Royal National Hotel

You'll find yourself in one of those sprawling hotel bars that somehow works better than it should. The Royal National's bar draws an eclectic crowd - international guests comparing notes on their day at the British Museum mixed with Russell Square office workers who've discovered the cocktails are actually quite decent and the pints are properly kept. The space feels authentically London in that slightly worn, unpretentious way that makes everyone comfortable. It's not trying to be the coolest spot in Bloomsbury, which is exactly why it works. The bartenders know their craft, the atmosphere stays lively without being overwhelming, and you can actually hear your conversation over the chatter.