Proving that Gary knows a thing or two about creative concoctions from the bar as well as the kitchen, Rhodes W1 Patron Bar serves up excellent cocktails and a few decent bites to keep stomachs lined.

The Venue
Much like the brasserie, the Rhodes W1 Patron Bar can’t really escape the fact that it’s housed within the admittedly impressive bowels of the Cumberland Hotel, but it just about manages to feel individual enough to avoid the depressing sterility that most hotel bars suffer from. There’s no real partition between the bar and the restaurant and the openness this creates makes it feel almost minimalist, but any notions of coldness are quickly dispelled once you’re seated, ideally on the comfy sofas to the venues rear. If you do decide to scale the stylish looking bar stools though, either take crampons or prepare to look less than graceful on your ascent. It’s a pleasant enough place though, with sedate greys and soft woods illuminated by tasteful chandeliers and mellow spotlights.

The Atmosphere
It’s something of a slave to its hotel location – it’s hardly likely to be made into a local by a loyal clientele. Consequently you can expect to see people from around the world united not only by a shared temporary address but also by a certain affluence, the kind of affluence that encourages an expectation of excellent service. Thankfully, they’re not disappointed, with impeccably mannered waiting staff showcasing their knowledge of the venue, the hotel and the impressive drinks selection with panache. It’s hardly bustling but people seem friendly enough, and if you do get bored there’s a large television screen looking a little out of place and showing rolling news, lest you miss out on important new developments.

The Food
If you’ve not got enough time to dine in the adjoining restaurant then there are a few nibbles you can get your teeth into at the bar, with the quality and prices being favourable. The mini chorizo sausages (£5.50) are excellent, with deliciously paprika rich sausages cooked in red wine generously served to fill a sizeable bowl. The chicken piri piri skewers (£10.50) are pretty good too, with incredibly tender chicken lightly dusted with the famous flavour and served with a light and zesty yoghurt and mint dip.

The Drink
Rhodes W1 Patron Bar boasts a surprisingly comprehensive cocktail list, one that should keep even the most hardened aficionado of the art of mixology more than happy. There’s everything from Champagne numbers through to classics and non-alcoholics, with most monikers kicked off with the grand brand that’s used as a base. Judging too, by the effortless competence of the bar staff, they’re probably able to nonchalantly knock up some equally enticing concoctions from off the menu, suited to whatever whims you might be partial to. Two that are certainly worth giving a go though are the Wild Grassini (an immaculately balanced mix of Zubrowka, muddled fresh root ginger, lemongrass, Demerara sugar, house sours and apple juice - £9.50), and an equally impressive Passion Peach Punch (£10.50), a suitably fruity mix of Passoa, white peach puree, passion fruit puree, fresh passion fruit syrup, house sours and Champagne.

The Last Word
A good example of how hotel bars can be done, Rhodes W1 Patron Bar is perfect for those staying or dining in the hotel. But if cocktails are your thing then it’s worth making a beeline for just for those.

venue information venue map view london review write a review venue videos