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With around 7000 pubs in London, the quality of your drinking experience can vary wildly. Sorting the hops and grapes from the chaff, Chloe McCloskey, Managing Editor of le cool London, offers the insider’s guide for the booze connoisseur.

It’s no secret that Londoners like their drink. When the clock strikes 5.30pm on a Friday the streets heave with outpourings of revellers from packed pubs. But don’t let boozed up Britain distract from the finer things in London life. Not only is it brimming with tasteful drinking establishments, the capital boasts many specialist venues priding themselves on extensive selections and vast knowledge of tipple. Have a taste of our choice of watering holes for the connoisseur:

ATMOSPHERE/WINE:

Gordon’s Wine Bar, 47 Villiers Street, WC2N 6NE

Buried deep below the ground where you can hear the tubes rumbling by, Gordon’s Wine Bar is an absolute London institution. Being the former home of Samuel Pepys and Rudyard Kipling, the building is rich with literary history. The bar has been open since 1890 and serves a stellar selection of vintages at very reasonable prices.

Insider tip? Let the bar staff suggest a bottle – they know their list very well and rarely miss the mark.

CHAMPAGNE:

Searcys Champagne Bar, St Pancras Rail Station, NW1

The unveiling of the stunning St Pancras International brought into question the prestige of the jet-set. Now, sipping on a fine glass of bubbly at Searcys, the exquisite champagne bar in the midst of the Grade I listed station, it’s all about the rail-set - especially if it means relaxing over one of the 60 choices of fizz on offer at this fine establishment.

Insider tip? Grab a booth and cuddle up - they’re heated, with blankets on offer should you feel like getting cosy.

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