Located in the prestigious Langham Hotel, the Artesian bar has been redesigned by David Collins and is already attracting a heady mix of fashionistas, media luvvies and old school money.

The Venue
Perched opposite Broadcasting House, a Louboutin-shoed skip away from busy Oxford Street, the Artesian bar is perfectly placed to attract the capital’s most fashionable drinkers, and it does. Redesigned by David Collins, the Artesian has had so many ideas thrown at it that it really shouldn’t work - so it’s even more of a revelation that not only is it a success, but that it does so with such fantastic style.

The Atmosphere
Combining Victoriana romance with Oriental influences the Artesian is truly distinctive – from the top of its intricately carved altarpiece above the lilac marble topped bar right down to the rattlesnake parquet leather flooring. Colossal timber chandeliers are suspended from the ceiling, silver-leaf mirrors shimmer on the walls, the leather seats are embossed and the glossy resin tables bearing lilac butterfly motifs are arranged intimately around the edges of the room.

However, it’s the exquisite service that really sets the Artesian bar apart. Managing to be both discreet and friendly, the service really is impeccable. Whether you are popping in for breakfast, afternoon tea or a rum cocktail you’ll feel as though you’ve been going there for years.

The Food
Whilst in many London bars the food is incidental, at the Artesian it is all part of the experience. Start the day with a breakfast meeting over Bloody Mary muffins and coddled eggs with smoked salmon and caviar or drop by for the afternoon tea which includes cup cakes and Laduree macaroons. In the evening, line your stomach with prawn tempura before sampling their cocktails.

The Drink
Rum is enjoying a resurgence in popularity at London’s top cocktail bars and the Artesian is clearly fully embracing the idea as they’ve sourced around 50 different rums. The bar’s usual cocktail list is still in place but it’s their new rum cocktails which are making the Artesian a destination bar - inspired by classic combinations they have been created so that you can clearly taste the alcohol base in their punches, slings and sours. The Brazilian Mule, Artesian Punch and Frisco Mule are all recommended but for a warming winter cocktail you can’t beat the Hot Buttered Rum.

Uniquely, the ice at the Artesian is a feature in itself – the supermodel of the ice world this is no ordinary ice, their energised ice is denser, colder and purer so that it lasts longer and doesn’t dilute the cocktails. Sceptical? You won’t be after a few strong cocktails which kick any residual sobriety firmly into touch.

The Last Word
The Artesian attracts London’s most discerning cocktail drinkers and fashionable bar flies, and rightly so. Sleek styling, delicious cocktails and impeccable service create a winning combination.

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