2-5 Carthusian Street, London, EC1M 6EB (Map)

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.

Tel: 020 7253 6009

Web: Visit Website

Islington, Greater London EC1M 6, UK