Expensive it may be, but the Rockwell Bar can be a fine place to relax during the day. Good for older people then, or those who like thunderously-strong cocktails.

The Venue
Trafalgar Square is a strange place for Londoners: you know it’s there and that tourists flock to it but, apart from the occasional visit to the National Gallery, you don’t visit particularly often. That may have something to do with the perceived paucity of good drinking options – well, it may be time to lose your aversion to this pigeon-heavy spot. The Rockwell Bar, situated on the ground floor of the Trafalgar Hotel, is a pretty good place to take a break from shopping in the West End or looking at paintings. Inside, there’s a multitude of black leather sofas and padded stools along the lengthy bar.

The Atmosphere
It can get very busy in the evenings but earlier on, by and large, there are acres of space to sit down and spread out on. Music appears to be chosen by the bar staff (don’t be surprised to hear anything from techno to Supertramp), who are a genial enough bunch. On sunny days you can escape to the roof bar on the sixth floor, which is small and consequently can get busy. Nice view of London’s rooftops, though.

The Drink
Of course you can buy beer and wine (there are nine or ten different champagnes) here, but this place really comes into its own when it comes to (very expensive but also very alcoholic) cocktails and, in particular, cocktails made with Bourbon. The Rockwell Bar must have the best selection of Bourbon in London. If you don’t like cocktails, then you can just have the Bourbon if you insist.

The Food
There are light snacks (such as mushroom risotto croquettes and skewered prawns with chilli, ginger and garlic) served in the bar area, with a different menu served in the restaurant. The menu matches this liberal approach, with a generous and superbly executed pan-global tapas offering: dishes such as rare blue fin tuna with seared scallops and Asian broccoli or lobster orzo paella are meant for sharing. In the bar area, burgers and a short list of other main courses are available, including a rib eye steak and some more risotto. Good place if you really like risotto.

The Last Word
The Rockwell Bar is useful for those who fancy a stiff one to break up the monotony of a day’s shopping. Very expensive, though, so tightwads steer clear.

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