There is a new hidden gem in Mayfair, at the heart of the Connaught Hotel (just off the lobby in the new wing), The Champagne Room (pictured) is a beautiful yet intimate place – illuminated by a contemporary skylight and candlelight.
Choose from a selection of prestige champagnes, fine wines and rare spirits (all exclusive to the Connaught) – served in bespoke crystal Baccarat glasses. The Champagne Room is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 4pm.
Mr Fogg’s is a venture by Charlie Gilkes and Duncan Stirling (also behind Barts, Maggie’s and the soon to open Beaver Lodge).
Hidden down a side street off Berkeley Square (at 15 Bruton Lane) Mr Fogg’s is a recreation of the Mayfair home of fictional British adventurer Phileas Fogg – from Jules Verne’s classic novel Around the World in Eighty Days. The eccentric interiors are laden with artifacts, curiosities and trinkets from his around-the-world travels.
The drinks menu interprets ‘Victorian Cocktailian Culture’ with classics from the era being revived with a modern twist, such as Absinthe Aperitifs, Gin Fizzes and Grog’s.
Sharing drinks are served in an assortment of vessels including globes, Red Indian’s heads, steam trains and antique punch bowls. Mr Fogg’s will also be making a brief (pop-up) appearance as part of this year’s LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair.
Cartizze (named after the revered 1000 foot high Prosecco vineyards) is a new art deco styled cocktail and Bellini bar (find the hidden entrance off Lancashire Court) in Mayfair. The cocktail list has been created by award winning bartender Richard Woods and uses Italian influences to create interesting combinations such as the Olive Oil Gin Fizz or the Liquorice Sour, all served in antique glassware. The elegant interior, features a pretty combination of lilac dip-dyed paneling with soft lilac and blue leathers. This intimate and attractive bar can only accommodate sixty guests, so ensure you book ahead.
Tucked discreetly away in the corner of Grosvenor Square, The Luggage Room draws on the spirit of the roaring twenties and the ‘Bentley Boys’.
An intimate London cocktail bar housed in the former luggage room situated within Marriott’s Grosvenor Square Hotel. Decadently styled with all leather upholstery and marble and nostalgic period curiosities and serving up traditional cups, cobblers, punches, martinis and champagne cocktails. Each drink is expertly crafted by experienced bartenders and served in authentic period glassware.
Gymkhana, the Indian restaurant (on Albemarle Street) by Karem Sethi (also behind the Michelin starred Trishna restaurant) is a huge hit with both restaurant critics and satisfied customers since it opened last year.
Designed with a colonial Indian social and sports clubs theme, the lavishly evocative interior design (reminiscent of the old East India Punch Taverns) is serving up award-winning modern Indian cuisine combined with British ingredients. Head downstairs to the bar, which specialises in classic Indian punches and cocktails-fusing spices with Indian spirits and even a specialised gin and tonic list.
Also worth checking out is the new cocktail bar at Mayfair’s Bellamy’s restaurant, sitting (handsomely) adjacent to the Parisian inspired brasserie’s dining room (the space which was previously their shop) for a variety of classic cocktails (all priced at £10) and a decent selection of wines by the glass – in a charming club-like atmosphere.
