"Charlie’s is only open on Thursday nights. We’ll forgive them for not providing us with £10 spicy mezcal margaritas every single night of the week because frankly, this basement bar off Columbia Road is too charming to ever be mad at it. From the bowls of ridged crisps on the tables to the fact that the dark wood panelling was carved by the owner himself—who also happens to own the leather goods and furniture restoration shop upstairs—this place has that whole secret speakeasy thing going on without any of the pretentious faff. There are only five cocktails on the short menu, but if you’re into proper frothy espresso martinis then you should know that that’s one of them." - heidi lauth beasley