Because Bonds is attached to Threadneedle Hotel, unusually for the City it stays open seven days a week, and has changed weekend opening hours from noon - 8pm to the altogether more civilised 4pm-11pm. The huge pillars echo those of the Royal Exchange down the road, but the warm chocolate tones and low lights ensure this is a comfortable, luxurious habitat. Hugging the bar seems to be the most popular option with the post-work couples, as while this is a classic, grown-up bar, it's by no means archaic when it comes to the cocktail selection. The staff have collectively revised their extensive list, all chipping in with new inventions using top ingredients - and we're particularly grateful to the chef for coming up with a mango and cracked pepper combination; not to mention the tapas and bar snacks on offer.

Manager Emmanual tells us suppliers are pushing cognac, tequila and rum, and mixologists are relishing the chance to break out of the well-trodden martini route. "The trouble with gin is it doesn't change when you add things to it and doesn't adapt well," he explains. That said, of course they'll cater to all your gin requests!

Come the evening, this Smithfields bar is as fiery as a Latin lover, and indeed a request for a caipirinha had our bartender fondly reminiscing of sharing such a tipple with a Brazilian chap on a sun-drenched beach. Looking around, others are clearly in an equally romantic mood. The nicotine glow of the long main bar lights up this glass-fronted cocktail and tapas bar. Groups of 20-somethings take advantage of the big leather sofas before heading off to one of Old Street's clubs or the dancefloor downstairs that regularly brings in guest DJs from some of London's hottest clubs. As well as the fifteen staple cocktails, they've created nine 'essence of flavours' - that's vodka, tequila and cachaca bases with vanilla, menthe and coffee overtones.

Late ligging: Thurs till midnight; Fri, Sat till 2am. Sun closed.