Clock Bar

Named for the historic Magneta clock in the lobby of The Westin St Francis, the Clock Bar sits across the lobby from the acclaimed Michael Mina restaurant. The subtle decor is modern and elegant, with lots of wood and leather, full of welcoming low slung chairs and leather banquettes, though the bar itself has a slightly retro-futuristic vibe that adds a pleasantly quirky touch and gives it a ‘straight out of Mad Men’ vibe (you can imagine Don Draper propping up the bar here with an well-crafted drink and a moody, thoughtful expression). The atmosphere is sophisticated but not stuffy, making it the ideal after-work rendezvous, with the candlelit tables creating an intimate vibe. The chief focus here is on the drinks. The cocktail mixing is of a seriously high standard, with an emphasis on quality spirits and seasonal ingredients. Try their Ginger Rogers, a crisp, refreshing blend of gin, lemon, mint and ginger ale. The Chartreuse Swizzle is also a winner, or for the name alone we’d go for And The Bus Drove On (vodka, Meyer lemon, Verbena, soda) or Gone A-Rye (yes, rye whiskey, mixed with Habanero tincture and agave nectar). There’s a good range of wines available by the glass and it’s even possible to order from the restaurant’s vast wine list if you want. There are also tasting flights of whisky and a daily punch, made with seasonally changing ingredients. Given Mina’s involvement it’s no surprise that the bar snacks are supremely good their lobster corn dog is the ultimate guilty treat given a witty twist.