Union Street Cafe - bar review

The buzz: Hidden below Gordon Ramsay’s latest eatery, this cosy living room cocktail bar is a chic urban hideaway, with a relaxed lounge-bar atmosphere, ever-changing artwork and a creative drinks menu.

The deal: While the low lighting, mismatched leather sofas and scattered Persian rugs give the impression of an indulgent bachelor pad, the Union Street Bar is far from pretentious. The cocktails are classics with a seasonal twist – the Harling Fizz is made with a marmalade vodka and ginger syrup – and well worth their reasonable prices (£8.50-£11).

Good for: Impressing on a first date and cuddling up for some serious spirit sampling.

Order: Are We There Yet? sees Wray & Nephew overproof rum mixed with sloe gin and a cider liqueur, while the Autumn’s Call is a real warmer, blending Ketel One with Nardini Rosso, Amaretto and fresh lime.

By the way: The restaurant upstairs keeps 40 per cent of reservations free, so if you get hungry there’s a good chance of grabbing a table on the night.