Calling anything 'The Best Of' is always likely to be a bit controversial.
And even so, our recommendation for London's best martini bar is one we stand firmly behind.
As for why you should take our word for it - trust us, as consummate martini drinkers we've done the rounds of the London bars and sampled a fair few martinis in our time. And without fail, among a host of delicious drinks, we have found one stand-out tipple: the Dukes martini.
Dukes Martini Bar
Now, it's worth mentioning one thing up front: Dukes bar, and its superlative martinis, is popular!
The only way to be guaranteed a table in the bar during the busy early-evening hours is to be a guest at the swish Dukes Hotel, and to make a reservation.
For everyone else it's a case of turning up and adding your name to the waiting list, then joining the other eager tipplers in the lobby to await your turn.
A tip for anyone keen to miss the worst of the waiting in line: aim to arrive before 5pm. Any later, and the wait to get into this sought-after venue is likely to be a long one...
A note too on dress code. Officially the code for dress at Dukes is smart casual, and sportswear, shorts and t-shirts are not permitted. And in practice too, you'll find that most guests at Dukes are very tastefully turned out.
Which is perhaps not all that surprising, given the prices of these remarkable drinks will set you back somewhere in the region of £25 a pop.
Are the cocktails at Dukes bar worth such an elevated price tag? We'll leave that to you to ultimately decide. What is not in doubt is that these martinis are cocktail masterpieces.
They are also legendary! Ian Fleming - creator of swashbuckling martini swiller James Bond - was a regular patron at Dukes, and the bar is said to be the inspiration for the spook's drink of choice.
So go on, next time you're in London, head over to Dukes and order one. The next thing you know, the dedicated Dukes martini trolley is rolling up alongside your table: lemons sliced, olives stacked, glasses chilled to perfection, and a liveried barman who is about to create the best martini of your life.
As for which martini to order, that is surely a personal choice. We've tried a few, and without fail they are delicious.
If in doubt, there's always the Vesper - a gin/vodka combo martini - of which the Dukes version is widely considered the gold standard. Or for something a little different, go for the Martinez - a gorgeous amber martini that's a tad less dry with a hint of cherry sweet.
For our part, amongst the host of wonderful martinis served up by Dukes bar, we find ourselves going back again and again to that deserved classic: The Dukes gin martini - extra dry, extra cold, a twist of lemon for pizzazz.
Mind you, as you're savouring your delectable tipple, remember to pace yourself. These martinis pack a punch. So much so that the judicious Dukes barmen will serve you no more than 2.
Review of Dukes martini bar
We've said it above and we'll say it again: For a superlative martini in London look no further than Dukes. These martinis are the best in town!
Dukes is an institution, a worthy inclusion on any London itinerary, and a bar we'll be returning to again and again for that perfect martini fix.
Dukes hotel and bar location: 35 St James's Place, London SW1A 1NY, UK
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