Just a stone’s throw from Old Street station, the secluded entrance to Nightjar is waiting to be discovered. It may be one of London’s newest bars, but with the quality of the cocktails, it’s well on its way to becoming one of the best.

The Venue
Keep your eyes open, because you’re bound to walk past this place once or twice before you find it. Look out for the large, dark double doors and a small silver plaque engraved with the outline of a bird (a Nightjar, obviously). Down the stairs, you’ll find the bar to your right and seating around the edges of the room. There’s a dedicated area for musicians and DJs and three secluded booths that are perfect for groups.

The Atmosphere
Walking down the stairs into the bar is like entering a secret realm, and the stylish décor, dim lighting and dark furniture carries this feeling throughout. There’s a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere, with impeccable service – once you’re comfortable at your table, someone will bring you glasses of cucumber-infused water, a small dish of nibbles and your menus. This place is gloomy without being depressing; you would be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped back into the pre-prohibition era, and are hidden away in an underground speakeasy. There’s regular live music, for which the bar takes a small charge that goes straight into the band members’ pockets – a nice touch.

The Food
The menu is designed to complement the drinks on offer, from huge, juicy, early harvest olives (£3) to salty, crunchy Marcona almonds (£3) and saucisson and cornichons (£5). There’s also a board of artisan cheeses, with quince paste, crackers and grapes (£10), a combo that's sure to be delicious with a bottle of wine.

The Drink
The sheer brilliance of the drinks at Nightjar may have something to do with bar manager Marian Beke – previously of bars such as Montgomery Place and one of the most distinctive mixologists in London. Divided into four sections, the menu covers ‘the glorious history of the cocktail’, beginning with pre-prohibition. Here you’ll find tipples such as the Seasonal Shrub (£8.50), a fragrant, fruity blend of Santa Teresa Gran Reserva, seasonal berries, herbs and spices, lemon juice and a Galliano Balsamico float. Moving to the prohibition section, you’ll find super-strong cocktails like Between the Sheets (£9), blending Hennessy Fine de Cognac, Diplomatico Reserva rum, triple sec, fresh lemon and gomme – warming and delicious, but not for the faint hearted.

Post-war brings you the fantastic Aged Pina Colada (£10), which is enough to make even cocktail aficionados give this often frowned-upon cocktail some credit. Appleton Estate 12 year-old rum, Wray & Nephew Overproof rum, Nightjar ‘secret ingredients’, and fresh coconut milk and pineapple juice are aged in Limousin oak to create a truly fun twist on your traditional beachside Pina Colada. Finally, Nightjar signatures brings the throat-soothing Name of the Samurai (£9), a honey-coloured blend of Nikka from the Barrel whisky, Nightjar ginger and raisin sake, fresh lavender and vanilla sugar.

Cocktails are the winners here, but there’s wine from £16 a bottle, champagne at £45 and beers, such as Meantime London lager, from £3.80.

The Last Word
Nightjar is an exciting addition to London’s bar scene. With its secretive location and out-of-this-world cocktails, once you’ve found it, you won’t be able to keep away.

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