No. 5 Church Lane

Newly opened in 2011, this is Queenstown's first interpretation of an old fashioned cocktail emporium, boasting crystal glassware and decanters, absinthe fountains and gold bartending equipment on display, all in near darkness, with just tea-lights to read the menu.

Drinks are listed according to historical categories - fizzes, daisies, etc with an explanation of who invented them, where and when. If this was London or New York, you'd probably expect a soundtrack from yesteryear too, but on our visit it was dance music, which seemed completely at odds with the heritage otherwise on display. No matter, the enthusiastic bar staff and well-made drinks cast any doubts aside.