Step inside Seymour’s Parlour and you’re transported back in time. This Georgian townhouse bar is a world away from the bustling street outside, owned by the fictional Wicked Uncle Seymour. Step over the threshold and into his recreation room to find a dimly lit, red painted parlour stuffed with comfy armchairs, knick knacks and candlesticks.

Settling into one of those chairs feels a bit naughty and a little like one might never escape. To be honest though, the libations are so good you might not want to. Tony Conigliaro is one of the world’s best designers of drinks and it is he who has curated the list here.

The bar is one of the best in town, table service swift and professional, and it’s not long before you’ll be supping a perfect martini (served in a glass of Tony’s design), or something more creative from their well crafted list.

All the drinks slip down dreamily, like the Kubla Khan, an invigorating yet comfortably numbing elixir made with Beefeater gin, Martini Bianco and Sydenham Laudanum syrup. It’s followed by a Drury Lane Gimlet – gin, cherry cordial and cherry Campari.

A lengthy evening visit leaves tables giggling all the way to the tube station, but it’s advisable to book if you’d like to stay for any length of time – there can be several sittings of an evening.

Should you want to come here, admire the décor and not leave inebriated, afternoon tea is served between 12-5pm, including finger sandwiches, scones, cakes and macarons, all for just £35 – very good value for the area.