The 'little black dress' of cocktail bars.

The Venue
Avista is located in the Millennium Hotel on Grosvenor Square. The hotel lobby is bright and clean with Wedgewood colours; however, the Avista Bar is a wonderful and dramatic contrast with a daringly dark space – think dark walls, flooring and furniture. A minimal amount of light comes courtesy of a few floor lamps, a daringly red backlit bar and a feature wall of textured glass that highlights a row of pink orchids. The effect is quite stunning.

The Atmosphere
Because of its dimness, there is an air of mystery to Avista. Looking around, you may spy one woman with her heels kicked off curled up with a magazine or couples with heads bowed low whispering sweet nothings to each other. The bar staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and they pace like a panther behind the bar. Avista is definitely a night-time spot and would be an exceptional bar for a pre- or post-dinner libation.

The Food
There is a small menu of hors d'oeuvres, which include plates of meat and cheese. There are also some delectable dessert offerings.

The Drink
Champagne cocktails are a specialty at Avista. There are also plenty of martinis and both short and long cocktails, at an average price of £9, which isn’t unreasonable for a bar of this calibre. The choice includes the increasingly popular Porn Star Martini (passion fruit, vanilla vodka, passion fruit puree and Champagne on the side). An extensive list of spirits can be enjoyed neat or mixed. There are also plentiful racks of wine and several bottled beers to choose from.

The Last Word
Avista is a little undiscovered hideaway. Enjoy flirting with the one you love in its cool confines.

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