Like many of the best cocktail bars in Moscow, Noor Bar doesn’t have a sign, and the windows don’t give much away. Located right opposite the InterContinental on the corner of busy Tverskaya Street, the tropical vibes here are a welcome escape from the concrete jungle outside.

Afternoons and early evening keep things relaxed and classy, with low music, refined bites and discerning drinkers quietly knocking back specialized malt whiskey and other top end cocktails. Later on the young and beautiful Muscovites arrive, and things get pushed up to another party level. DJ’s take over the decks and shots start flying across the bar.

Despite the crowds, the drinks are always spot on. They sort you out proper, even as they make 8 other drinks at the same time. Now that’s professionalism. Non-smoker? Everyone ends up smoking in here at the end of the night.