Back in the Roaring Twenties, Howard Godfrey was leader of the Waldorf hotel's house band, entertaining flappers at wild parties in the Palm Court. The bar named after him strikes the right note with its polite service and menu of classic cocktails, and although the mood is rather restrained, it's a dependable choice for pre-theatre snifters in a smart setting. Skilfully?made drinks from a list dotted with historical snippets include the Vieux Carré (rye whiskey, cognac, vermouth and Bénédictine) and the Refined Madam (Tanqueray 10 gin with rose liqueur, cardamom syrup, lavender bitters and lime juice). Whisky-lovers will appreciate the good choice of global brands, though wine and beer selections lack imagination. To eat, classic Waldorf salads and international snacks (falafel, Thai fishcakes, etc) suit the hotel crowd.