Where to take him: evenings across Europe he will not forget
Every man has a place he talks about for years. Here are some of ours, chosen for the woman planning the evening, and for the moment he realises she knew exactly where to go.
If he loves a martini
The Connaught Bar in Mayfair brings its famous martini trolley to the table. Ten minutes away, Dukes Bar mixes them the same way, as it did for Ian Fleming.
If he loves whisky
SCOTCH at The Balmoral in Edinburgh has hundreds of Scotch whiskies and ambassadors to guide him through them. Stay upstairs at The Balmoral.
If he plays golf
A round on the Old Course at St Andrews is the gift every golfer dreams of. Tee times are released in advance and by daily ballot, so plan early. For a whole weekend, Gleneagles has three courses and Restaurant Andrew Fairlie.
If he has everything
Monte-Carlo: a drink at Le Bar Américain with live jazz and the Casino across the square, then dinner at Le Louis XV, or a seat at L'Abysse, one of the most exclusive counters in the Principality.
If he loves art
In Zurich, the Kronenhalle Bar is wood-panelled and hung with works by Picasso, Chagall and Miró. Order a drink and look at the walls.
If he likes a secret
In Barcelona, Paradiso is reached through the fridge door of a pastrami bar. In Milan, the address of 1930 is shared only with its guests.
If you want the view
In Rome, La Pergola has the whole city spread out below. In Istanbul, Mikla has a terrace over the Golden Horn and the old city.
How to plan it
- Choose the city for him and the hotel for you. Both of you will be happy.
- Book the hardest table first, then build the evening around it.
- Keep one detail secret until the night itself.
- Every page on the Atlas has a share button. Send him the address when you are ready.
