The original London Cocktail Club has decamped to Fitzrovia, but its sibling continues to preach the gospel in this rather shabby basement off Leicester Square. Kitted out like a neo-Edwardian
parlour, this bar’s drinks are much better than the downbeat location might suggest. The menu may advertise a ‘load of old cobblers’, but the result is a parade of well-executed heritage libations
& vintage sips along the lines of martinez, old fashioned & Clover Club. Modern London is represented by Dick Bradsell’s espresso martini (£7.50) & bramble, while donkey punch (a
Bacardi, pineapple, grenadine & ginger beer mule) is a house special. Inventive, livewire staff will happily design a bespoke drink based on your preferences (a spiced, cloudy apple martini,
perhaps), & there are sensibly priced wines & lagers, in case cocktails aren’t your bag.