China Tang

Sat in the depths beneath the Dorchester hotel, the bar at China Tang is designed to evoke art deco 1930s pre-revolution Shanghai and the bar does indeed have an old-school feel. Fittingly, classic cocktails, along with the bar's own contemporary creations are delivered with 5-star service

Enter from the far end of the Dorchester's lobby or directly from Park Lane. Descend the stairwell to a hallway that's almost as large as the lounge bar ahead. The restaurant proper is off to the left and such is its popularity that the bar is often filled with diners waiting for their coveted table next door. Low slung seating around oval tables is usually occupied by an older, sometimes bling, crowd of Mayfair regulars. Ideally, score one of the eight comfy seats at the bar. Classic cocktails are delivered with aplomb.

Conceived by Sir David Tang, founder of China Clubs in Hong Kong, Peking and Singapore, China Tang is noted for its authentic Cantonese food, not to mention the restaurant's signature Peking Duck. Food is available in the bar and dim sum is served throughout the day.

You'll have a different experience every time you visit China Tang. Drinks and service are always reliably good but the crowd varies massively, both in numbers and makeup - quiet to rammed and plastic fantastic to drop dead gorgeous.