Description: Strawberry Moons is a cocktail bar in Heddon Street, W1. This is a pedestrian only area just off the Southern end of Regent Street between Oxford Circus and Picadilly Circus tube stations. The destination had been chosen by a friend for a pre-Christmas early drink before heading off to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Happy Hour is between 5-7pm and this seemed a good time to meet.

Heddon Street is a tranquil paradise compared to the madness that is Regent Street on the last Saturday before Christmas. At just gone 5pm the bar was fairly empty and we had no problem getting a table – I would guess this would be harder on a Friday with the post-work crowd. Cocktails are all half price – Yay!! There were a number of staff at the bar and we rarely had to wait to long to be served which is a blessing as cocktail based drinks are longer to prepare. The staff seemed to know their stuff, although one time I got a trainee and she had to be shown how to make the drink which took a bit longer. I don't have a problem with this – we all have to learn new jobs at some time, and rather now than when the bar was rammed.

As well as cocktails they also sell Shooters, beers, wines and regular spirit/mixer drinks. I love cocktails so I was happy to make the most of Happy (2) Hour(s) and give a few a whirl. I have listed their full prices below, some also can be bought as jugs or deluxe versions with premium brands:

Pom Pom (£8.30) - Smirnoff Blueberry with pomegranate, apple juice and elderflower. I liked this much more than I thought. The pomegranate was the stronger flavour and it didn't seem to be strong.

Passion Margarita (£8.50) - Tequila shaken with Cointreau, with fresh lime and passion fruit. I really liked this, and it did have a bit of a kick I would definitely drink this again.

Orchard Fizz (£8.30) - Smirnoff Green Apple, fresh limes and mint topped with ginger ale. This had a bit of a mojito twist to it and was an enjoyable and refreshing drink.

Raspberry Beret (£8.30) - Absolut Raspberri with Schweppes ginger beer and puréed raspberries. My friend had this drink and I had a taste of it, it was a bit on the sweet side for me, but I recommend it for those who like a sweeter cocktail.

Ginger ninja (£3.95) – This is a non-alcoholic cocktail one of my friends tried. It is made with pineapple juice, ginger beer and fresh lime. I think pineapple juice and ginger beer combined is all sorts of levels of wrongness and it didn't work for me, but he seemed to like it.

We also had some nachos (£9) for the classic, veggie version which is ideal for two people to share, with lots of toppings including jalapenos. Food was prepared promptly and we didn't have to wait long, but the bar wasn't that busy. They also do bigger sharing platters (£16), plus light bites from £3.50 which included things like potato wedges, bruschetta, ribs and calamari. You can also get nuts or olives for £2.50.

The bar is simple with clean, modern lines and quite large. It is also quite dark inside (flashlight app on your phone may come in handy to read the menu). There is a multi coloured flashing dancefloor towards the back, but plenty of space should the dance floor overflow. We didn't stay that late however. At it's peak (during the time we were there) all seats and tables were taken but the bar did not seem crowded as it is quite large and tables are spread out so you don't get the feeling of being cramped. I understand that it can get quite a bit busier later, and I saw some tables reserved for parties from 8pm.

Toilets are downstairs. There is an attendant in the Ladies', offering the usual selection of perfumes and sherbet lollies for a gratuity. It was not busy enough to comment on how well they are maintained, I imagine she would have her work cut out later in the evening.

I thought the extensive range of cocktails to be very appealing and hope to go back sometime soon. Cocktails aren't cheap, but we are in the heart of Central London. I do recommend taking advantage of happy hour if you can. Close