The Connaught Bar

With shimmering mirrored walls and forest green chairs, this art deco-style hide-out (and two-time winner of the world’s best bar) is what we’d imagine the set of The Great Gatsby would look like if it was given a 2023 revamp. The martini trolley – a glossy, black cart equipped with every ingredient imaginable – is wheeled to your table, which makes ordering one feel even more special.

Must-order: The Connaught’s classic martini. Made with Tanqueray No.10 gin, pick from a selection of different flavoured bitters (from vanilla to grapefruit) to give your drink a personal skew and prepare for a picture-perfect twist to finish.

16 Carlos Place, London, W1K 2AL; the-connaught.co.uk

Dukes Bar

If you’re after a truly old-school martini, Dukes is the place to go. The Mayfair hotel’s bar has been serving some of London’s most iconic cocktails since 1908, and was a favourite of James Bond writer Ian Fleming (reportedly the inspiration behind his iconic ‘shaken, not stirred’ line). Sink into the dark blue velvet chairs and soak up the historic charm.

Must order: Loaded with Amalfi lemons, Dukes’ martini trolley is constantly on the move, serving gin and vodka drinks all night. The white-coated staff will mix them to your specs, and there’s no ice involved – the spirits are kept freezer cold.

35 St James’s Place, London, SW1A 1NY; dukeshotel.com

Lab 22

Tucked away above a bakery in the centre of Cardiff, this award-winning bar (it was crowned the best cocktail bar in the UK last year) has an almost scientific approach to creating drinks – which is, presumably, why its menu is littered with nods to the periodic table. Inside, exposed brick and table lights give the bar a laid-back feel that’s perfect for low-key evenings.

Must order: Lab 22’s signature martini 22 (otherwise known as the M22); unlike other drinks that are shaken behind the bar, the M22 is custom-made at your table so you can control the mix of garnishes your drink.

22 Caroline Street, Cardiff, CF10 1FG; lab22cardiff.com

Where to drink the best martinis according to Stylist editors