Sauntering through the foyer, my eyes lit up. Beautiful - absolutely beautiful. I haven't been to somewhere like this, so decadent and sumptuous - glorious.
We were going to the Green Bar, known for it's specialisation in the devil's drink - absinthe. Now, the last time I was at any kind of event involving Martina Cole, I drank too much, concussed myself and ended up in A&E. Oops. So I thought I ought to steer well clear of the absinthe. The bar exudes art deco, with its deep green walls, big mirrors and leather seats which shout you to settle in, get comfy, have some naughty, salacious gossip. Perfect.
Nibbles arrive, and these are about as far away from your bog standard bar snacks as physically possible. A bowl of the most addictive mixed nuts - sweet cashews, spicy macadamias... These are mixed nuts but on a whole new level. I polished off a whole bowl, but OH WAIT, they brought some more. And when these were gone... EVEN MORE. I have never been anywhere with a bottomless pit of nibbles. This is my kind of joint.
When our whole party was settled in nicely, the cocktails started flowing. And my GOD did they flow. First up, I wanted something fresh, and I punted for a Paradise (£16): vodka, Mandarine Napoleon, fresh raspberry, cucumber, orange, cranberry juice. Fresh, fruity, light and zingy.
Well, after a sweet drink, it is time for something a bit tangier and zestier so I punted for a Lemon Indulgence (£18): gin, sweet lemon mousse, fresh mint and champagne. I mean really, it doesn't get much more special than this as cocktails go.
And, quite frankly, it would be rude not to have just one for the road, so I went back to option one of a Paradise - and what a paradise the Green Bar was on this November evening!
The staff were extremely accommodating (we couldn't connect to the wifi, and they couldn't have been more helpful), the nibbles were bottomless, the cocktails were some of the best cocktails I have ever had and the company was splendid. I think it just goes to show how above and beyond Cafe Royal (and Regent Street as an area) go to make sure you are a satisfied customer: