Bascule Bar

Bascule Bar is the whisky bar at Cape Grace, the luxury hotel on its own quay at the V&A Waterfront, and it sits on the edge of a private marina where yachts and boats are moored. It has an intimate, speakeasy-inspired feel, and it is one of the most atmospheric places in the Waterfront area for a drink.

The collection is the star. Bascule holds more than 500 whiskies from around the world, which makes it a destination for whisky lovers and a good place for beginners to learn.

Whisky tastings are the best way to explore the collection. They run between 12:30 and 16:30 and must be booked in advance, with a member of staff guiding you through a selection of whiskies. Tastings make a good afternoon activity on a cloudy or windy day when outdoor plans fall through.

The bar opens daily from 12:00 to 24:00, so it works for an afternoon drink, a pre-dinner aperitif or a nightcap after dinner at the Waterfront. Groups of more than eight should contact the hotel's reservations team in advance. Dress is smart casual, in keeping with the hotel, and the mood is calm rather than rowdy.

Bascule suits couples, small groups and solo travellers, and it is a good choice for anyone staying at the Waterfront who wants a quieter alternative to the busier bars and restaurants nearby. Cape Grace is on West Quay Road, a short walk from the Clock Tower and the main Waterfront shopping area, and taxis and ride-hailing services pick up easily outside the hotel. If you are staying elsewhere in the city, it combines well with dinner at the Waterfront or a sunset harbour cruise from the nearby quays, followed by a final drink by the marina.

If you are new to whisky, tell the staff which flavours you usually enjoy, whether light and fruity or rich and smoky, and they can suggest a starting point. Water is often added to whisky to open up its flavours, so do not be surprised if it is offered with your dram. Pace yourself, as the measures and the choice can both be generous.