The Warwick has a touch too much class to get tarred with the after work getaway brush, but happy hour half price Champagne will appeal to this crowd.

The Venue
On the corner of Warwick Street sits the aptly named Warwick, a bar with the type of commercial sophistication that attracts those looking for a place with aspiration. The bar's sharp-looking facade is an attractive prospect, and large windows reveal a hub of activity within.

Inside, you’re left feeling slightly underwhelmed as the design jumps onto the ubiquitous Central London bar merry-go-round. That said, it’s a tidy place - the finish is sleek with angled furnishings that sink into the background. The large bar sparkles and the polished taps have that reassuring silver gleam that says money.

On the floor below, there is comfort to be had in the booths that are dotted along the periphery of the basement, and the red velvet collides well with the rich browns of the birds stenciled across the walls. Black metal cages rev up the aviary-like space and orange bulbs flood a cosy light onto the seats below. Areas like The Snug, a sheltered cove of intimate seating and dim romantic lighting, make up for the tackiness that still rears its head here and there. The flat screen TV on the back wall fits into this category particularly well as it streams drink adverts into the consciousness whilst breaking them up with the activities of a cringe-inducing cocktail flaring barman working his magic.

The Atmosphere
It's fitting that all the usual characters turn up to help flood the floor with Bellinis and bubbly Stella. The Warwick is the kind of place where you'd think that shiny shirts and boot cut jeans are the dress code. On a positive note, the balance of gender doesn't tip either way and so the out-on-the-pull vibe that exists at the weekend in similar bars is dormant here, which is a pleasant surprise. The staff are polite and accommodating and excel with positive smiles that put you at ease.

Different variations on the usual after work look hang off the drinkers as ties are loosened or removed and flats are swapped for heels. Obviously it’s no Studio 54, but it’s a whole lot better than the world of Yates.

The Food
Bar snacks are big at The Warwick, and sharers are a good way to spread the cost if you’re with company. There are potato wedges, garlic mozzarella bread and Cajun chicken crumb fillets amongst the range of starters that cost around £3 a dish. The platters are large and can feed a few, offering a little taste of everything. Choose from Rustic, Mediterranean or Seafood platters (all £12.95).

The Drink
The Warwick exceeds expectations and its drinks list is worthy of a little studying. There is a large range of wine with the Fleur de Vignes house available for £12.95 a bottle or £3.60 by the glass - red or white. The range continues with a number of choices that quickly creep up the price scale and take in the new world and more classic regions.

The simple range of champion cocktails like mojitos and cosmopolitans are well prepared. The shooters follow the same route with the old favourite B52 a popular choice. There is a small selection of bottled beers and Stella is available on draught. The 5pm-8pm daily happy hour is definitely not to be missed as prices are slashed by half and everything - including Champagne - is included.

The Last Word
The upper deck suffers from a slightly faceless ambience whilst below ground the narrower bar warms up quickly and makes itself well worthy of that Saturday morning hangover.

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