We’ve been very fortunate this year to see the launch of some very exciting drinks menus, many which are driven by imaginative concepts, making it more about just cocktails.
The Blue Bar at The Berkeley in Knightsbridge has sought to join the likes of City Social and Artesian with their new perception-bending ‘Out Of The Blue’ cocktail experience - quite possibly one of the most impressive cocktail adventures we’ve experienced in recent times.
Without wanting to ruin too much of the surprise, the ‘Out Of The Blue’ experience features an impressive multi-sensory journey designed to enhance perception of flavour through sight, sound and scent, with accompanying drinks to match.
Upon arrival, guests are shown into an intimate space in another part of the hotel. This secluded room seats just four and features a table in the centre and projectors on every wall. Drinks arrive in the form of four cocktails, presented in nondescript, but stylist, ceramic vessels. The ensuing ‘show’ is a half hour experience of short films which are designed to blur the lines between scent, sight and taste, creating a ‘synesthetic immersion’ matched to each of the four cocktails.
Fans of visual artist Pipilotti Rist will notice some clever references to her work throughout. However, you don’t have to be an arts buff to enjoy what is quite simply an impressive and well thought through experience.
The team, who’ve been working on the experience for over a year have been focused on stripping away traditional cues of brands, names and glassware and instead looked to focus guests attention on ingredients, aromas and flavours in an unbiased environment. However those who like to know what’s in their glass will be pleased to know that the contents of each of the drinks are given a big reveal at the end of each section.
More about The Berkeley Out of the Blue Experience
Where is it? The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RL
When does it open? ‘Out Of The Blue’ is available from Wednesday 15th November with hourly slots between 5.30pm – 11pm, priced at £200 for up to four guests. Bookings can be made by phone or by e-mailing outoftheblue@the-berkeley.co.uk
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Twitter @the_berkeley
