Can a hotel bar rise above its station as a meeting point for guests on their way out for the night? The Lobby Bar at One Aldwych pulls it off with style.

The Venue
The fact that One Aldwych is a hotel has its advantages. For one, it makes a real change to be greeted by doormen who aren't dragging their knuckles. However, you won't be able to reserve a seat unless you're actually staying here, so the hotel status does have its downsides.

Tables and chairs nestle on a white-tiled floor that could be impersonal but, thankfully, One Aldwych deals with the space well. The striking figure of a rower with enormous oars and large plants perched on glass cases define the central area. Meanwhile, high-backed, better-quality chairs surround the edges.

The Atmosphere
Lobby Bar at One Aldwych boasts an interesting mix of people thanks to its duties as a hotel and its location. Business people from the surrounding area checking their BlackBerries rub shoulders with the pre-theatre crowd and a sprinkling of hotel guests. Friendly barstaff also help give a relaxed feel to the place.

The bar's bustling after work, pre-theatre atmosphere is much quieter by 9pm, making it perfect for those seeking a seat and sanctuary at that point.

The Drink
The best reason to come to the Lobby Bar at One Aldwych are the cocktails. More mundane mixes come in at around a tenner, with more extravagant cocktails pushing the price slightly above that. Drinks definitely don't skimp on the alcohol and are deliciously chilled, but you don't have to be a serious mixologist to enjoy the menu. The Pink Panther, Hello Kitty, and Wibble all add a bit of fun to the menu. Wine drinkers also do quite well here when compared with standard London pubs, with a glass coming in at around £5.

The Last Word
Whilst you might not linger all night at the Lobby Bar at One Aldwych, the bar has enough charm and cocktail-shaking skill to start your evening with a real touch of class.

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