Aside from the numerous pubs we find ourselves frequenting when in London-town, the city also has a high-end drinking culture that is a visual relief from the polished wood and worn tapestries of the various "Arms" and "Heads" found on every street corner.
Some of the best places are hidden down unmarked staircases, practically requiring a treasure map and secret password to get in. A favorite of mine, introduced to me by my cousin a few years ago, is the Crazy Bear bar in Fitzrovia. Walking down Whitfield Street, you could easily miss it except for a subtle welcome mat and a staff member casually standing by the door in front of a velvet rope. Once you step inside, the impeccable service begins, and you can't help feeling a little bit VIP. The bar, located below ground, is dark and sexy, with cowhide chairs and red leather booths,and things that sparkle seductively in the night. The people are as pretty as the surroundings, and a silky smooth waitress is always on hand to bring you cocktail after cocktail. While not cheap (average £8-10, which translates to about $20 per drink for us) the cocktails are delicious, and you can order nibbles from the Thai restaurant upstairs to offset the inevitable buzz that sneaks up on you.
But the real test of a great night-spot is the bathroom, and the Crazy Bear does not disappoint. My advice would be to get up well before you absolutely have to go. The doors are completely hidden against a mirrored wall and you have to rely on your intuition (or a customer exiting) to find the right one. You will feel the eyes staring at you from the bar as your confusion identifies you as a first-timer. Once inside, all surfaces are covered by mirrored tiles, and the sink is a shared wall between the men's and women's rooms, so that your hands might find themselves sharing the space with those of a stranger.
After you have had your fill of spendy libations, dinner is easily found on nearby Charlotte Street. I like Dim T, a lively Asian-mix restaurant which has a upscale, modern setting but doesn't cost a fortune. You can create your own noodle dish, enjoy steaming baskets of dim sum, or have a traditional hot dish like duck curry.
Other bars on my list to visit are the Player (a very cool place in Soho which we stumbled upon years ago but have not been back), and Sketch.
