Bar Américain

It seems that with the esteemed American Bar at The Savoy already taking the more common version of the name, Brasserie Zédel's cocktail bar had to compromise a bit on the spelling in order to get its point across, but that's about the only compromise they had to make – this is a proper American-style cocktail bar through and through.

The dimly lit basement bar in the heart of Soho provides a polished, dark wood and leather setting for enjoying classic cocktails dating to before the prohibition era in the U.S., with the full collection of Paul Colin's Le Tumulte Noir lithographs adorning the walls for a bit of European exuberance. You can expect classics such as the Corpse Reviver, White Lady and Cosmopolitan, crafted according to their original recipes. If you want to go full James Bond, it doesn't get more 007 than Ian Fleming's Vesper Martini, or, if you're looking for something to replace your usual Martini, the Turf Club is a welcome alternative.

On the more contemporary front, Bar Américain serves a regularly changing themed menu, inspired by concepts ranging from neighbouring West End productions to periods such as the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Considering its proximity to not just the tourist hotspots of Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street, but the West End's theatre scene as well, it's also a pleasant surprise that the prices aren't jacked up. Regardless of the day and age, Bar Américain remains an accessible and welcome drinking den in the very centre of London.