Milk & Honey (CLOSED)

Since opening in 2002, this London outpost of the top-drawer Manhattan M&H has been one of central London’s best places for drinking proper cocktails in clubby but unstuffy surroundings. Officially it is a members’ bar, and so discreet that the only outward evidence of its existence is a tiny sign next to a buzzer on Poland Street. But non-members can go – by booking the ground floor or basement bar only – up to 11pm. A list of rules states that the house doesn’t like noise, it doesn’t like rowdy, it doesn’t like poseurs or pickups. The restrictions are worth it for unfailing excellence in cocktail-making and a very civilised evening.