Rex Cross

Walk into Rex Cross and you'll immediately clock it's not trying too hard—no neon signs, no gimmicks, just a straightforward bar that takes cocktails seriously. It's the kind of place where you can order a Negroni and it'll be exactly what you want, made by someone who understands proportions and doesn't mess about with unnecessary theatrics. The room has that unpretentious, lived-in feel that's become rarer on Caledonian Road, with a crowd that ranges from locals popping in after work to proper cocktail nerds who appreciate the craft without the posturing.