Síbín Speakeasy

Síbín sits behind a bookcase inside Great Scotland Yard Hotel, the Whitehall building that once housed the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police. The name is Irish for home-made whisky, and the bar takes it as a nod to the illicit clubs that sold drink without a licence.

The room is low-lit and windowless, with dark wood panelling, a long bar in wood and marble, and a ceiling hung with empty glass bottles. A portrait in Indian ink by Belinda Frikh hangs above the lounge seating, and glass cabinets of decanters stand against the panelled wall.

The list centres on heritage whiskies, with premium wines and Champagnes beside them, and the bar holds cocktail masterclasses and live music nights. For a private evening the whole bar can be taken on enquiry: a reception, a client evening or a birthday that begins at a hidden door.