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London does understated luxury well. The best evenings here are rarely the loudest, they are the ones where the room, the drink and the company all feel considered. Here is how to get that balance right.
Start with a proper drink
The grand hotels run some of the best bars in the world, from the celebrated martinis at the Connaught to the art deco American Bar at the Savoy. Our guide to the best cocktail bars in London covers these and the quieter neighbourhood rooms worth knowing too.
Dress for where you are going
Smart-casual means different things in different rooms, and the grander hotel bars still expect collars and closed shoes. A quick look at a venue's dress code before you leave the house saves an awkward conversation at the door.
Let the neighbourhood set the tone
Some of London's most polished evenings happen simply because the setting is right. Mayfair remains the natural home for this kind of night out, with its townhouse hotels and quietly confident streets doing much of the work for you.
For more on London's luxury lifestyle scene, see Hubs Visit's luxury lifestyle coverage.
