Harry's New York Bar, Berlin

There appears to be at least one Harry’s bar in every city, most attempting to emulate the famous Parisian watering hole. The Berlin version borrows much from the original, including the dancing flies logo and the American university pendants hanging behind the bar.

Prints of all 43 US presidents recall the straw polls held in the Paris Harry’s during presidential elections. However, this 1988 copy set off the dull lobby of a bland corporate hotel lacks the lived-in charm of the 1911 Parisian original. With its eighties smoked mirrors and walls covered in black film, I doubt charm will ever come with age.

All that said, discerning drinkers are well served with an impressive range of spirits and some of the best cocktails in Germany. The service is also impeccable.

Here you’ll find the usual diverse international crowd that such a hotel attracts - lonely souls, romantic couples and boisterous business types lounging on the red vinyl high stools and low bucket chairs.