Where is it? In the lobby of the super-trendy Metropolitan hotel, in London's posh Mayfair district, a stroll from Marble Arch, Piccadilly, Trafalgar Square and the shopping hubs of Regent and Oxford streets.
Luxurious or basic? Thanks to designer Linzi Coppick's recent revamp, this sophisticated hangout can best be described as wilfully stylish. Gone are the oppressive dark wood floors and an outdated mural of Lower Manhattan, replaced by blonde wood floors, an abstract, merlot-coloured canvas called Saturday Night Special by British artist Jonathan Huxley and a new seating arrangement, which gives the space an airiness it didn't have before.
Who goes there? London's plugged-in and often monochromatically clad fashion, music and media folk. Habitues include the likes of Bono and No Doubt frontwoman Gwen Stefani. The capital's clued-up editors and advertising bigwigs, often seen here talking shop, are also regulars.
What is there to do? Listen to chill-out tunes on London's most expensive sound system (its predecessor was sold on eBay during renovations) while sipping some of the capital's more exotic concoctions and enjoying one of six varieties of Cuban cigar. There are regular 'I Love Magick' nights, featuring the work of bands as obscure as the Slits, Eagles of Death Metal and Pink Grease.
What's on the menu? Everything from foie gras terrine with spiced fig compote to Osetra caviar served with blinis to soba noodles with oriental mushroom ragout. Other highlights include steamed prawn dim sum, aromatic duck pancakes, lamb cubes served with cumin, smoked aubergine and vegetable tempura.
What's on tap? Under the watchful eye of bar manager and chief mixologist Igor Beaulieu, tasty bespoke drinks, including 21 types of Martini, are available. The Frenchman, alongside an international staff of eight, also creates variations on staples, including a Mojito remade as the Deja Vu and consisting of Remy Martin cognac, creme de framboise, fresh raspberries and fresh mint. But the entirely new creations steal the show. Among them is the Met Bar's most popular drink, the scrumptious Cinematic, which consists of Polish Zubrowka vodka, fresh raspberries, apple juice, lime juice and cinnamon. Beaulieu and his team recently introduced five new champagne cocktails, four non-alcoholic cocktails and 14 other tailor-made snifters.