Union Street Cafe

The understated exterior of the Union Street Café, practically hidden on this back street in Southwark, belies this fabulous basement bar which is part of fiery celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay's empire. Head down the wide staircase and you'll find a surprisingly lofty space that mixes industrial rawness and exposed trunking and ducking with the warmth of sumptuous fabrics, rich embroidery, leather couches and candlelight. Add in a kick-ass sound system with moodily evocative music and the space, designed by Russell Sage, would be the perfect lounge bar if only he'd included bar counter to perch at. (Bartenders should design bars and interior designers the rooms they sit in.)

Drinks down here, and at the restaurant's own bar on the ground floor, are in the safe hands of Davide Gagliazzo (formerly of Oxo Tower) and you'll find a very creative and varied list. We recommend the 'Wow Me If You Can (tequila stirred with Rinquinquin, killer rose, Choco bitters and a drop of cherry juice) and although it is set to disappear from the menu, also try asking for my favourite cocktail here 'Bees & Monkeys' (with scotch whisky, elderflower liqueur, shaken with homemade honey & ginger syrup). The drinks are as beautifully presented as the very tasty bar snacks.