With double-height ceilings, gold-topped tables and black velvet walls covered in ornately framed prints, Pennethorne’s has all the swank of a Parisian grand café without being over the top. Tucked away inside Somerset House, this spot is a great one to have up your sleeve for well-priced cocktails and nibbles in a central London location at any time of day.

The cocktails are classy-meets-creative (these guys like an infusion or two), and you can get some dreamy low-proof ones, which means you won’t get blasted if you want to hit it up mid-afternoon. Bubbles and vino are nicely affordable, too. Tuck into their tasty modern snacks, which come as small plates to share, such as a selection of house-potted meats, fresh cheeses and insanely good bread baked on-site. Better still, you’re served with smiles by staff dressed in Victoriana-style pinnies. Cute.