Drink up: absinthe cocktails

With the tidal wave of absinthe continuing to flood discerning drinking dens, it was only ever a matter of time before someone mixed this fearsome spirit into cocktails that would be agreeable on the palate.

And Sir Terence Conran's Bluebird bar on the happening end of Chelsea's King's Road has done just that.

The recently expanded bar on the first floor of this style emporium stocks more than 20 different brands of absinthe, and fans of the drink known as 'The Green Fairy' (it is green, but it ain't no fairy) can now sample the stuff in one of seven new cocktails specially created for the Bluebird.

Try the Bohemian Mule (with absinthe lime and ginger ale), the Tomate (with grenadine and cold water), or the Black Stocking (with Tia Maria, Kahlua, and a shot of espresso coffee), at £7.50.

Bluebird, 350 King's Road, SW3 (020-7559 1000)