This tiki bar-cum-club remains one of London's best known late-night venues, with a reputation forged, mostly, from a celebrity clientele and plenty of tabloid column inches – back in the late noughties it was a rare Thursday night when famous faces weren't spilling out deep into the small hours. It still attracts a glamorous crowd.
It takes its name from the Polynesian path to the spirit underworld of Lua-o-Milu, and goes big on its tiki theme. The decor is a mix of Polynesian-themed carvings and trinkets and there's even a prominent Hawaiian greeting ('Aloha!') taking up most of one of the walls.
The drinks list follows suit, with rum playing a prominent role. The signature Mahiki cocktail combines Pampero Especial with vanilla, pear and strawberry purée, lemon sugar, creme de fraise and sparkling wine. Classic tiki alternatives include a pina colada, the Mahiki take on a classic mai tai and a zombie horde made to the same recipe used at Don the Beachcomber – the original tiki bar, in LA.
Keep an eye out for special events, parties and cocktail-making classes, too.