Snacks of arancini, crostini and salumi are served gratis with drinks ordered during the 5-7pm aperitivo ‘hour’ at Searcy’s Osteria bar-restaurant in the Barbican. That’s not the only draw, as the appealing cocktail list is packed with well-made Martinis, Bellinis and Negronis. The setting is a boon, too: a chic, low-key lounge overlooking the Barbican’s lake and the gothic splendour of St Giles Cripplegate. It’s a fitting location to savour £10 Martinis such as the fiery Hell’s Apple (pink-pepper gin, chillis, apple juice and elderflower syrup), or cooling cucumber and mint Bellinis. Negronis appear in various guises, including a Bianca (Bombay gin, Cinzano Bianco and orange bitters), and the classic version with a punchy Tanqueray 10 base. Can’t decide? For £15 (including snacks) you can try a flight of three baby Negronis. Italian beers, fine wines and polished service also make Osteria’s bar worth investigating if you’re in the vicinity.