Bassoon Bar

Corinthia Hotel London, Whitehall Place, London, SW1A 2BD.

Telephone: 020 7231 3000

If you are tired of the queues to get into the bars at The Savoy you should try the glamorous and sexy Bassoon Bar at the recently opened Corinthia Hotel. Design is by David Collins who also oversaw the interior work at the hotel’s visually stunning Italian seafood restaurant Massimo, as well as at favourites such as The Wolseley, Bob Bob Ricard and The Connaught. The style is Art Deco with  music-themed fittings and artwork-evocative paintings depicting jazz musicians were sourced from New Orleans especially for the bar, the beautifully crafted door handle plays with the bassoon motif and the bar counter itself seems to extend forever as a louche extension to the piano. The bar pays homage to the past not only through its look, but also by showcasing live jazz and a drinks menu with classic Martinis dating back to 1887 at its heart. You can also sample an array of delicious homemade sodas such as Lavender and Lemon with Gin carbonated to order in the tumbler, an exciting selection of Mules including the original Moscow Mule (Vodka, Lime Juice, Lengthened with Ginger Beer) and a Champagne Cocktail list that will add fizz to any celebration. Prices are inevitably at the top end of the market with most drinks at £15 and the Champagne Cocktails at £17.50, but bar manager Domenico exudes Italian warmth and for a grown-up drink in the West End right now this is the place to be seen.