Bamboo Bar at Oriole

Tucked between Covent Garden and Leicester Square, Bamboo Bar channels the easy elegance of the classic Bamboo aperitif. This ground-floor bolthole pours apéritif-style serves built on sherry and vermouth alongside freshly made draft cocktails, all designed for relaxed sipping. It is the sort of spot where an afternoon can effortlessly become evening.

The kitchen keeps things crisp and considered, favouring bright flavours and clean lines. A scatter of smoked almonds or a few slices of salamini sets the tone for snacking, while sourdough and butter and a side of fries make faithful companions to the glass. For something more substantial, tuna carpaccio with avocado salsa and clementine brings zesty freshness, and a pork katsu sando with kimchi adds a satisfying crunch.

To finish, the sesame cake with pandan tres leches and coconut sorbet whispers tropical sweetness, while a classic-leaning creme brulee doubles down on vanilla. Outdoors, pavement tables invite prime people-watching; indoors, the mood is lively yet unhurried.

Whether it is spontaneous drinks or a lazy bite in the city’s swirl, Bamboo Bar makes an elegant pit stop.