THE LUCKY PIG

Last night I went for midweek cocktails at The Lucky Pig in Fitzrovia, which is a cool speakeasy-style basement bar decorated with an eclectic mix of dimly-lit vintage lampshades, shabby chic chaise longues, mismatched bar stools and leather chairs, red velvet curtains with retro posters and peculiar, bohemian antiques scattered everywhere.  If you like the decadent decor of Experimental Cocktail Club, The Box and Les Trois Garcons you'll love it here too.

The reasonably-priced drinks list (£8.50-£9.50) offers 24 classics and old favourites alongside more innovative creations; I ordered the potent Very Berry Julep (Finlandia Vodka, Hennessey V.S, Chambord, berries and homemade jam) which was delicious but could have been larger, the Southside Royal (Bombay Sapphire Gin, lime, mint and cucumber, topped with Champagne) which went down far too easily and the Clover Club (Bombay Sapphire Gin, raspberries, lemon, sugar and egg white).  Our drinks were brought to our table with some big fat juicy green olives by our friendly waiter Iskander.

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The music, although a little too loud, was great; there were two guitarists singing everything from acoustic versions of Sweet Dreams and the Fresh Prince of Bel Air theme tune and when the musicians took a break the bar played Sublime records, which beats the usual Radio 1 tosh...

It's tucked away in one of the back streets of central London, but worth seeking out if you're looking for a new characterful drinking den.

The Lucky Pig, 5 Clipstone Street, London W1W 6BB

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