The buzz: Italian basement bar in a cosy corner of subterranean Bermondsey in a former covered antiques market.
The deal: Civilised and laid-back, it’s a great place for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap — not the first choice for a big night out. The adjoining restaurant is a culinary hot spot, and you can order anything from the main menu down to the bar.
Good for: an easy-going first date; the place is buzzing, not raucous. Ideal for a relaxed drink without having to screech over music or elbow people to the bar.
Order: Classics are well-covered but more exciting are the inventive “pudding” cocktails. The Espresso Martini and the Jammy Dodger (Absolut Kurant, Smirnoff Vanilla, Frangelico and Chambord) are very more-ish. Otherwise, talk to the bartender and he’ll make you one specially.
By the way: Acoustic nights are every other Wednesday and there is no need to book in advance.
214 Bermondsey Street, SE1 (antico-london.co.uk)
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