After a couple of drinks at Purl, we hopped in a taxi to speed over to a second and final destination, Shaker & Company, on Hampstead Road near Euston and Warren Street. Shaker & Co. is a training school for bartenders by day and a New Orleans style cocktail saloon by night. They also run cocktail clinics and masterclasses for amateur enthusiasts.

We set up shop at the far end of the long bar under the watchful eyes of some of the greats. After copious amounts of rum earlier on, we were in dire need of food. Shaker & Co. delivered with a stonking meat & cheese board, and some incredibly moreish sweet potato fries. They also have some gourmet pizzas (think serrano ham, fig and orange truffle honey) but that's enough about food, we were there for some serious cocktails.

Bar manager and mixologist Simon Deeprose made his way over and started us off with 3 superbly executed Shaker & Co specials - a pleasingly sour King's Shilling (gin, lime, sherbert, strega and mezcal), a powerful Smokes & Highs (tequila, grapefruit, lime, ginger, bell pepper syrup and some extra chilli for good measure), and a classy Gentlemen's Recline (cigar-infused whisky, byrrh, calvados, spiced port reduction and liquorice bitters).

Simon also brought us his warming "Like a New Suit" cocktail that he created for a Jameson competition to coincide with the upcoming launch of Anchorman 2 - voting is now closed, but the cocktail will probably be available for a while longer.

Simon was an engaging host, regularly stopping at our table for a chat and welcoming our challenges for some off-book creations - an experimental Mulled Mai Tai was the perfect antidote for the sub-zero temperatures outside. By this point, some Coyote Ugly style bar top dancing had started down the other end, which didn't seem to surprise the bartenders. They have a lock-in license, so they can close the doors and keep serving or drinking for a lot longer if the mood takes them.

You thought I was wrapping up didn't you? Oh no, I haven't told you about Belle & Co. yet. Downstairs is a beautifully designed bohemian drinking den with its own exciting cocktail list and events. Monday is Movie Night with boozy popcorn, Tuesday is an open mic comedy night, Wednesday is a bit of everything (theatre, music, art), and Thursday-Saturday are left for table-bookings. It is available for exclusive hire for private parties (up to 30 people) with the option of a personalised cocktail list from award winning mixologists and a cinema screen at your disposal - I may well take them up on that sometime. They recommend booking at least two weeks ahead for Thu-Sat tables as it is always busy.