The always-busy Exmouth Market has one of the highest concentrations of genuinely good bars in London, and Around, which opened in mid-2024, is now one of my favourite spots.

Nestled between Farringdon Locksmiths and the babbling flock of drinkers spilling out of the Exmouth Arms, it’s a cosy and civilised little nook which is primed for date-night. Inside, the space is modest, with most drinkers perched comfortably around (get it?) the bar, with a handful of seats lined up along the window. The lighting is dimmed just enough to create a sexy atmosphere (though practically, you might strain your eyes a little when surveying the menu), which makes it feel almost like a cave. After stepping in from the raucous Thursday-night crowd, the warmth, rattle of cocktail shakers and hum of amiable chatter was ridiculously inviting.

Ridiculously inviting

Drinks feature some out-there but pleasantly surprising twists. If you’re a fan of all things savoury, then I urge you to try the SoSoy – a thick and sour mix of rum, honey, pineapple and lime that comes with a salty whack of soy sauce in the aftertaste – or the wonderfully seasonal sesame and fig negroni. We also ordered the cheese plate which comprised hearty blocks of goat’s cheese with wine-infused rind, a smoked number and a nutty, moreish manchego as well as pillowy sourdough and the zingiest house pickles inside the M25. It needed a chutney of some kind, but was a satisfying accompaniment to some knockout drinks.

Order this

For a funky take on the classics, all margarita fans should try the slightly spicier, autumn-coded Yippee, a mix of tequila, vermouth, ginger, rhubarb, and lime.

Throngs of people were rocking up with reservations – I’d strongly encourage you to book ahead.