New York's best bars v London's best bars

The City and Wall Street share a lot in common, most notoriously the "work hard, play hard" ethic which sees bankers, traders, brokers and lawyers raking it in during the day then spending it like it's going out of fashion in the evenings. So if you wanted to have a chat with a banker about excesses during a time of crisis, where would you find one without having to sweet talk your way past the dolly bird at the reception desk at their workplace? Campbell Apartment in New York near Grand Central Station is a good place to start if you enter New York via Grand Central although if you speak to people that know it, they would say they are letting you into one of New York's secrets. Drinking here is like holding court in an exquisite Scottish castle with low comfy sofas and attractive waitresses serving pricey but good cocktails and a decent selection of beers in a soothing atmosphere. It's a good second date spot or meeting place. Suffice to say, being in Grand Central a lot of commuters drink here. A very shabby chic bar.

Back in The City, The Oxo Tower Bar is one of London's most recognisable landmarks on the River Thames with wonderful views across the River Thames from the bar. Having met some beautiful women at the Oxo, take it from me - it can make a good night complete! I'm not normally a cocktail person but usually get stuck into the white russians. I like the crowd here too, it's a combination of City girls and suits with south of the river professionals, estate agents and the like but in my experience always a good atmosphere with very good food.

I have a friend with a flat in Covent Garden so I couldn't blog without mentioning Detroit which is obviously more West End and relaxed and attracts a young crowd. I love everything about this place. Worldsbestbars.com says that of all the gin joints in the world, you'll want to walk into this one and goes on to mention bartender Eddie Yang having created a brand new cocktail, the Beefeater 24. Detroit is underground with really groovy decor, cosy and the kind of place you can find an alcove tucked away with friends and get lost for a night although it's a shame it shuts at 12 as the music is always good here. It's a good party place too with a room out the back that will hold about 100 people.

OK, back across the pond and smack bang in the middle of Manhattan Island is Flatiron lounge, a hark back to the roaring twenties in New York with classic a beautiful classic art deco interior. Unlike many London bars, Flatiron is open until 4am at weekends with excellent cocktails although a little on the pricey side ($18 for Flight of the Day). I have only been to this bar once but for my one visit I could not pick fault with drinks and service - our waiter was very knowledgeable with a beautifully "natural" personality but the winner for me is the 1920s theme. If you've never been to New York, it's like catching up everything you weren't around for in the last century.

London is not known for it's skyscrapers so I'm going to stick my neck out and lastly mention Vertigo 42 which is a small, yet classy little bar at the top of the City's Tower 42 which used to be the Nat West Tower and London's first skyscraper. The main event at Vertigo 42 are the views of London and the best time to go is at sunset. As bars go, there is nothing else that makes it stand out from the crowd as I found it to be a little pricey but then I think I'm forgetting the views, which is why I paid it a visit in the first place and that's why I'll go back. Nothing quite beats having a beer nearly 600ft in the sky.