The newly opened Coral Room in the heart of Bloomsbury and London’s theatreland is evocative of times gone by when life was a little more relaxed and laid back and people had time to enjoy an evening out with convivial conversation, rather than being glued to their smartphones and hardly communicating with one another.

I am also a big fan of art deco and the Coral Room has that art deco ambience to it, designed by Martin Brudnizki and created to give a ‘country-meets-city’ feeling as soon as you step through the door.  I love the bright coral coloured walls and bespoke Murano glass chandeliers.  The fused glass and marble topped bar is equally impressive and looks as if it belongs there and has been for many years.  If you take a closer look at the walls, you will notice the wonderful 36 pieces of art that hang there, inspired by the ever-evolving Bloomsbury area and created by acclaimed British illustrator Luke Edward Hall.

The beautiful panelling made with natural materials, has been designed to transport you to a more relaxing country escape and it achieves that well.  And for those of you who enjoy a cigar and glass of whisky, a stylish terrace covered with green foliage is just a few steps away.

If you frequented Scarfes Bar at the Rosewood Hotel in Holborn, you may remember Giovanni Spezziga, who is now General Manager of The Coral Room.  Giovanni and his team have put together an extensive wine list of English sparkling wines and spritz-cocktails with some wonderfully creative names.  In fact, the sparkling wines on the menu are one of the largest selection on offer in London and include the rather appropriately named Ridgeview Bloomsbury at £12.50 as the house sparkling wine.  You will also find a Lyme Bay Winery Brut Reserve 2014 Devon at £9 and Digby Fine English Leander Pink NV West Sussex at £16.  The Coral Room also offers a wide selection of premium spirits and bottled craft beers chosen by Bar Manager, Kevin Fry.

So, what can you expect to find on the cocktail menu?  Well, Big Smoke is a mix of Ancho Reyes Tequila, Quiquiriqui Mezcal, Orange Chili Syrup, Chipotle Tincture and topped with Ginger Ale at £13, whilst Green Fingers is made with Stolichnaya Vodka, Kale Juice, Pineapple Juice, Ginger Syrup, Lime Juice and Agave Syrup and costs £12.  Barbour and Barrel is created with Jim Beam Double Oak Bourbon, Honey, Ginger Syrup, Pineapple Juice, Lemon Juice and Egg White, priced at £12.  Gin Lane is a mix of Hendricks Gin, Viognier White Wine, St Germain, Rose and Agave Syrup and comes in at £13.  And finally, Midtown Swizzleis made with Havana Especial Rum, Lustau Sherry, Passion Fruit Puree, Lime Juice, Pineapple Syrup and topped with English Sparkling Wine, all for £15.