The Bar at the Dorchester matches its elegant surroundings with a grace that turns stopping by for a drink into a decadent outing.

The Venue
The Dorchester Hotel is on Park Lane, with Hyde Park providing an enviable back garden. Walking through the hotel lobby, it’s hard to imagine that The Bar at The Dorchester will live up to the regal grandeur of its host. In fact, it has a freshness that the hotel itself lacks.

Following a costly refurbishment, this bar merges classic with contemporary and begs to swallow you up as you enter the sultry luxury of its lair. The seating offers the choice of seclusion in the way of the curved contour of the booth. The lighting is interesting at best and there are strange coloured glass sculptures that may be missed from their true home on the shelves of a nineties pharmacy. However, this small detail shouldn’t distract you from what is a sophisticated establishment.

The Atmosphere
There is a ponderous atmosphere that exists from being set at the foot of a hotel with such renown. The pomp and circumstance of the hotel’s guests seems to inspire interest and intrigue in The Bar at The Dorchester. A sense of occasion prevails, and it’s not simply misplaced narcissism that fills you with self importance as you rub shoulders with the (friendly) international guests around you. A good way to make the most of the venue is to sidle up to the bar on one of the tall, comfortable chairs and enjoy a chat with the extremely affable and attentive bar staff.

The Drink
The extensive cocktail list at The Bar at The Dorchester provides a welcome selection headache for the customer. Rather than burying your head in the menu, hold it high and ask for an expert opinion from one of the highly professional bar staff. Make sure you have a little time, as your questions could be greeted with boundless anecdotes and fables describing the clarity of ingredients and origins of the delicious drinks. The specialty is Vermouth. From bottles made for Italian royalty to extremely limited runs, the basis for the martini is always second to none. The quality of the cocktails has to be tasted to be believed, and with a quote worthy of the drink it seems that with each sip “There’s a party in the mouth, and everyone’s invited!”

The Last Word
If you’re looking for some of the finest cocktails in London then a visit to The Bar at The Dorchester is a must. The prices are hefty but they pale into insignificance when you’re struck by the quality and individuality on offer.

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