Expert's tip
Rules Cocktail Bar, London (above)
Rules was established by Thomas Rule in Covent Garden in 1798, making it the oldest restaurant in London. It is traditional to its core. However, recently there have been changes at this veritable institution with the opening of a cocktail lounge above the dining area. This fabulous addition to what was already one of my favourite destinations is accessed by a nondescript door to the right of the restaurant. Those lucky enough to have their own card can simply swipe themselves in; the rest of us have to negotiate with the top-hat-wearing doorman. Like the restaurant, the bar is classically furnished with dark wood panelling and luxuriant bar stools and chairs. Such a classic setting deserves an old-school bartender and Brian Silva more than fits the bill. He'll have no music, fruit purees, weird infusions or even beer in his bar, and offers a list of just 10 cocktails, all his own and all subtle twists on classics. The result is a wonderfully relaxing lounge to while away an evening.
• 35 Maiden Lane, WC2, (020-7836 5314, rules.co.uk/cocktailbar).
• Simon Difford, editor of CLASS magazine and Difford's cocktail guides (diffordsguide.com)
Readers' tips
Bramble Bar & Lounge, Edinburgh
A cosy, beautifully thought-out bar on Queen Street away from the crowds of George Street. Lovely cocktail menus (bound inside the covers of literary gems), gorgeous staff, perfect lighting and comfy seats. Weekends see decent house music played by friends and guests.
hollifer
• 16A Queen Street (0131-226 6343, bramblebar.co.uk).
Koba, Brighton
This cocktail bar takes some hunting out (up narrow stairs from an inconspicuous door) but is a real find. Delicious cocktails are served by friendly, unpretentious staff. It gets busy at the weekends but there's more space (and often a DJ) in the two bars at the back - you can call or email in advance to be included on the guestlist. Try the Marylebone mojito - it's out of this world.
lemonzest
• 135 Western Road, beside Waitrose (01273 720059, kobauk.com).
