Urban redevelopment, crippling rents and the rise of dating apps are the unholy trinity that has killed off more than 100 London gay venues over the last decade, but this LGBT cocktail bar from trendy Romanian Florin Petrisor bravely bucks the trend. Dive downstairs for generous Holborn happy hours, although Citron Cosmopolitan, Berry Daiquiri and Tiramisu Martini are bargains – even at full-price. Ditto, decent white Burgundy and a dozen Champagnes from £50. Otherwise, sink craft beers with cocktail sausages, hummus, or mini pizzas and dance yourself dizzy until late. The camp interior suggests a northern nightclub circa early Kylie, complete with 70s disco lighting, gold flamingos, gob-smackingly kitsch artworks, Royal Family memorabilia and commemorative coins in display cabinets – plus an alfresco cupboard for smokers. In a world awash with slick corporate design, Flamingo’s fabulously uncool, dated decor only adds to its eccentric charm, while welcoming staff and unpretentious punters make for a friendly, inclusive vibe.