We reckon that this bijou bar on Old Compton Street punches well above its weight given its highly specialised remit. With a style inspired by classic Italian train-station buffets of the 1950s, Termini focuses on just two things: coffee and cocktails.
Both are exceptional, thanks to the brains behind the operation: Marco Arrigo and Tony Conigliaro. The former is head of quality for Illy, while the latter is a legend of the London cocktail scene with a string of award-winning bars to his name, including 69 Colebrooke Row, Zetter Townhouse and Untitled.
Conigliaro’s short list (just seven cocktails) is a celebration of Italy’s best, from a classic Bellini or Negroni to the signature Spritz Termini, a mix of gin, Aperol, Prosecco and zesty rhubarb cordial. Dry Martini fans should order the elegant Terroir, though the house Marsala Martini made with Sicilian fortified wine is a knock-out too.
If you don’t fancy a cocktail (really?) there’s Italian wine – one red, one white and Prosecco – or Peroni beer, while snacks feature paninis and platters of Italian ham and cheese. With room for just 25 punters, we strongly recommend booking (tables are allocated by the hour for a maximum of people).