Liquor is a serious business at this luxurious bar and restaurant, where the booze equivalent of War and Peace catalogues a wealth of wines and cocktails.
Tucked down Hardware Lane is The Mill, offering an elegant retreat into the world of fine food and even finer (read: wicked) alcohol. Awaiting downstairs for those in the know, is the cosy Charlie's Bar.
Settling into a soft leather sofa, the kind of seat that begs you to relax every muscle in your buttocks, it's easy to see why this hallowed haunt is being lauded as a mecca for those with a passion for luxurious indulgence. New York loft-inspired decor merges with the rustic history of the building to create a setting that's easy on the eye and perfect for savouring your poison of choice.
Although Charlie's identity is a mystery, one thing is for sure: his bar is the altar at which we pray and live jazz is his gospel. Although you may get lost between the pages of the voluminous wine list, Charlie will set you straight on the path to sauced. An abundance of wines, spirits and liqueurs all beg for a new home and, with expert staff to mix that favourite cocktail, there's no such thing as 'one quick drink'.
It may be tempting to gain practical experience of the martini history list - a journey through the history of the martini with several variations on the classic drink - but believe me, your head simply won't forgive you come morning.
Mark Gambino
