Lagoon

Like most Japanese cocktail or whiskey bars in the city, Lagoon is the kind of place that's never overly busy. You don't go expecting to see or be seen, you go simply for well-executed drinks in a relaxing atmosphere. Lagoon has got mojitos on the brain. At least, "mojitos" in the sense of cocktails featuring mint, sugar, soda water and lime alongside anything from the traditional rum to tequila or champagne. There are almost 100 of of these on the menu - well worth exploring on repeat visits. There are also standard cocktails, hot cocktails and the requisite whiskey and sake. The choice is better downstairs at Ichikura, but Lagoon's prices are slightly cheaper. Ice-cold Asahi is another plus point. A distinctly non-Japanese food menu includes tacos, tapas, pizza, chicken wings and salads. One more bar inside Chaoyang Theater and we'll have a pub crawl on our hands.