The Light Bar

St Martin's Lane Hotel, 45 St Martin's Lane, WC2N 4HX.
W: www.stmartinslane.com/st_martins_lane_hotel_light_bar.asp
T: 020 7300 5500

Still rocking!

Review

Where is it?

The Light Bar is in the St Martin's Lane Hotel, in the heart of the West End and theatreland. It's a short walk from several tube stations, namely Leicester Square, Charing Cross and Covent Garden, and is easily identified by the bright white glass frontage of the hotel. Move through the hotel lobby towards the discreet entrance at the rear, which will be manned by a stern-looking clipboard girl.

What's it like?

The large bar is flanked by bright panels of pink, orange and purple lights and humorous Jean Baptiste Mondino black and white photos adorn the walls. Don't look for the bar, as it's concealed behind a hidden panel wall, instead you'll be served at your table by a hostess. The service can be a little cold, and you're expected to book a table by 3pm on the day of your visit, so adopt an A-list attitude if you're trying to blag it and expect a tut, some eye rolling and a reminder that "you really should have reserved". Disregard it with a smirk though, because the cocktails are worth it - my favourite is the warming Pear and Ginger (Wyborowa pear vodka, crushed pears, root ginger, lemon and honey) or the sickly sweet lemon meringue champagne (vanilla vodka, lemon curd, vanilla syrup and champagne). Cocktail prices range from £10 to £15.

Why does Johnny Ikon love it?

Once inpenetrable, Bungalow 8 has stole the Light Bar's thunder somewhat, but it's still stellar if the overzealous staff don't disrupt your evening.

Johnny recommends somewhere to eat before

	The Ivy 1-5 West Street, WC2H 9NQ. London's best-known restaurant, you'll spot every star here from reality z-listers to the cream of the crop
	Cipriani 23-25 Davies Street, W1K 3DE. This place is more about glamour than the food!
	L'Atelier de Joel Rubuchon 13-15 West Street, WC2H 9NE. You can't call yourself a foodie till you've eaten here!
	Suka The Sanderson Hotel, 50 Berners Street, W1T 3NG. Elegant yet casual Malaysian fine dining