Claridge’s is a name recognised all over the world, but has its art deco bar been left behind by some of London’s other more modern hotel bars?

The Venue
Claridge’s is well-located if you’ve been traipsing around Bond Street all afternoon flexing your credit card, as you’ll be able to struggle there with your bags without searching for a taxi. Once inside the bar, you’ll be struck by the art deco appearance. It looks like something from a period film set, with red leather booths, a dominant green chandelier, potted plants, wood panelling and lots of marble. It’s a classic look, though it can be a bit dark and looks a little dated next to other more modern venues. There’s rarely enough seating on busy nights, and the host will expect you to wait until he can find you a table. The bar has adopted a no-reservations policy, which is a nuisance – there’s nothing that will destroy that sense of privilege and indugence quicker than being told to stand and wait at the bar. At these prices, you should expect to feel far more special.

The Atmosphere
Expect the vibe to be a little quaint – this isn’t a party venue. Guests speak in hushed tones and the music is always so soft you can barely hear it, which can make the atmosphere feel a little stuffy and unrelaxed. The dress code adds to this feeling, requiring 'elegant' outfits with jeans, trainers and hats all frowned upon. You’ll see plenty of pinstripe though, as the bar is a favourite with the hedge fund crowd. On the upside, other customers usually include old-school celebrities (Barbara Windsor is a regular) and the glitzy jetset who stay at the hotel, which makes for interesting conversation and lots to gossip about after you leave. The bar’s real plus point is its staff, who are a cut above and genuinely know their stuff when it comes to cocktails, fine spirits and service.

The Food
If you arrive at Claridge's Bar feeling hungry, the bar snacks alone will probably be sufficient to fill you up. The staff keep them coming, depositing trays on your table free of charge. Of course, you’ll be grateful for that when you see the bill for your drinks. If you fancy a proper meal however, then you can’t go wrong at Claridges, which is home to the Gordon Ramsay restaurant. You’ll have to book months ahead to get into there though.

The Drink
Claridge's Bar offers a huge array of drinks, despite its relatively small size. You can choose from almost twenty vodkas for your martini, for a start. There’s also a great number of vintage champagnes, and terrific cocktails including the sweetest, simplest bellini in town. You’re going to have spend big to get anything more than mildly tipsy though – expect to spend £30-plus per round for two cocktails. Bankers with bonuses to burn will no doubt be excited to see cognacs priced at thousands of pounds too, but they’re beyond the reach of even Claridge's average customer.

The Last Word
Claridge's Bar is a good hotel bar, but it doesn’t set the standard anymore. It’s handy if you’re nearby, but no longer the destination it once was. Taking bookings would help them to justify the somewhat rarefied atmosphere.

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