The NoMad Bar, New York, USA

The good folks behind The NoMad Hotel, known as Sydell Group, have strengthened their foothold in Manhattan’s North of Madison Park neighbourhood by opening The NoMad bar, just around the corner from the popular hotel. The formerly non-descript building, which once housed a brothel amongst others, has been beautifully restored by architects Stonehill & Taylor to its late 19th century glory. Featuring green leather banquettes and a mahogany panelled interior, the two-floor bar is a moody, French-inspired throwback to the good life in a bygone age, similar to the hotel’s own design. Accessible via a street entrance or through the hotel’s Elephant Bar, the space's focal point is a majestic copper and wood bar that stands in front of a grand antique mirror that stretches to the top of the room’s 20 foot ceiling. Patrons on the mezzanine floor can peer down on the action from velvet armchairs and indulge in the bar’s delectable menu of nibbles, such as baked clams and eggplant beignets dressed with mint and yogurt. The cocktails are the real draw though, with everything from the classic to experimental on offer. Choose one of the reserve tipples, which are prepared with an array of rare spirits.