There's no safer way to ensure the successful launch of your bar in London than to secure the services of Salvatore Calabrese. Also known as The Maestro, Salvatore came to fame with his legendary martinis at Duke's Hotel and, more recently, was behind the drinks list at the Donovan Bar at Browns Hotel in Mayfair.
Now it's the turn of Corinthia London to bask in Salvatore's reflected glory. He's been brought on board to help launch the luxury hotel's newest bar, Velvet. It's taken over the space where the Bassoon bar was and is, we're told, "a seductive intimate bar" that you'll find hidden behind red velvet curtains in the heart of the hotel.
The 'maestro' is currently remaining tight-lipped about the drinks on the new bar's list, but you can expect to find some of his best-known creations like the Breakfast Martini and the Spicy Fifty, a vanilla and honey-based vodka cocktail with freshly sliced chilli.
As for the look of the place, the David Collins studio which also designed Kerridge's Bar and Grill at the hotel is being brought in to do the honours. Running things day-to-day will be bar manager Christian Maspes who's ex-American Bar at the Savoy and Quaglinos.
More about Velvet
Where is it? Corinthia London, Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2BD
When? 7 November 2022
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @corinthialondon
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