RACHAEL O’CONNOR discovers Angels in Little Clarendon Street is sheer heaven when it comes that perfect pre-club cocktail.

Friday night for many means gearing up for the weekend and what better way to start proceedings than to grab some cocktail courage at Angels.

Tucked away down Oxford’s trendy Little Clarendon Street, you may not know of Angels unless you have been told about it but it IS worth the short walk from the city centre to sample their cocktail shaking credentials.

A warm welcome at the door draws you in from the cold and carries you through to the strikingly unique décor – red leather retro chic with lit candles on every table, and a definite touch of 30s sophistication lingering in the air.

The contrast of modern adornment – namely the towering silver tree that plays home to the cocktail specials board – throws a futuristic edge into the mix.

However, there’s no question as to the focal point of your visit – the bar, brightly back lit to display a colourful array of mouth-watering premium liqueurs.

Which means of course you can’t help but be tempted by its extensive drinks menu, mirroring the furnishings with its option of the classic “vintage” cocktail as well as its more cutting edge creations.

Fortunately, I had the pleasure of being expertly guided around the menu by the enthusiastic staff behind the bar, whose flair for cocktail mixing added an energetic buzz to the venue.

Within minutes I was presented with my first drink; the exotic Louisiana Jam which looked great – and tasted better. Drinks are reasonably priced but it’s worth noting Happy Hour’s alive and kicking until 9pm.

Last Friday saw the venue rammed with a mix of students and professionals, spread across two floors and dressed to impress.

The ground level offers the perfect environment for promoting good conversation while taking your time over highly palatable thirst quenchers. Indeed, the music is pitched perfectly, ensuring you can have a discussion your throat won’t pay for in the morning.

Downstairs has slightly lower lighting and a more intimate seating arrangement which is ideal for people watching.

So whether it’s after-work drinks, pre-nightclub cocktails or a post-kickout continuation of a great night out, Angels offers a devilishly good time...