Pssst - this really is a bit of a secret, so don’t go ruining it for us.  Tucked away at the back of Leicester Sq  (weave through those body-poppers and tourists on the way ) is a dungeon-like wine bar that’s been there forever.  Don’t turn up if you’re already a few sheets to the wind, as there’s a tricky staircase to negotiate to get in. Falling on your face = not a good look. 

It’s a wine bar, so don’t go asking for a MaiTai.  There’s a bit of a French bias, but generally speaking, most regions and styles are covered.  It’s a very unpretentious selection and there are plenty of bottles to drink around the 25 quid mark.  We recommend showing off and going for a magnum of something – BarChick hearts big measures. There’s good food here too, most of which will make you fat:  cheese, ham & cheese pie, some more cheese etc.  Nothing wrong with that though and it’s all good to soak up the booze and keep the blood pressure racing.

The best thing about Cork & Bottle is that it’s hopelessly romantic. Tuck yourself into one of the alcoves with a bottle of fizz & two or three of your favourite squeezes and you might not emerge for weeks.