Gwen Stefani and Tracey Emin have already shimmied through The Burlington Club's doors - why not follow them?
Where? 12 New Burlington Street, London W1 (020-3102 3060, www.burlingtonclub.com)
Mood? In the spirit of meritocracy, this is a members' bar that's open to non-members, so long as they arrive before 10.30pm. Inside, you'll find a two-floor space lit by Thirties chandeliers, where stained glass and gold-leaf walls lend a welcoming warmth, and antique furniture is graffitied with witty bons mots. Owner and host-with-the-most Simon Robinson describes the look as 'rock baroque'.
Who goes? Gwen Stefani and Tracey Emin have already shimmied through the door
To eat? There's a loungey feel early on, when the terrific Mediterranean food offers up limoncello-glazed roast king scallops (£9.95*), slow-cooked shank of lamb cooked in North African spices (£11.95*) and fruit salad with Bourbon vanilla and tonka bean ice-cream (£5.95*). Later, it turns into a club, with electro until 3am.
To drink? The house cocktail, the Burlington (£9.50*), is a sophisticated concoction mixing Zubrowka bison grass vodka, sugar, lime, apple juice and fresh mint. The bartenders use organic ingredients (reputed to give less of a hangover), though if you'd prefer something less potent, there are 40 wines to choose from.
Need to know? Owner Simon Robinson tour of duty includes legendary venues Soho House and the Kemia Bar at Momo
*Prices correct as of January 2007
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=new+burlington+street+london&sll=51.482986,-0.20093&sspn=0.029238,0.073214&ie=UTF8&ll=51.518624,-0.135698&spn=0.014609,0.036607&z=14&iwloc=addr&om=1&s=AARTsJprX_zjQpzZ-9FNewPPCSEr43Pp3g
