Bar20 at Birleys - The City, London

You could very well say that the Birley family has the Midas touch. Mark Birley famously opened many of London's most sought-after clubs, including Annabel's, Mark's Club and The George, which were subsequently sold off to Richard Caring. However, Mark's son Robin came along and almost casually opened one of the most popular private members' clubs of this decade - 5 Hertford Street. With a space available in the City just opposite 20 Fenchurch Street, aka the Walkie Talkie, and an itchy trigger finger for creating haute-couture hotspots, it was only a matter of time before Robin Birley opened Bar20.

You may not know it, but the Birleys have an eponymous chain of sandwich shops spread throughout the city. One of them happens to be on Fenchurch Street. To gain access to Bar20 you must make a slightly unorthodox entrance through said shop. The speakeasy style entrance is soon forgotten, however, upon reaching the handsome wood-panelled drinking chamber all memories of the outside world are quickly dispelled.

The lounge-style setting is illuminated by a wealth of natural light coming through capacious windows, with plush paisley upholstered chairs and sofas, curious and eclectic artworks, and an old school bar mixing up classic cocktails. Open throughout the day for coffee or something stronger, it's a haven of tranquility away from the press of the City. Breakfast, lunch and bar snacks are of top quality yet very reasonably priced. On a Wednesday evening there was live music and an interesting mix of locals and Birley regulars.

With Birley's business mogul pedigree and a prime location, you can be sure that Bar20 will situate itself at the apex of City sites in which to mix, mingle and recharge.