Alibi

A super smooth lounge bar housed in the equally stylish Liberty Hotel, Alibi takes its name from the fact that the hotel was once the Charles Street Jail and the bar is set, somewhat fittingly, in the old drunk tank, and it has held onto remnants of its earlier incarnation. The bare brick walls remain, and not only are there prison bars scattered about but look at the original bluestone floor and you’ll see outlines of where the cells used to stand. If this sounds in poor taste, it’s all done with enough style and humour that your reservations will soon fade just look at the photos of law-breaking celebrities and their ‘alibis’ as proof that they aren’t talking themselves too seriously. This carries onto the drinks menu, which is fairly pun-tastic: you can try a Ryekers Island (rye whiskey, Aperol, peppercorn maple syrup and orange bitters), a Doin’ Thyme (gin, blackberry jam, apple cider and thyme) or a Jailbait (blueberry mojito and silver rum). If you’re feeling peckish, the food on offer is mainly Italian in flavour thinks pizzas, spaghettis and the like, though there’s also a range of grilled meat skewers should you fancy them. Despite the slightly cringeworthy names, the drinks are top-end and the atmosphere is pure Boston chic, light and airy with large windows and a pleasant vibe. It’s open evenings only (5pm till 2am) and on warmer evenings they open up the spacious patio, which is a great spot to chill out on a summer evening. Dress code is business casual, so don’t turn up looking scruffy.