SkyLounge

The Mint Hotel, and Skylounge with it, changed hands in December 2011 and is now run by DoubleTree by Hilton.

The rooftop bar offers lovely views over the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and the Shard – especially at night, and most particularly from the rooftop terrace.

Unless you’re happy with the after-work crush, the best night to go is Sunday – otherwise you may have to cool your heels in the ground-floor bar until space becomes available upstairs.

There’s the full range of beers, wines and spirits that you’d expect from a hotel bar. Cocktails include the Millionaire Mojito (muddled mint and fresh lime, Plantation 5 year gold rum, bitters and gomme syrup, served in a chilled martini glass with a champagne float) and London Calling (vanilla–infused Tanqueray gin, shaken with Cointreau, lemon bitters, vanilla sugar and lemon juice in a chilled martini glass).

Outdoor tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but it’s possible to reserve spots at the indoor bar.