The Mercer

A Victorian former banking hall, with white linen-topped tables and a monochromatic contemporary makeover: while the Mercer easily looks like somewhere for movers and shakers to hold a power lunch, it's not immediately that inspiring as somewhere to just go to drink. But The Mercer's cocktail list and snappy service immediately reassures that you are in accomplished hands: it feels like a fine old hotel that's managed to keep up with the times.

As it's in the city, it's buzzy during breakfasts, lunchtimes and dinners, but evenings can get quickly quiet as bankers depart for the home counties. No matter, that makes it all the easier to peruse the menu and watch the bartenders behind a monumental bar that's a real stage.

Full of classics, with historical descriptions and homages to each drink's heritage, the menu even goes into detail about the temperature they store their spirits in if you're having a Martini, say, while there are some simple drinks served with real wow factor - frozen Johnnie Walker Gold served with homemade chocolate fudge, for example.