Papillon – Bank Hotel

Situated secretively to the left in Bank Hotel’s lobby, Papillon doesn’t make a lot of noise about itself. But on a weekend afternoon the place is noisy and full of people – hotel guests as well as shoppers. The -next-door restaurant makes this a natural stop for an aperitif. The bar counter doesn’t seat very many, so what you want is a table to rest your drink on. The decor feels inter-national, perhaps a bar in a London theatre, with attractive rows of -bottles and well turned-out staff whose knowledge varies – but the bar manager will fill any lapse. Drinks are tasty and well made. Bitters are sprayed from small glass bottles, and nice decorations like edible flowers add a certain pizzazz. If you want something edible, the choice is of Spanish snacks like almonds or boquerones.