I made the most of the recent heatwave to escape the city streets and relax in the cool, quiet environs of Mayfair’s 5th View Bar & Food. I spent the afternoon with mixologist Thomas Galbardi learning how to make some rather stylish cocktails, from the classic St James’ Martini to house speciality Moulin Rouge to 5th View’s own take on James Bond’s drink of choice: a subtly flavoured hazelnut version and the wonderfully summery cucumber and mint.

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5th View Bar & Food are running a James Bond themed Martini Month from 19th May - 30th June with a special menu, iconic Getty images of the man himself and a general air of suave cool. Not content with learning how to make classy cocktails from him, I quizzed 5th View’s resident charmer Thomas Galbardi on the perfect cocktail and the best place to party:

Thomas, you’re the mixologist at 5th View - what does that mean?

Well, I’m the person who creates the cocktail list and some of them are my signature - like one of the new ones “Les iles Sanguinaires”.

What makes the perfect cocktail?

Nothing special, it just need to be well balanced in alcohol and flavour.

What’s the most popular cocktail at 5th View?

The two most popular cocktails are the Raspberry Bella and the Moulin Rouge. Both are really tasty and really different.

What’s your favourite cocktail at 5th View and why?

My favourite cocktail is the Watermelon Martini. My version uses fresh watermelon, Midori, vodka and grenadine syrup. It is an excellent, refreshing and really well balanced cocktail even if it is simple. I really like the Moulin Rouge too, a really fashionable and sexy cocktail with vodka, passion fruit, strawberry purée, Grenadine syrup and topped up with champagne. Watch our video above to see Thomas in action making the Moulin Rouge.

What’s your favourite thing about London?

I just love London for everything! But especially because it’s SO cosmopolitan also you feel completely free. So many crazy people but I love it!!

Where do you like to go for a night out?

I like to go out at Fabric a lot but the best party was Azuli at The Cross which is unfortunately closed now. Sometimes I like to go partying in Shoreditch because it can be really underground but extremely good and stylish.

Can you recommend your favourite London restaurants/bars?

My favourite restaurant is still Floridita for the ambience and the memories I’ve got there. Favourite bar for cocktails is of course Lab Bar in Soho. Just across the road I love Café Boheme which is really French and romantic.

Finally, 5th View have a James Bond Martini month on at the moment - what should we be drinking when we come to visit?

First try the Watermelon Martini, then Hazelnut Martini and to finish why not try a classic like the Vesper Martini or the St James Martini served at the table by our lovely floor team.

Have we given you a taste for beautiful beverages? We want to know your favourite classy hangouts for yummy cocktails and scintillating conversation - why not submit a review and tell us where we should be spending our long summery evenings?