is the classic dry at Duke’s Bar (housed in luxury boutique hotel, Duke’s Hotel), a hidden gem in London’s bar scene. Rumor has it that, as a seasoned Duke’s Bar patron, Ian Fleming (of the James Bond fame) coined the catchphrase “shaken not stirred” here, so it’s no wonder why I felt like a *smug* badass sipping my classic dry gin martini (you can choose your poison: vodka or gin). With its impeccable service and a bartender that just might be the world’s greatest martini genius (Alessandro), Duke’s Bar is one of my absolute favorite martini bars in the world. Located on one of the labyrinthine alleyways shooting off from St. James’s Place, Duke’s Hotel isn’t the easiest to find, but it’s all part of the adventure.
Address: 35 St. James’s Place
