Words by: Ian Cameron

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Rotary Bar Diner

Address: 70 City Road, London, EC1Y 2BJ, UK
Tel: +44 (0)20 7065 6800
Hours: 10am until late
Type: Diner

This new sister site to a group that includes Milk & Honey, Danger of Death, Giant Robot and others takes the form of a buzzy bar/diner near Old Street roundabout. Initially it's only open for ten months, pending a review of the lease. We hope it stays longer. We love its kitsch surroundings, complete with shag pile carpets, ironic wallpaper, faux walnut walls and formica tables - it looks like it's been here for ages. The menu is somewhat fancier than standard diner fare with wood-grilled meats, fish tacos, crab on toast and BBQ to come.

The signature drinks are the Pint-Sized Cocktails - a six-strong array of twisted classics, some of which are served in your dad's favourite dimpled pint glasses. Serves, which include a Margarita with mezcal and tequila, and the Hawaiian Stone Sour (Scotch, pineapple, lemon and honey), are simple yet imaginative, delivered without pretense, tasty and well-balanced (all £10). Also try a flight of six single-village mezcals for £30. A small selection of bottled, international beers and a small choice of draught, six red wines, six whites, one fizz and one rose completes the list. Effortless service, from welcoming human beings.

(Below stairs is the Rotary Room, a wine-focused offer for members only, which we'll treat as a separate review.)
4/5

Vaults at Voltaire

Address: 19 New Bridge Street, London, EC4V 6DB
Tel: +44 (0)20 7438 8059
Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-12am
Type: Hotel bar

The signature features of this basement site near Blackfriars Station are the nine below-pavement vaults, each uniquely decorated with digital wallpaper depicting the cellars of Champagne and kitted out with iPod docks. They seat between two and eight - ideal for everything from intimate first dates to raucous after-work office outings. Plus you can smoke. The separate main space serves as the bar for the Crown Plaza hotel above: you'll find a long bar and large banquettes in a contemporary designed space. A DJ spins the decks at all times.

The reference to Voltaire reminds that this is predominantly a champagne bar, with the full range of Pommery accompanied by just a few other bins from other houses. Prices range from the affordable (£55 per bottle of non-vintage brut, £11 per glass) up to the stratospheric (£1,200 for a bottle of Cuvee Louise 1990). There's also a range of classic and original, full-flavoured cocktails which come in extravagant glassware. A range of 'spa' cocktails come with little cosmetic gifts (face-masks, lip balms etc).

An excellent vibe and a superb welcome mark this out from a glut of City watering holes, though the suited/booted crowd remain the target clientele. 3.5/5