This penumbral, louche gin joint lurks in the basement of Singer Tavern, originally home to the world-renowned British sewing machine brand of that ilk. As with other 5CC lounges dotted across the capital, its neatly tailored drinks pass quality control here. Dig the line-up of swingin' bad-boy Martinis, including the Sinatra (five parts Dorothy Parker gin to one part fino sherry and orange bitters) or swig cheeky Manhattans, twisted Negronis and other rakish Rat Pack rinses. To nibble, savoury snacks such as Welsh rarebit, Scotch eggs with Marmite mayo or cauliflower cheese croquettes add to this boozy basement’s appeal. By contrast, the Spartan warehouse-style Singer Tavern upstairs majors in cask and keg craft ales, with two dozen regularly on rotation from the likes of Magic Rock and Gypsy Hill. Also, there’s Fernet Branca from around the globe, made to local recipes – how very niche.
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