A Vesper martini, as with all others, is in my opinion, an acquired taste. At least, that was the case for me. I liked the idea of it before I liked the drink. The image of sitting at the bar, dressed with intention, ordering something without having to look at the menu was the initial appeal. But what started as an aesthetic instinct became a preference.

The Vesper comes from Casino Royale. Bond’s original drink before the vodka martini took over. It’s three parts gin, one part vodka, and a touch of Lillet Blanc. The kind of drink you have to commit to, like bangs or a rebound.

It’s also... hard to find done comme il faut. You can’t just order it anywhere. And if the bartender blinks twice when you ask, maybe just pivot to something safer, like a Negroni or the check.

Still, if you're in London and in the mood for one done properly, these are the places worth ordering one:

• Dukes Bar: Alessandro Palazzi, head bartender since 2007 and often called the “maestro of the martini,” is the man pushing the trolley. He’s revived Ian Fleming’s ritual of frozen glass, frozen gin, and strict two‑martini limit.

• American Bar, Savoy: London’s oldest cocktail resident isn’t reinventing anything, and you wouldn’t want it to. The staff knows what you mean when you order it, and the drink arrives like it always has.

• The Red Room, Connaught: Tucked behind velvet curtains and moody pink onyx. The Vesper isn’t on the menu, but they’ll make it, and it suits the setting: low lighting, quiet service, zero urgency.

• Scott’s, Mayfair: You’re not here for the Vesper, but you’re ordering it anyway. And it works. Best if you’re at the bar, waiting for someone, preferably someone late. You won’t be disappointed, but you might forget it by the time the oysters arrive.

• Chiltern Firehouse: Temporarily closed, though I wouldn’t be surprised if someone’s still drinking Vespers in the smoking area. Its’ reputation endures. The Vesper here was always a little off-script and better at the bar than the table.