Sophisticated and glamorous, the Light Bar in St Martin’s Lane Hotel is the perfect spot for exclusive – and impressive – cocktail sipping.

The Venue
Nestled into the far end of the lobby at the St Martin’s Lane Hotel, the Light Bar’s entrance is flanked by clipboard-holding members of staff – it’s guestlist only and there’s no blagging your way in. Once inside you’ll see a long, narrow space, bordered at the far end by a glittering bar and on the sides with banquettes and small tables and chairs. The lights are low and at various points throughout the evening the walls glow purple and orange, highlighting the large photos in the cavernous ceiling.

The Atmosphere
Table service adds to the exclusive atmosphere and other drinkers are a combination of suited local workers and small groups of female friends catching up over a cocktail. Thanks to its location in the St Martin’s Lane Hotel there’s also a good chance you’ll spot a celebrity or two.

The Food
Bar nibbles, courtesy of next door neighbour Asia de Cuba, are available until 2am, after which you can have a choice of sandwiches. The menu is a combination of Asian and Latin flavours, such as crab croquetas with a chilli ponzu dipping sauce (£13), braised oxtail or vegetarian spring rolls with black bean and papaya salsa (£10 - £15.50) and tempura shrimp with jalapeno lime aioli (£22). Also on offer are edamame (£5), olives and nuts (£4.50), plus two mini desserts.

The Drink
The Light Bar’s thorough cocktail menu comprises martinis, champagne cocktails, classics, innovative classics and long drinks, most priced between £11 and £13. There’s four pages to choose from and it might take you a while to make up your mind as the combination of unusual flavours, such as apple and lavender or strawberry and black pepper, seems infinite. Here a watermelon martini is served with fresh basil leaves, which blend seamlessly with the vodka, watermelon and lime to create a smooth, refreshing drink with a kick that keeps it from being too sweet. Likewise, the Light Bar gimlet is equally well blended, made with a combination of lemon vodka, vermouth, lime marmalade and orange bitters – sharp, perfectly sour and delicious.

A few choices of wine are available from £7 a glass and £28.50 a bottle, along with spirits (50ml and by the bottle), port, grappa and whisky, including a collection of fine and rare choices, some of which reach £500 for 50ml. Champagne and rose champagne start at £12 a glass and £55.50 a bottle, the priciest coming in at £870.50 for a Krug Collection 1985.

The Last Word
Whether it’s for a quick after work drink or an all night event, the Light Bar’s lovely cocktails are well worth it. Get on the guestlist and go.

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