Modern chic or faded glory

L'Anima is an oasis of civilisation in the rocky gastronomic outpost that is EC2, delighted that Mrs P suggested we celebrate the score there. A swim via taxi to a more recognisable quarter of town finds us in Belgravia and in my favourite watering hole. The Blue Bar at the Berkeley may lack the swish je ne sais quoi of other establishments, but the rattle of the cocktail shaker, the soft nature of the charming staff and the questionable respectability of my fellow patrons make it the sort of dubious oasis that we all need...