The Glasshouse Stores

A really cool, mellow relaxed feel to this place where the crowd seem pretty well heeled. The cellar bar in massive and great for cosy chats away from the crowd

Given that The Glasshouse Stores' Cellar Bar spreads a length and breadth below its upper floor, I recently learned that this was a somewhat superb pub for a gathering of 40+ friends out for a night.

Though graceful mingling in a standing-room-only-position turned out to be a slight minefield, it did ensure I drank faster: keeping a full glass in my hand seemed to make spillage down myself or others a rather constant liability.

It was pleasing to note that The Stores' barstaff retained polite and methodical friendliness throughout the demand and supply of Samuel Smith's Best or the more exotic orders of coconut rum and tequila.

All in all, this pub turned out to be a great one for central socialising and also as a spirited kick-off point for experiencing later-night London life.

... if your idea of heaven is sticky carpets, a cramped interior, and stinky toilets. Not forgetting, of course, the superb Sam Smith's ales. And their superb vodka, which most people forget about!

The Glassblower is located on Brewer Street, near the edge of London's salubrious Soho. The upstairs bar is light and airy, oft frequented by the older generation for gentle afternoon drinking - a good place to read the newspaper or catch up with a good book.

Downstairs is usually open from 6pm to accommodate thirsty workers having a sneaky pint on their way home.

Within stumbling distance of Piccadilly Circus tube, this is a good pre-club meet-up place, with cheap strong booze!