the cheapest bottle of wine was on the list, a cue if ever there was one, for gently patronising the customer, but not a bit of it. Suggestions abounded, as did the delicious complementary snacks. There are few finer bars in town, I'm sure.

Blue Bar at The Berkeley

It is the kind of venue that can seem intimidating, but like any of the upper echelon of hotels,

The Blue Bar: A-listers like to drink here.

politeness is second nature: it's really only the nouveaus and arrivistes who resort to smug superiority. The service is efficient, friendly and thoughtful, drinks are peerless and celebrities will tend to waft in and out. On a budget, perhaps a special treat outing, rather than a regular haunt, but worth experiencing for the theatre of social drinking at the upper end of the pecking order.

Mirror Bar - The Landmark Hotel

Opulence is a word that will float in and out of your consciousness as you pass through the six storey atrium,

The Mirror Bar: has a reputation for professional mixology and the best barmen in town.

replete with water features and helpful and professional staff. The Mirror Bar is more low key and understated, but the cocktails are amongst the best in the capital. Comfortable and friendly are the watchwords, dare I say unpretentious - what is certain is that you would be hard pushed to find better service which is neither fawning or over-familiar. A place to start or round off an evening, assured of a sense of professionalism and style.

Roof Garden - The Trafalgar Hotel (Apr-Dec)

You can't really find a venue more central than this and the views are so appealing, not the highest (six stories),

Roof Garden at the Trafalgar Hotel: seasonal views over the hub-bub below.

but there's much to watch below. Only open for part of the year, since London's climate is not conducive to year-round al fresco refreshment, it's best seen during the summer months, when the square below is heaving with oblivious tourist crowds. Be sure to ring ahead before a visit, as private parties may mean the bar is temporarily closed to the public.

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