A beautiful and timeless bar, it's no surprise which colour scheme dominates here, in a collage of textures and shades.

The Venue
A jewel of a bar with a 35-seater capacity, service is attentive and the cocktails sublime. Made from a hundred-strong vodka list, the menu’s divided into The Martini Collection (classics), Modern Martinis (the largest in London) and The Divine Experience (dessert cocktails).

The Atmosphere
Tiny Queen Ann’s chairs create a doll’s house effect, there's a violet leather ceiling and a bar top crafted from a giant piece of raw, uncut black Nero Apsoluto stone.

The Drinks
Be warned before ordering in the bubbly that the house champagne is Dom Perignon, which weighs in at £30 per glass.

The classics cocktails list reads like a timeline of the martini, beginning, of course, with The Martinez that’s said to originate from 1860. A little too noxious for some tastes, the Pa Pa Paa – melted milk chocolate muddled with raspberries – is so utterly delicious that it could be deservedly drunk for breakfast, lunch and dinner if you didn't have a job to go to.

The Last Word
Incredibly intimate and truly atmospheric with an often glamorous and always moneyed clientele, Purple bar entrance requirements are strict and extend only to VIPs and hotel guests. If you’re not one of the chosen few the Sanderson’s glorious terrace, which lies just a few metres away, is a worthy alternative.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (3)