Megaro

Formerly Karpo bar, and a sister to the ground-floor restaurant that retains that name, Megaro is the new basement bar tucked beneath the hotel opposite Kings Cross and St Pancras stations.

Inside, the theme is old world photography: blown up canvases cover the walls at one end of the space, whilst the other purports to be a dark room. Heavy blacks and red dominate the colour scheme, large curtains are swagged around particular tables and even the menu conforms, presented in wooden photographic plates.

A nine-strong drinks list includes some sharp and well-balanced cocktails. We tried a Prescribed On Whiskey Row (Four Roses Single Barrel, Amaro Averna, camomile syrup); The Lost Steps (Ocho Blanco, cardamom sweet tea, Chartreuse elixir); and a Hokkaido Collins (Nikka Pure Malt Black, lemon, Yuzu, Barley Water Syrup, Soda).

Snacks are served from the restaurant above and are just as well-made as the drinks. Where the bar falls down is in atmosphere as it was quite empty on our visit, although as things pick up this may change and dictate a half-point rise.