Top Three Hotels For a Nightcap
As the nights draw in, what better than to sip your favourite tipple in sophisticated surroundings? From the hip to the handsome, we choose our favourite boltholes for a late night tipple before bed
The Bloomsbury Hotel, London
Thirsty visitors to this off-Soho establishment have two characterful choices of bar. The Coral Room opened last year. It features a dynamic 1920s inspired saloon bar serving cocktails as vivid as the interior till midnight. The Bloomsbury Club Bar is a rich, dark drinking den in which to slope into after a night on the tiles. The Club Bar celebrates the golden age of the cocktail scene with cocktails named the Bloomsbury set of influential writers, artists and intellectuals from the early 20th century. They don't stop serving until 1am by which time you'll be ready for your bed – be sure to book one of the parquet floored, Colefax wallpapered Luxury Studio Suites.
Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland
Home to three championship golf courses, the 232-bedroom five-star Gleneagles needs no introduction. Yet after being bought by Ennismore, owners of the Hoxton Hotels in, it's undergone full and sumptuously detailed refurbishment. After a day of Highland country pursuits – or spa treatments – guests have an enviable choice of drinking and dining including three bars. The American Bar is sophisticated, elegant and inspired by the roaring 20s. Cocktails are a must. As is the champagne. The newest bar Auchterader 70 (named after the hotel's original telephone number) has an extensive range of craft beers. But the Century Bar, with a menu featuring 120 single malts, vintage champagne by the glass, cocktails and carefully selected wines is a must. Mixology here is an art form as evocative as the David Collins Studio- designed crimson toned, glossy metallic bar interior.
The Savoy, London
The renowned American Bar inside the Grade II listed gem that is the Savoy was officially recognised as the best bar in the world last year. The art deco hotel's watering hole claimed the top title at the World's Best 50 Bar Awards, and as regulars would agree, deservedly so. It's the oldest surviving cocktail bar in Britain yet from its tiptop location off the Strand, the American Bar's white-jacketed mixologists continue to inspire. They serve classics with a twist, new and vintage creations and legendary bartender's signature drinks. Harry Craddock's famous White Lady is a delight. If you like your cocktails like you like your metaphors, the Curtain Call is worth an encore. It will set you back £50 but the Star of Bombay gin washed with sesame oil, Mr Black Coffee Amaro, Figaro fig liqueur and Dom Perignon Champagne is something else.
Last year, the American Bar appointed its first senior female bartender in 100 years, Pippa Guy. The last woman to hold the role was Ada Coleman in the early 1900s, creator of the Hanky Panky cocktail, which remains a customer favourite to this day. With live pianist seven days a week, the Chanel decorated American Bar makes the perfect end to a night before retiring to your room or suite.