The Fumoir, Claridge's,
Brook Street, London W1

Tiny jewel of a joint, which used to be secret, until I started spouting on about it. Nevertheless, it remains an absolute joy.

Best for: affairs and champagne cocktails.

Alternatively: Try the bar at the Connaught Hotel, London W1, bigger, sparklier, very fun.

Lounge Lover, Whitby Street,
London E2

Another place I've written about far, far too much; but has somehow managed not to get completely spoiled by over-exposure. A preposterous extravaganza of a bar, flamboyant and melodramatic and rammed with antiques and ridiculous objets.

Best for: impressing the pants off a newish date, and a Miss Ross - a lychee and raspberry vodka spiked number.

Alternatively: Blag your way into nearby media-centric members' bar Shoreditch House.

Freeman's, end of Freeman Alley (off Rivington),
New York

An excellent, cosy cocktail bar/restaurant. It's got wall-mounted animal heads, dusty portraits, battered furniture and an amiable crowd on the go. The drinks are solid, the bar food is phenomenal.

Best for: showing off a superior knowledge of New York boozers.

Alternatively: Tailor, 525 Broome Street, NY - Eben Freeman's molecular mixology sensation.

The Skybar, the Mondrian Hotel,
Los Angeles

I am not sure the Skybar is totally worth the grief involved in circumnavigating door staff hired with one sole aim: to prevent you - specifically, you - from hanging out at this outdoor poolside bar with the magnificent views. Assuming you gain entry, you're guaranteed a daft, glam and celeb-addled experience.

Best for: getting drunk with celebs.

Alternatively: The poolside bar at the Standard, Sunset Boulevard for a hipper, less arsey LA experience.