Bridges Cocktail Bar

One of two bars in the aptly named 'Grand Hotel', this is a suitably designer upmarket affair offering champagne and wine flights fresh oysters from a 'Raw Bar' and well-made cocktails. (If you fancy more down-to-earth surroundings, then head to the traditional 'brown bar' on the other side of reception, although there are genuine and better examples of brown bars a stones through away from the hotel.)

Two illuminated, rounded pebble-like Corian bars face each other in the dividing space between the lounge and restaurant. One the 'Raw Bar' offering oysters, shrimps and the like, the other a cocktail bar boasting an impressive display of Bols liqueurs and Monin syrups, lined-up in readiness to flavour your drink. Some of the house cocktails tend towards sweet side but are well conceived and crafted. Be sure to ask for one of the cocktails made using their exclusive Bols Cardamon liqueur such as 'Remember the Time'. And if your palate is on the dry side they will ably cater to your tastes - my Daiquiri served on-the-rocks was fabulous and Espresso Martinis are something of a house speciality.