I’m often asked about my favourite watering hole in London. I never need to think twice.

The Coburg Bar at the Connaught Hotel is a timeless classic. An elegant yet comfortable salon that keeps drawing you back with its cosy and homely feel, charming service and formidable selection of cocktails.

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Winters are for lounging in the plush wing-backed chairs, as you warm up by the roaring fire place. It’s practically a tradition following the momentous switching-on of the Mount Street Christmas Lights – after first indulging in copious amounts of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts at The Connaught’s pop-up street fair. While spring/ summer is most decidedly for whiling away the long evenings sitting in the airy conservatory, looking out onto picturesque Mount Street…

Well-crafted martinis, shaken – never stirred – are the name of the game here.

The experience is particularly enthralling at the Connaught Bar (just a few steps down from the Coburg), where white-gloved mixologists bring out the Martini Trolley, expertly concocting your drink of choice by your table. Flavours are subtle but run wild, with extracts of lavender, coriander, cardamom, ginger, grapefruit, vanilla and liquorice, on offer.

At the Coburg, as always I opted for the French martini. Pineapple juice, raspberry syrup and framboise liqueur shaken with vodka and topped off with a white foamed head, for a refreshingly fruity – and beautiful – twist on the traditional martini.

As for the bar menu, it’s suitably moreish – but if you’re feeling particularly peckish (and just a bit hedonistic), I’d recommend requesting for a black truffle pizza from Jean-George’s restaurant down the corridor!

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Coburg Bar at the Connaught Hotel, Carlos Place, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL

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