Passing the throngs listening to Hindustani drumming in the Royal Festival Hall foyer, take the lift to the third floor, turn left and enter this light space. A nice blend of contemporary style and retro chic (look out for nods to the 1951 Festival of Britain), it makes terrific use of its cathedral ceilings and vast windows, which afford views of river, skyline and people on the move.
In the middle of the room, surrounded by restaurant tables, is a cocktail oasis, consisting of a slate bar counter, swivel bar stools, banquettes and, nearer the window, seats for sipping à deux.
It’s not cheap: wines start at £5.55, beer’s £4.50 a bottle, and the excellent cocktails, both classics (margaritas with Don Agustín) and variations such as the signature Skylon (muddled grapes and ginger with Ciroc vodka, Manzana Verde, lime and apple juice) go for a tenner-plus. But as destination drinking venues go, this one can’t easily be topped.