Pictured: Paul Rutter

One of Birmingham's top bar tenders is taking on James Bond … a dangerous assignment.

"We have ways of making you talk, Mr Bond … but first let us share a properly stirred Martini …"

Secret agent 007 famously liked his Martinis "shaken not stirred" but Paul Rutter, at The Vaults in Newhall Place, disagrees.

He says stirred is best.

And Paul should know because the Jewellery Quarter venue was recently hailed as one of the best Martini bars in the world. The accolade came from Stylist magazine and had The Vaults rubbing shoulders with outlets in Milan, Paris, New York and Barcelona including the Hemingway Bar at the Ritz in Paris and the Beaumont Bar at London's The Savoy, where Bond creator Ian Fleming imbibed.

You could go for the Golden Mojito (Brugal rum, freshly squeezed lime, sugar, fresh mint leaves, lemon juice, and ginger ale). Or there's Paul's own favourite cocktail, the Tanqueray Ten, where the gin goes through a quadruple distillation process. Alternatively, if you are an aspiring Bond girl, don't be put off by the name of the 'porn star Martini', made with Stoli vodka, muddled with lime, passion fruit and topped with Champagne.

Sipping it in one of The Vaults' deep and atmospheric cellar booths feels like you are part of Bond's world!

So, what is the secret of the perfect Martini?

Well, naturally, Paul is not giving everything away, but much depends on the quality of the liquor and you need to get the correct viscosity.

"You must spend the right amount of time stirring it," says Paul. "It should release on your tongue."

And why was Bond so badly advised? Because, according to Paul, shaking with all that ice in place dilutes it quicker.

There are 24 different cocktails on offer with two-for-one all evening on Fridays.

And, if you want to get to The Vaults standard, then you can book you own Cocktail Masterclass and recreate classics from the Daquiri to the Manhattan, or simply invent your own with the guidance of the specialists. Marketed as either a corporate team building event or a fun way to spend an afternoon with friends. A Masterclass with canapés is £35 per person or £50 per person with dinner.

Set in the cellars of a Grade 2 listed Victorian building, The Vaults is situated below what was a brewery and workhouse and those private booths are reputed to have once been used as cells.

According to Julian Brown, partner in the venture, successful bar/restaurants need to offer something unique, like its Martini prowess, in today's tough economic climate,

In recent years The Vaults has fought its way out of recessionary trouble to buck the trend in the sector and become a niche venue.

Julian said: "People are amazed when they walk into this 'dungeon' world - it is pure history yet in one of the most up-to-the-minute leisure environments you can find. Unique is an over-used word … but it really is unique in Birmingham. There is nothing like it."

It is branded as the thinking person's retreat, a kind of executive escape.

But a lively one with Champagne bar, that world reputation for cocktails, quality food and entertainment.

Now under new ownership, The Vaults has undergone some radical improvements including changes to the management structure, implementation of improved cost and stock controls not to mention an interior revamp just one year ago, all of which has given the business a new lease of life.

Julian said: "We were one of the many victims of the recession as individuals cut back on their spending and the corporate world followed suit. Lots of hard graft and some significant internal improvements have turned it round and got people back."

The chic eatery and bar is full of character, enjoying lots of natural light despite the subterranean feel.

Julian said: "It is a setting unmatched in the city - once they experience The Vaults people tend to come back. It is so different.

"The booths are exclusive - close the velvet drapes on your personal drinks den or leave wide open for the world to see. They typically cater for intimate gatherings, romantic liaisons and special celebrations."

Open Tuesday to Saturday 5pm till late, the venue boasts some of Birmingham's most eclectic DJs, mixing their favourite records on Fridays and Saturdays from 8.30pm to 3am.

"Effectively it is several different locations in one - whether you want to let your hair down or opt for a quiet night, it is all there," said Julian.

"You need different types of appeal these days and that is why The Vaults is back in vogue."

The building has been attributed to H.R.Yeoville Thomason, who also designed the Council House.