23/1/22 - updated with photos of the new bar
If you've been to The Dorchester recently, then you'll have noticed that their regular ground-floor bar has been under wraps (and has even popped up to the roof). It's all part of a big revamp to the ground floor.
Now they've unveiled the new bar - Vesper Bar. If you were wondering then, yes, there is a big James Bond influence in that name - The Dorchester gets mentioned in the books and Fleming regularly dined at the hotel. He also sank a few Vesper martinis, we imagine.
The bar has a whole new look courtesy of Martin Brudnizki - he's been behind the designs of many London restaurants and bars, including Annabel's, Aquavit, The Ivy and just too many to mention. There's a 1930s influence in the design (including a 1930s Palladium leaf ceiling) and they've also added a new bespoke entrance for the bar on Park Lane as well as an outside terrace. The bar will also be decorated with Cecil Beaton photos and drawings.
Drinks will be from head bartender Lucia Montanelli, and include The Gilded Three - Roasted pineapple-infused Flor de Cana 12, Siete Misterios Doba-Yej mezcal, Noe Pedro Ximénez sherry, carob honey and pepita horchata. We'd imagine that their martinis should be very good indeed.
As for food, expect dishes like a lamb wellington, buttermilk guinea fowl with truffle and lobster tempura.
In addition to all that - there's also a brand-new bar called The Artist's bar. That's, well, a little bit more on the bling side as it's been designed with lots of crystal and has Liberace's own piano front and centre.
There, they'll be serving all the cocktails on bespoke trolleys (unless you're up at the bar, of course) with drinks including "Stamp Duty" which features Doorly’s 3 Barbados rum, Drambuie, Oloroso sherry, lime and homemade English breakfast tea butter syrup.
As for the food there, that's by the hotel's Culinary Director, Martyn Nail, with British-caught seafood, a caviar selection, Irish rock and native oysters, potted shrimp, lobster cocktail and seabass ceviche.
More about Vesper Bar and The Artist's Bar
Where is it? 53 Park Ln, London W1K 1QA
When does it open? 23 January 2023
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @thedorchester.
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