They’re beastly things, martinis. Done well, they reel you into a velvety, tonsil-warming world of abandonment, where only the boldest of adventurers go in a bid to find the holy grail of vodka. Potato, rye or quadruple distilled, they all end up at the same final destination: oblivion (at least until the next morning). If the promise of a hangover doesn’t put you off, Baltic―London’s finest and perhaps most authentic Polish vodka bar and restaurant―presents the perfect excuse to do battle with some seriously credible mixologists and copious amounts of salty caviar and fresh buckwheat blinis.

In both the dimly lit vodka bar and the spacious, minimalist and Scandinavian inspired restaurant, Baltic prides itself on sourcing the best, whether it be rare distilled vodka or the sustainable fish that feature on the daily menu. Perfectly seared scallops with chickpeas and chilli, silky herring and Uzbek marinated lamb leg are just some examples of the understated but perfectly executed food on offer for those of you still sober enough to make it to your table. Either way, if the food doesn’t propel you into a dreamy sense of contentment, a few rounds of the bar’s personally recommended vodkas surely will.