Another day, some more beading and another excuse to drink a cocktail.

I've been fortunate in the past to attend a couple of events involving Bompas and Parr and when I found out they were launching a new cocktail book I was intrigued. I already have many cocktail books, so I wondered if I really needed a new one, but if it contained anything as inventive as some of the things they have done before, then I definitely wanted it.

When I found out they were doing a book signing, with cocktails, tonight at Natalie Galustian Rare Books I nabbed two spaces as soon as I could.

The shop is in Cecil Court, which sits at the heart of London's busy West End, but as soon as you turn into the street it feels as though you have discovered an oasis amidst all the noise, people and traffic. The shop fronts and signs transport you back to another time and the gentle light from our destination soon drew us in.

Once inside the book shop the smell was overwhelming. Downstairs punch bowls were filled with cold or hot punches and the walls were decorated with photographs from the new book. The predominant smell was that of truffle, which I think was on the popcorn. Whilst I recently fell in love with it, this smell was almost enough to end the romance. Maybe. I stil can't decide if I love it or hate it. Either way the popcorn tasted great and the cocktails were fab.

After a drink or two I had a look at the books. Unfortunately, to make room for the event, the cocktail books were mainly packed away but coming back for a look at these, plus all the other interesting shops in this street, will soon see me back here.