Eight

This members' retreat is hidden deep in the bowels of an office building close to the Lord Mayor's home, Mansion House. After descending several flights of stairs as if into a bunker, the interior is a pleasant surprise. It's rather like the lounge of a luxury bachelor pad, but slick enough to command girlie approval.

Brown sofas and warm tones help create a relaxing atmosphere in the main room. Beyond lies a further space with three 9-foot Brunswick championship pool tables. There is also a cinema and three private rooms, complete with self-service bars, large LCD screens and iPod decks. The club's name hints at the fact that these rooms all feature convertible poker tables.

The drinks offering kicks off with a serious champagne list featuring a selection of Dom & Krug vintages (both are available by the glass along with three other champagnes). A comprehensive wine list includes a dozen by the glass and, on our visits, cocktails from the extensive list were well made.