Best bars for a discreet drink

Maybe you fancy a quick half? Maybe you want somewhere away from the bustle of London life? Maybe you're having an affair with your boss, you saucy swine, and you don't want to be seen. Whatever your clammy little reason, you'll find ample peace and discretion at these watering holes...

Click on links for previous Evening Standard/ This Is London reviews.

DUKE'S HOTEL BAR

Tucked away off St James's Street, Duke's may be London's most discreet and exclusive hotel. The bar is small, plush and not that easy to find. But, if you manage it, it's ideal for discreet drinking and dalliance. Certainly, it suited Di and Dodi, who apparently conducted their courtship here.
35 St James's Place, SW1 (020 7491 4840)..

THE AMERICAN BAR AT THE STAFFORD HOTEL

Almost next door, the Stafford is similarly smart, swanky, and secreted. The comfy bar (with pretty courtyard) even boasts unusual collections, including ties, military models, and a dozen clingfilmed glasses-from-which-visiting-royalty-have-drunk (eg The Queen Mother - a martini).
16 St James's Place, SW1 (020 7493 0111).

WESTMINSTER ARMS

Planning a hot date with a young 'political researcher'? Head straight across Parliament Square to the handsome and historic Westminster Arms, descend to the basement wine bar, and choose 'The Confessional', an enclosed booth favoured by ministers discussing sensitive affairs of state. Sweep for bugs, first.
9 Storey's Gate, SW1 (020 7222 8520).

VILLA ELEPHANT ON THE RIVER

No, we know no one who's ever been here either. Perfect.
135 Grosvenor Rd, SW1 (020 7834 9872).

THE AMERICAN BAR AT THE CONNAUGHT

The faded magnificence - think the shooting-room of a Devon stately home stuck in a Thirties timewarp - sadly attracts few customers these days. Which is why you should go. And, if you do bump into an acquaintance, say you're meeting a head-hunter.
Carlos Place, W1 (020 7499 7070).

HUSH

Obviously, subterfuge is the name of the game here, but the point, surely, would be to persuade your devoted and plutocratic lover to shell out for the whole of the palatial upstairs private dining room, a romantic, Moroccan-themed, love-pad with cushioned alcove.
8 Lancashire Court, Brook Street, W1 (020 7659 1500).

THE AMERICAN BAR AT THE SAVOY

Lower the odds of bumping into friends or spouse by using your influence to reserve the round table (on the right-hand side). This will shield your partner from view, and is also the best bar table in town. Fifty quid to Peter the manager probably won't do it.
Strand, WC2 (020 7836 4343).

THE KENT TAVERN

'Dahling, are we being eebsolute fools?' If the bog-standard pub of their local railway station was good enough for Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard, it's good enough for your own brief encounter. Don't talk too posh or loudly, though.
Charing Cross Railway Station, Strand, WC1.