Ruby

Ruby occupies a townhouse from 1740 on Nybrogade, facing the canal, Christiansborg and the Thorvaldsen Museum. The building has been everything from a printing house to a private bank, and it was here that the Danish Distillers were founded in 1882. Since 2007 it has been a cocktail bar.

The bar has become an institution and is a fixture on lists of the world's best. There is a bar on the ground floor and a lounge above, and they make both the classics and their own. Say what you like rather than reading the menu — it is faster.

Open from five Sunday to Wednesday and from four Thursday to Saturday, closing at one, or two at weekends.

It suits an evening where the drink should be good enough to talk about, and taking visitors to. There are not many seats, so come early, or book the lounge if there are several of you.