Hugo's Lounge

First published on 4 Jun 2008. Updated on 29 Sep 2010.

If massive crowds, girl's nights out and big groups of blokes on the prowl sound like the antithesis of a good night out to you, avoid Hugo's on a weekend. Instead, visit midweek where you'll get a spot at the bar, some attention from the bartenders (who are all very good, by the way) and buy yourself some time to mull over the cocktail list. The bar is chock-a-block with things you'll want to drink - they've got an excellent selection of spirits and a list to match. The most popular cocktail on the menu is the Hugo's Punch - pink grapefruit juice, lime juice, passionfruit puree, Beefeater gin, peach liqueur, topped with prosecco. In a glass. But if you're after something with fewer ingredients, they make a ripper Mint Julep or White Lady (men can drink these too, BTW). Upstairs you'll find Hugo's Lounge, a little swisher and not quite as rough and tumble as Bar Pizza. Part of this bar's appeal is that you can roll straight in off the street and, if you've been dining in the area, it's perfect for an after-dinner cocktail.