DON'T PLAN BLUE BAR FOR A GOOD NIGHT OUT

I chose dinner at Zafferano followed by cocktails at Blue Bar for my boyfriend's 33rd birthday last Friday night.

Wanting to plan the perfect celebration and having never been to the Blue Bar before, I called the Berkeley in the afternoon to ensure their statement "non-residents welcome" applied that evening. Yes, certainly, they assured me.

After a wonderful experience at Zafferano's, the two of us made our way to the Berkeley. My high hopes were crushed in an instant when the smug maitre d' informed us entry was for guests of the hotel only.

I explained the situation, my boyfriend's birthday, my prior phone call, pointed out several free tables in the bar - but to no avail. This smug staff member was completely indifferent.

The situation seemed all the more surreal given the bar's atmosphere didn't seem exclusive at all. All this to say - do not believe you can plan a good night at the Blue Bar in the Berkeley! THEY WILL NOT HONOUR THEIR WORDS AND WILL LET THEIR PATRONS DOWN.

Having been a big fan of their Pret-a-Portea over the years, I am sad to say I now have to take all my business away from The Berkeley. I'll recommend my friends and colleagues do the same.

Blu Bar is dingy and boring, and caters for rich people over 55. It would have been a bit better if the bar was on the top of the building and you could listen to some live music.


I don't mind paying a little more but for something special, but it wasn't funky at all. The atmosphere at Blu Bar was boring, stuffy and old fashioned. Feeling very disappointed, we left for another bar after 20 minutes.