I do not claim to be as knowledgeable about bars as I do about fine dining. However, over the years I’ve gathered a list of recommendations for bars that offer either something special in the way of a cocktail menu, good value, or just a fun place to hang out pre- or post-dinner …

London

• Opium Bar, Soho
• The Connaught Bar, Mayfair (near to Helene Darroze …)
• Maze, Mayfair (also a great restaurant)
• London Edition Bar, Oxford Street (near to Berners Tavern …)
• 28-50, near Regent Street (also a great restaurant)
• Hawksmoor, near Regent Street (also a great restaurant)
• Bar Américain at Zédel, Piccadilly Circus
• Savini at Piccadilly Circus (also a great restaurant)
• The Wolseley, Piccadilly
• Terroirs, Charing Cross
• Skylon, Waterloo (also a great restaurant)
• Dandelyn Bar, Waterloo (near Sea Containers)
• M, Bank (also a great restaurant)
• Nylon, at the O2 (a Virgin airport members’ lounge without the long flight afterwards)
• Happenstance, St Paul’s
• Humble Grape, St Paul’s (also a great restaurant)

Newcastle

• Fat Buddha

Marbella

• Belvue (rooftop of Amare Marbella Beach Hotel)
• Summer Terrace (high up in Marbella Club Hotel)
• Mahiki Beach (good for cocktails in unusual containers and surfboard props)

Venice

• Longhi Bar (at the Gritti Palace)
• Gabbiano Bar (at Hotel Cipriani)
• Amarone