It's a well-known fact that gays love a bit of outdoors fun so it's no surprise that whenever the weather's even vaguely temperate they flock to The Yard - the only bar on the scene with a proper al fresco area. Accessed via a sculpture-lined courtyard on Rupert Street, next door to another of BarCock's favourite spots Spuntino, The Yard is exactly that: a large yard with some attractive topiary (not just on the men) and patio heaters for when the sun goes down. Smoking's allowed, making this one of very few places at least in Soho where puffers can enjoy a fag (stop it) without having to decant their drink into a plastic cup.

There's an indoor bar area staffed by cute singlet-clad boys serving up the usual beers and wines alongside some half-decent classic cocktails (the Mojitos are as much a part of gay summer as weekends in Sitges and Eurovision), while upstairs bar The Loft offers a longer cocktail menu and ample sofas for lounging, posing and snogging on. There's also a balcony overlooking the yard below where many an aspiring Evita has lived out his Don't Cry For Me Argentina fantasies. Drinks are on the pricy side and you need to watch out for staff sneakily pouring large serves of wine and double spirits as defaults unless asked otherwise, but on sunny days it's hard to think of a nicer place to while away an hour or two.

Follow BarCock on Twitter: @HRWright