Lobby Bar at One Aldwych

The Lobby Bar sits at the heart of One Aldwych, a five-star hotel on the corner of Covent Garden and the Strand, in a double-height room of original Austrian oak windows, Art Nouveau curves and pieces from the hotel's contemporary art collection. Master mixologists run an inventive cocktail list, and the room programmes live jazz on Thursday and Friday evenings alongside a live DJ for weekend brunch.

Private events centre on the spaces around and below the bar. The Library handles intimate drinks receptions for up to 40, while the large open-plan space below, reached down a grand copper staircase to its own fully stocked private bar, holds standing receptions of up to 120 or 60 seated. With its own entrance, in-house events team and weekend DJ pedigree, it suits launches and celebrations that want a refined room with music built in.