June 2, 2025 Capital A List - Celebrity club news

Blinds Wine Bar in London, a stylish new addition to Hackney Road’s bar scene, opened its doors on May 9, 2025, bringing a fresh take on natural wine and relaxed dining to the city. Occupying a former blinds shop at 279 Hackney Road, this bar’s name is a nod to its past, but everything else—from the wine list to the vibe—is firmly rooted in the present.

Blinds is the brainchild of a trio of hospitality veterans: Arthur Gomez, Thomas Barclay, and Jean Michel Peragine. Gomez leads the project and has previously worked at Hedonism Wines, The White Horse in Mayfair and curated wine lists for Michelin-starred restaurants through Classic Fine Foods UK. Their shared vision? To create a “groovy wine bar” that champions small-scale natural wine producers and offers a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere.

The interior of Blinds reflects its minimalist ethos: stripped-back walls, warm wood accents, and a long bar that invites conversation. The space is intimate yet airy, with a curated soundtrack that leans into funk, soul, and weekend DJ sets to keep the energy flowing. It’s where you can drop in for a quick glass or settle in for the evening.

Blinds Wine Bar London Menu

Blinds distinguishes itself with a rotating selection of natural wines, spotlighting bottles from small-scale producers. The wine list is designed to be approachable, encouraging exploration and discovery. In addition to wine, Blinds offers a selection of expertly mixed cocktails, providing options for all palates. The bar also hosts weekend DJ sets.

The food menu at Blinds complements its beverage offerings with a selection of small plates that are both comforting and refined. Dishes include truffle-infused pies, creamy burrata drizzled with olive oil, and sardines in oil. Charcuterie options feature saucisson and pâté en croûte, while various pickles add a tangy contrast. These offerings are designed to pair with the natural wines and cocktails.

Blinds Wine Bar London Bookings

Capital A List members can make bookings for Blinds Wine Bar below.

Blinds Wine Bar London Cuisine, Dress Code & Address

Cuisine: European

Dress Code: Casual

Area: Shoreditch 

Address: 279 Hackney Road, London E2 8NA

Website: https://www.instagram.com/blinds.ldn/

May 31, 2025 Capital A List - Celebrity club news

Luum bar in London is a captivating late-night lounge that blends the mystique of Mexican culture with the city’s sophisticated nightlife. Since its opening in November 2024, Luum has quickly become a destination for those seeking an immersive experience combining innovative mixology, lively design, and soulful music.

Luum is the brainchild of Sunset Hospitality Group, renowned for creating unique hospitality concepts worldwide. Under the leadership of General Manager Stefano Chilà, formerly of Chiltern Firehouse and Annabel’s, Luum brings a wealth of experience to London’s bar scene. The lounge is part of the revitalised Pantechnicon. It also houses the Japanese restaurant Sachi and the Provençal eatery Amélie, creating a diverse culinary hub in Belgravia.

Upon entering Luum, guests find an atmosphere that exudes colonial romanticism and Latin American flair. The interior features rich colours, bold textures, and intricate patterns. Velvet banquettes, a swirling marble bar, and a mirrored ceiling add a touch of opulence. Leafy printed walls and green plants infuse the space with a tropical essence. The design pays homage to the natural world, aligning with Luum’s commitment to celebrating the elements in every aspect of its offering.

Luum Bar London Menu

Luum distinguishes itself with its dedication to agave-based spirits, particularly mezcal, which forms the backbone of its cocktail program. The bar is equipped with a Buchi Rotavapor R-300, allowing for in-house distillation and the creation of unique infusions. The cocktail menu is divided into three sections: ‘Above the Ground,’ featuring light spirits and fresh flavours; ‘Below the Ground,’ offering aged spirits with deep, earthy notes; and ‘Precious Stones,’ showcasing rare ingredients and exceptional spirits.

Find cocktails like the ‘Meet Me at Mapimi.’ This is a blend of El Gobernador pisco, yerba mate and jalapeño cordial, and lime juice, served in bespoke glassware with a cayenne pepper rim. The ‘Purple Roots,’ combines tequila, mezcal, sherry, purple carrot, and black pepper. For those seeking an elevated experience, the ‘Precious Stones’ collection reimagines classic cocktails using rare and vintage spirits.

Complementing the drinks is a menu curated by Mexican chef Coko Becker, formerly of the two-Michelin-starred Pujol in Mexico City. The food offerings include small plates like truffle quesadillas, garlic tortilla chips, tacos and ceviche. Each dish is crafted with bold spices and authentic recipes.

Luum Bar London Bookings

Capital A List members can make bookings for Luum Bar below.

Luum Bar London Cuisine, Dress Code & Address

Cuisine: Mexican

Dress Code: Casual

Area: Belgravia

Address: Pantechnicon, 19 Motcomb St, London SW1X 8LB

Website: https://barluum.com/

May 5, 2025 Capital A List - Celebrity club news

Walking into The Library Bar at The Lanesborough in London feels like stepping into another era—one where elegance is effortless and time seems to move a little slower. Inside this iconic five-star hotel at Hyde Park Corner, the bar is the kind of place that whispers luxury rather than shouting it.

The interiors are everything you’d hope for from a space that calls itself “The Library.” Think polished mahogany shelves lined with rare books, hand-painted marbling on the walls, butter-soft leather chairs, and a fireplace that anchors the room with a warm, golden glow. The lighting is low, the ambience intimate, and if you’re lucky enough to catch one of their live acoustic sessions or a quietly brilliant pianist, the atmosphere becomes downright cinematic.

The Library Bar doesn’t try to be trendy, and that’s precisely its charm. It’s a place for quiet conversations, stolen moments, and impeccably crafted drinks.

The Library Bar at The Lanesborough London Menu

The menu at The Library Bar is a true celebration of craftsmanship. Find elevated classics, rare spirits, and elegant bites come together in a setting that demands you slow down and savour. Signature cocktails, the entire food menu… everything is delivered with the polish and poise you’d expect from one of London’s finest hotel bars.

The cocktail list is playful and refined. A standout is the Lilibet, a tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II. It is a cocktail featuring Earl Grey-infused Bombay Sapphire, bergamot, white cacao liqueur, and a bright twist of lemon. It’s floral, balanced, and just regal enough to match the bar’s stately interiors. For a bolder option, the St George’s Negroni blends Martini bitters, Dubonnet, Graham’s Port, and gin for a rich, velvety take on the classic aperitivo. There’s also an entire section dedicated to lighter, low-ABV cocktails for those who want a more delicate sip without compromising on flavour.

Beyond cocktails, The Library Bar is renowned for its historic cognac collection, featuring bottles that date back to the 1770s. This extensive spirits library also includes rare Armagnacs, whiskies, and vintage liqueurs. Many of these can be experienced in custom tasting flights.

The food menu complements the drinks. Small plates include truffle arancini and grilled sourdough with whipped feta. The standout Mezze Platter features falafel, baba ghanoush, vine leaves, and hummus. For something heartier, go for the Buttered Lobster Linguine. It comes with garlic, chilli, tomato, and spring onions—indulgent and perfectly paired with a glass of Champagne or a citrus-led cocktail. Lighter dishes, such as the burrata with citrus dressing or the heritage tomato salad, keep things fresh and seasonal.

The Library Bar at The Lanesborough London Bookings

Capital A List members can make bookings for The Library Bar at The Lanesborough below.

The Library Bar at The Lanesborough London Cuisine, Dress Code & Address

Cuisine: International

Dress Code: Casual

Area: Belgravia

Address: Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA

Website: https://www.oetkercollection.com/hotels/the-lanesborough/restaurants-bars/the-library-bar/

March 11, 2025 Capital A List - Celebrity club news

Permit Room Bar in London, an offshoot of the famous Dishoom group, has significantly marked the city’s dining scene. Inspired by the post-prohibition bars of Bombay, known as “permit rooms,” this establishment blends history, ambience, and culinary excellence.

The concept of “permit rooms” dates back to the late 1940s in Bombay, following the introduction of alcohol prohibition. During this era, individuals required personal licenses, or “permits,” to consume alcohol legally in designated establishments. Dishoom’s Permit Room pays homage to these historic venues, aiming to recreate the atmosphere of Bombay’s clandestine bars. While Dishoom has expanded its footprint across the UK, including locations in Brighton and Oxford, the Permit Room in London stands out by focusing on a bar-centric experience complemented by a curated food menu.

The Permit Room’s exterior presents a modest façade reminiscent of a quaint café. Upon entering, patrons are greeted by an expansive interior combining retro aesthetics and modern sensibilities. The design features rich wood panelling, vintage-inspired furnishings, and walls adorned with eclectic artwork. The layout includes cosy nooks and communal tables, catering to intimate gatherings and larger groups. The bar area, a focal point of the establishment, showcases an impressive array of spirits, hinting at the cocktail delights in the store.

Permit Room Bar London Menu

One of Permit Room’s defining features is its innovative cocktail program. The menu offers diverse drinks that tribute classic Indian flavours while incorporating contemporary mixology techniques. For instance, the Permit Room Clover Club blends gin, raspberry, and lemon, topped with a cardamom and coconut-infused foam, balancing sweet and tart notes. Another notable concoction is the Thums Up Sazerac, which combines rye whiskey, cognac, and absinthe, sweetened with a reduction of Thums Up, a popular Indian cola, resulting in a unique twist on the traditional Sazerac.

While Permit Room emphasizes its beverage offerings, the food menu complements the drinks. Embracing a tapas-style approach, the menu features small, shareable plates that draw inspiration from various regions of India. Highlights include Lamb Samosas, crispy pastries filled with spiced minced lamb and onions, and a refreshing coriander chutney. The Prawn Recheado are marinated in a tangy Goan-style masala, grilled to perfection, and accompanied by a lime wedge.

Try the Chicken Ruby, tender pieces of chicken simmered in a rich, buttery tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices, and best enjoyed with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread. The House Black Daal, a slow-cooked lentil dish, creamy and flavorful, showcases the depth of traditional Indian cooking techniques. The menu also caters to various dietary preferences, offering vegetarian and vegan options.

Permit Room Restaurant London Bookings

Capital A List members can make bookings for Permit Room below.

Permit Room Restaurant London Cuisine, Dress Code & Address

Cuisine: Indian

Dress Code: Casual

Area: Nothing Hill

Address: 186 Portobello Road, London W11 1LA

Website: https://www.permitroom.co.uk/

December 21, 2024 Capital A List - Celebrity club news

On top of the newly opened Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, ABar Rooftop Bar in London is a sophisticated haven in the city’s heart. It offers panoramic vistas and a curated selection of cocktails and culinary delights.

Opened on November 11, 2024, ABar Rooftop is the latest addition to the city’s bar scene. The venue accommodates 50 guests indoors. It is complemented by an expansive outdoor terrace that provides sweeping views over Mayfair, extending to landmarks such as Hampstead Heath and the London Eye.

The interior design draws inspiration from the sky, featuring soft blues, champagne tones, and rich ambers. A striking chandelier, reminiscent of cloud formations, serves as the focal point, enhancing the ethereal atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the cityscape. This allows natural light to brighten the space and offers guests a visual experience like no other.

ABar Rooftop distinguishes itself with its intimate setting and exclusive access. Guests arrive via a private lift encased in a glass cube. The bar operates from 12 p.m. to midnight Sunday through Wednesday and until 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Adding to the ambience, live DJ performances are scheduled from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, providing a soundtrack to the evening.

This is a blend of innovative mixology, refined cuisine, and breathtaking views.

ABar Rooftop Bar London Menu

Here, the food menu, crafted under the guidance of Chef Akira Back, reflects a fusion of global influences and seasonal ingredients. But our main focus goes to the cocktail selection, which is divided into four sections—Haru (spring), Natsu (summer), Aki (autumn), and Fuyu (winter)—each showcasing creative interpretations of classic drinks. Notable offerings include:

• Artichoke Thyme: A take on the Old Fashioned, featuring Whistle Pig 10 Years Old whiskey, Cynar, garlic oil, and thyme essence.
• Fig & Yuzu: A rendition of the White Negroni, combining fig-infused Mancino Bianco vermouth, Rinomato Americano Bianco, London No. 3 gin, and Yuzushu.
• Grapefruit & Jasmine: Roku gin, The Lost Explorer mezcal Espadin, jasmine liqueur, and grapefruit soda.

The culinary offerings complement the beverage program, with lunch options such as miso niçoise salad, grilled salmon poke bowl, and a Wagyu burger. In the evenings, the menu transitions to feature savoury sushi tacos, new-style sashimi, and caviar, reflecting Chef Back’s creative approach to cuisine.

ABar Rooftop Bar London Bookings

Capital A List members can make bookings for ABar Rooftop below.

ABar Rooftop Bar London Cuisine, Dress Code & Address

Cuisine: Japonese/Korean

Dress Code: Casual

Area: Mayfair

Address: 22 Hanover Square, London W1S 1JP

Website: https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/london/mayfair/dine/abar-rooftop