Best Bars in Mayfair with a DJ
April 21, 2023 Capital A List – Celebrity club news
Capital A List Membership includes access to exclusive clubs and bars, priority restaurant bookings, and many other benefits. For more information, please visit Capital A List Membership.
Mayfair is one of the best neighbourhoods in London for being surrounded by luxury. And luxury always comes with good food, drinks, design, and especially music. Everything tastes better with the sound of tango, and every sip is at its best when served with jazz music. Put them together, add a gorgeous environment, and find yourself craving electronic music and a fantastic DJ set. The best bars in Mayfair with a DJ already have that down, and here you will find some of them.
Sketch
Sketch nestles itself in the charming streets of Mayfair, open since 2003. The cuisine adapts to the style of ‘New French,’ and the vibrant gastro-brasserie covers two floors of an 18th-century building. David Shrigley’s Artwork surrounds the dining area marking it as a must-visit in London.
This quirky venue in London is beaming with history, hosting 220 years of events and people. Each room differs from the others, with every experience different from the last: chairs wearing ballet shoes, a magical forest and stairs dripping with paint. The glade was redesigned last year and represented a mythical forest. The Gallery offers a pink lover heaven to dine.
Pink chairs, a pink table, pink walls, pink floor. What more could you ask? The Lecture room goes on to present a sunset built within four walls. And there’s the Parlour, the restaurant and bar exclusive to Sketch members, hosting club nights with DJs and private events.
Here are some reasons why we all visit Sketch: Toilets like no other in London; Disco dancing floor tiles as a ceiling, futuristic egg-shaped pods as toilets and an oval mirror to capture it all for Instagram.
Cahoots
Cahoots is a secret bar with the theme of an old post-war 1940s tube station. The tiled walls, old bookcases, old suitcases, and lampshades help set the scene. There are ‘dazzling cocktails’ served with swing dances and sing-alongs all evening which help set the tone for a great atmosphere. Venue hire is available if you’re looking for a quirky place for a special occasion.
They have a range of different themed evenings. Live music starts with ‘scoundrels’ every Wednesday and Sunday. There’s live entertainment, from swing music to vintage DJs held throughout the week. Their ‘Cocktails and Rations’ menu ties in with the theme perfectly. In particular, the ‘squiffy picnic’, their unique creation of a humble British afternoon tea available daily.
Spread across three spaces, Cahoot offers an array of possibilities and environments for you to enjoy. The Underground hosts scoundrels and swing every week while serving high spirits and the authentic vibes of the post-war era. The Ticket Hall takes you through black-market liquors and an outdoor sitting area. Finally, visit the Signal Station for late-night cocktails inside a speak-easy place.
Donovan Bar
The Donovan Bar is a cocktail bar inside Brown’s Hotel in London. It is the place for those who genuinely know how to appreciate a well-crafted cocktail. Salvatore Calabrese, a leading name in the cocktail world, created it. Blending timeless classics with his original combinations, the expert has created an exclusive menu that explores impeccable flavours and aromas. Today, customers can indulge in some of his original creations.
The Donovan Bar is intimate and sophisticated, dimly lit on wooden floors and teal seats. In a 1960s photography-themed room, you can lounge on velvety booths by the windows. Lose yourself in deep conversations and complex drinks. Photographs by Terence Donoval decorate the grey walls, and the L-shaped bar is stacked with bottles and labels of some of the best spirits and liquors in the world.
Order the fresh and vibrant Wilde Nights, made with Black Bush Irish whiskey, green Chartreuse, homemade apple vermouth, a spray of absinthe, Acqua Bianca, and a splash of Champagne. The menu features many unique and creative cocktails and well-known classics like Aviation, Negroni, and Brandy Alexander.
Also, DJs play soft lounge music during specific days of the week, all to match the already luxurious environment of the place.
Sexy Fish
Sexy Fish is an Asian restaurant serving Japanese-inspired dishes in the heart of Mayfair. Here you can find a residence DJ who plays daily as you indulge in fresh sushi dishes in a mid-century decorated environment. They also host the Spring Dance of the Sea performance, where you can participate in live music, dance, costumes, and theatre spectacle.
The extensive a la carte menu, focused on modern versions of traditional Japanese cuisine, offers sushi, sashimi, tiraditos, and robata dishes. Try the caramelised lamb rack with red kosho or the Japanese wagyu steaks if you’re a meat lover. For those who prefer the ocean, grilled seabass or halibut with mussels, smoked salmon and plenty of sashimi and makis are available. The king crab with bone marrow, black truffle, and toast is a house favourite, and the scallops with jalapeño sauce and pickled apples are also famous.
Sexy Fish probably has the largest collection of Japanese whisky in Europe and savouring a glass of cowboy, single-barrel whisky is a must! The menu showcases details on the flavour profile and origin of different independent distilleries and some of the most famous ones in the whisky world. The cocktails are alright too, and you can find complex and fresh aromas in each one of them.
Coya
Coya is a Peruvian restaurant in the heart of Mayfair, born from the spirit of adventure. It offers clients excellent food and an immersive Latin American cultural experience. From the artwork decorating the place to the Latin music surrounding the environment, this place is perfect for those who want a whole sensory experience from one of Latin America’s best acclaimed gastronomic cultures. Here, dishes are intense and complex in flavour but simple in their presentation and preparation.
The chefs craft traditional Peruvian dishes using Spanish, Japanese and Chinese techniques, The result is a mix of authentic and contemporary cooking and food. They have an a la carte menu, where Peruvian classics like ceviches, fish tacos, Nikkei rice, and many meat and fish dishes that highlight Peru’s fresh and citric flavours. Try the Lomo de Res for a spicy beef with shallots, aji, and star anise flavour combo. The brunch menu is also popular, and you will find light dishes like the tiraditos de hiramasa, made with kingfish, dashi, chives, and truffle oil there. The set menu is available for large groups who can enjoy the private dining room and experience.
The Pisco Bar is also perfect for grabbing a well-designed cocktail with authentic Peru flavours. There is also the possibility of joining the Member’s Club, where you can enjoy live music and Peruvian cuisine inside a Latin American-inspired dining room.
Park Chinois
Park Chinois is luxury at its most refined expression. Inspired by 1930s Shanghai’s vibrant and colourful scenario, the restaurant brings experiential dining and eccentric Chinese food to your table. The restaurant is divided into two rooms, each displaying glamorous and lavish interiors. On the ground floor, find the Salon de Chine and dine with live music and unique cocktails. Head down to the lower floor and experience Club Chinois, with late-night DJ sets, drinks, and incredible Chinese cooking.
Explore authentic Chinese food and the many influences it has collected over the centuries. The menu, crafted by Lee Che Liang, is an expression of his travels, paired with eastern and western flavours and influences. The result is a seasonal menu that only works with the freshest ingredients, always adding a bold and personal taste to the dish.
On the dinner menu, find salt and pepper squid with coconut flakes, a dish that explores the marvels that exist in simplicity—Order Wagyu, fish, vegetarian dishes, dim sums, noodles, and soup. Taste the Cantonese roast duck with champagne and orange sauce. Feel the skin’s crispness contrasting with the meat’s juiciness and the tangy break from the orange. Saturday brunches and special events are also worth the exploration.
Piano Works
Piano Works is a non-stop audience-led music bar and restaurant. You can request songs by writing them down on the request slip and handing the paper to a server or musician onstage. And feel free to sing along as they play your favourite music. Finally, don’t forget to tip the human jukebox as you leave the place. With over 85 musicians employed (many of them coming to play independently), Piano Works can surprise you with their musical repertoire and capacity to play all night long.
Book your table and be ready to stand up and dance with the crowd. Drink champagne, wine, beer, or classics and creative house cocktails. Eat from the gluten-free menu, the regular one (with lamb rump, 35-day dry-aged ribeye steak, and cod filet), or enjoy some brunch with the classic crowd-pleasing dishes.
The DJs who often play here cover a lot of different music genres. Enjoy electronic music one night and come back for a mix of old goodies on another. There is always something for everyone, which makes Piano Works one of the best bars in Mayfair with a DJ.
Sartoria
Sartoria serves an all-day dining menu, with a menu created by the Italian chef Francesco Mazzei. He took inspiration from his home town in Itlay, bringing to London the best flavours and recipes that merge tradition and modernity.
However, despite all the Italian wonders and delicacies at Sartoria, our focus is the late-night events at the Libare Bar. ‘Libare’ means ‘to make a toast’ in Italian, and there is no better word to symbolise this space. The perfect night consists of extravagant cocktails and excellent DJ sessions; you can find it here. During summer, see the bar & terrace transformed into a late-night wonder. On the stage, Ella DJ, a London-based artist, plays in the hottest clubs in the city.
Listen to sets that blend classic, deep, and vocal house and disco. Also, taste some of the best dishes from the restaurant—Cuttlefish arancini, charcoal grilled lamb chops, Pecorino and roast pepper lasagne, and much more.
Here is where the charm of Mayfair and the Italian style converge into one. Grab the cocktail list and choose from the extensive availability of aperitivos and digestivos. Sip negroni as your feet move side to side, and get an Aperol to freshen up when the music gets hotter.
The Loop Bar
The Loop Bar is a party playground; the neon lights and dance floor attest to that. Besides the music, DJ, and plenty of dancing space, find a delicious food menu and an extensive cocktail list. What makes this one of the best bars in Mayfair with a DJ is that it blends all the best parts of life.
Let’s start with Happy Hour, between 4 pm and 8 pm. Find 50% off all drinks, and dwell on their flavour. On Saturday nights, The Loop Bar hosts the Carwash vs Boom party, the ultimate experience of good music and drinks. Boom blends R&B and some of the most popular commercial hits. Carwash is the longest-running retro party in London, hosted in the basement of Loop. Find some of the best DJs in Europe, and learn how you can fall in love with so many different music genres.
Order from the main menu, or look at the other options: a whole menu is dedicated to pizzas and another to canapes. Take advantage of the drag brunch, where entertainment and good food come hand in hand.
May Fair Bar
May Fair Bar, as the name suggests, mirrors its surroundings. Inside, taste unique cocktails balanced perfectly to deliver mesmerising flavour and mouthfeel. As one of the best bars in Mayfair with a DJ, this venue blends luxury and good music. Close by, you can find boutique stores and impeccable architecture.
As part of the iconic May Fair, a place that excels in expert hospitality. The bar serves nothing but the best. With an award-winning kitchen, comfortable and luxurious rooms, and fantastic amenities, find the best experience possible once you step through the doors.
May Fair Bar collaborates with Vivir Tequila, a high-quality 100% agave spirit that is present in some of the bar’s signature cocktails. Aside from those, taste mixes are made with exclusive spirits and liquors. Eat Latin dishes that bring exciting flavours to your mouth. Peruvian saltado beef skewers with jalapeño sea salt and anticucho sauce are a perfect example of that. As you drink, munch on snacks, crispy tacos and sliders.
DJ sets are held during certain days of the week, and you will be surprised to see how electronic music and tequila work so well together.
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April 6, 2023 Capital A List – Celebrity club news
Capital A List Membership includes access to exclusive clubs and bars, priority restaurant bookings, and many other benefits. For more information, please visit Capital A List Membership.
London is a shy distance from Ireland, the land of beer and pubs. Because of that, it is no surprise that even the most luxurious neighborhoods of London would adopt the pub tradition. The best pubs in Mayfair maintain the high quality of everything served around them, pulling from Irish traditions and blending them with local flavours and techniques.
The result is a unique experience with flavourful and refreshing beer, lots of snack and finger foods, and environments that will make you travel to other nations.
The Punchbowl
The Punchbowl is one of the oldest and best pubs in Mayfair. The place is hidden in a quiet street, serving fantastic food and drinks in a cosy environment. This is where people come to dine, meet, and unwind, all over a bottle of wine or pint of beer. The Punchbowl is perfectly suitable for those who want to sit on a stool and sip on premium beer with a small snack. That’s fine. And for those who want a complete dining experience, there is only some of the finest British food in the neighbourhood.
The a la carte menu presents you with small plates like spiced parsnip soup with chestnut pesto. Order pub classics like a British brisket burger on a brioche bun served with Koffman chips and tomato relish. A steak and dark ale pie is perfect for those who want to taste their culinary culture’s roots.
On the first floor is Judy’s on One, a dining and whisky room that plays with the most unique whisky mixest. Dwell on the theatrical menu and rich interior design. Celebrate, indulge, and explore a blend of drinks and good food.
The Windmill
The Windmill is strategically located just off Regent Street. Walk a few steps and arrive at Oxford Circus Station— This is a small reason why this venue features on our list of best pubs in Mayfair. Their award-winning pies and seasonal classics are another. Now, mention the rich selection of cask ales straight from some of the best local breweries around London, and you have reasons enough to pay a visit to the Windmill.
The Windmill is divided into three spaces, each offering a different experience. The pub is where you taste the best pie and sip some craft beer to freshen up. Crafts beers, gin and cocktails also decorate the drinks menu, which tastes perfectly when paired with fresh British food. Scotch eggs, sausage rolls, and fish & chips are also present for the delight of the traditionalists.
The upstairs room hosts a private hire space where you can enjoy intimacy and share experiences with friends and family. Finally, take advantage of the roof terrace. But make sure you make reservations ahead of time because the place tends to fill up fast. Sip on mulled wine under a heater and some blankets, and relax.
The Market Tavern
When we imagine a traditional pub, a dimly lit space, usually with beer pints flying around and lots of stools around a bar, comes to mind. The Market Tavern doesn’t quite work like that — that’s probably why it has become one of the best pubs in Mayfair.
Here’s the best part: The place combines that classic English pub hospitality with innovative character and charm. Built-in 1808, The Market Tavern exudes a Victorian design, tucked away between the boutique shops and London cafés. It is the perfect place for a laid-back and memorable experience. Fine drinking and dining await you, and a lazy lunch never belonged so perfectly anywhere else.
The menus are explorative and authentic, served inside a home-like, bright environment. The wood-panelled interiors and Victorian features turn this into an aesthetic paradise. The upstairs room is available for private hiring if you want to host a cosy and memorable dinner party.
The seasonal dishes carry the best ingredients of British cuisine, like a sharing platter of rosemary and garlic camembert baked in sourdough. The main dishes are all creative and fresh, where meat and vegetables dance on the plate to create unique and mouthwatering flavours.
The Footman
The Footman brings elegance and modernism into the world of classic British pubs. While doing so, it still manages to keep its original charm, all embedded into the fact that it is one of the oldest pubs in London. Since 1749, the place has stood as a boozy shelter for the footmen in service of Myafair households. It used to be called The Running House until it rebranded into something that carries the true luxury of Mayfair to the fullest.
The Footman spreads over three floors, hosting a pub and dining room perfect for private events. The food here is traditional but presented with flair and style — and there is nothing better than that for those who want lavish authenticism. Although food service starts at midday, the place opens earlier for coffee, cocktails, and an occasional business meeting.
The menu works with some of the best English ingredients and classic dishes. A ham hock terrine with spiced apricot chutney and seeded crackers are an excellent way to start your meal. An oven-roasted lemon sole with capers, samphire, spring greens, and a parsley dressing follows suit perfectly.
Sit at the bar with a pint of beer and eat a salt-beef sandwich— even the most authentic experiences make up The Footman.
The Guinea Grill
The Guinea Grill specialises in dry-aged, grass-fed British beef from an open grill. Say no more because the charred crust on the meat already speaks for itself. As one of the best pubs in Mayfair, the place has been a timeless institution since it opened its doors in 1952.
The Guinea Grill works with two lunch and two dinner seatings, where you will be shown to your reserved table. Once seated, await the juiciness of the fillet. The meat is carefully selected each morning by the chefs inside the kitchen, you expect nothing less than perfection once you take the first bite.
Order from the a la carte menu and taste smoked salmon, devilled kidneys, prawn cocktails, and oysters. The award-winning pies are worth a taste but leave plenty of space for any of the seven cuts of meat and their sides.
Aside from the food, explore the Young Ale’s selection at the bar. The wine list is also rich, and you can order labels from all over the world. Book a room for private events and celebrate special occasions with meat-loving friends and family.
The Iron Duke
The Iron Duke is a hidden gem in Mayfair. When the flowers overhang in the doorway, expect to see a crowded pub filled with people who want to enjoy a pint of beer and dwell in a cosy atmosphere. Serving classic pub foods, the place worlds with fresh and delicate ingredients, only doing the best versions of any imaginable dish.
You can indulge in traditional British food here, from fish & chips to juicy burgers and tuna melt sandwiches. Try the Fuller’s Black Cab ham with beer mustard and Cheddar cheese toastie. For those who love to pair pub food with drinks, The Iron Duke holds a rich collection of cask-conditioned ale. Aside from that, you can also order craft lagers, cider, spirits, and exclusive wines.
Take advantage of their private dining experience too. Whether you want to host a business meeting or celebrate a birthday or two, The Iron Duke has function rooms that allow you to have all the privacy you want.
This place blends the traditionality of British pubs and the flair of Mayfair. Enjoy wood-panelled interiors and bright lighting coming in during the day. At night, sip on some ale and munch on toasties, all while sharing the experience with those you love the most.
The King’s Head
The King’s Head merges different experiences into a single space. It is a pub, a theatre, and a jazz club, combining the best of each to create a memorable experience. The first thing to notice is their great selection of craft beers, with automatically turns this venue into one of the best pubs in Mayfair. Secondly, dwell on the worldwide wines and G&T trees. Then, savour their picked goods and toasties, which go perfectly with the environment and proposal of the place. You get the idea.
The King’s Head was founded in 1970, the first theatre pub in London since Shakespeare’s times. This place offers a unique adventure by blending theatrical jazz performances with classic pub food, drinks, and decor. As expected from a jazz club, the cocktails here are house twists applied upon traditional drinks— they say the negroni is a must, and we believe it.
Order snacks, toasties and sharing boards. Watch opera and rodeo-themed performances while drinking well-elaborate cocktails, or chat with friends over a pint of beer. The King’s Head welcomes all vibes and tastes, and you will always find something to mesmerise you.
Coach and Horses
Coach and Horses states it is the last remaining vestige of proper pub-keeping. The venue opened in 1744, the oldest pub in Mayfair. It is in a neighbourhood that hosts designer fashion houses and boutique shops, so it has a renowned and luxurious reputation. Serving fine ales to locals and tourists alike, COach and Horses are undoubtedly one of the best pubs in Mayfair.
Inside the place, you can find many of its original features. An old-fashioned cold room holds on to the pub’s origins, and centuries-old cellars attract wine enthusiasts from all over London. The bar is charming and filled with character, decked out with dark wood and completed with a fireplace. There are comfy spaces in all corners, and the cosiness of the pub attracts those who want to feel warm and nostalgic.
Savour a pint of beer or ale while catching up with friends. Although their kitchen is temporarily closed, the wide selection of drinks will keep you well beyond entertained. The historic building features a white façade that takes you back to Victorian times, and you will most likely feel like you’re in an episode of Bridgerton.
The Clarence
The Clarence is strategically located right in the middle of the Picadilly hustle. It is a few steps away from London’s 1960s counterculture scene, surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic attractions. Find the Royal Academy of Arts, the Photographer’s Gallery, Green Park, and many other landmarks. This is a small reason why The Clarence has become of the best pubs in London.
Other reasons include the individual style and exciting stories behind the pub’s design; Amazing view of The Ritz; Great hospitality and service, working with the finest ale and speciality foods; A Beer Library that excites your afternoon, presenting literature, artefacts and engraved tankards. And that’s just to name a few.
The Clarence is where you come if you want to explore London’s architectural history since the 1800s flair surrounds the place. But don’t be mistaken for thinking that’s all you’ll get. Once inside, dwell on the highest quality pub food you can find. The pies here are exceptional, served under creamy mash or buttery pastry. Order a perfectly poured casket ale, a whisky dose, or a G&T made with one of the many gins on display to follow suit.
Goat Tavern
At the front door, you can spot the Goat Tavern by its signature goat statue. The place was built in 1686 as a famous public house for the British Navy, which launched the craze for pub food, drinks, and the environment. This is where officers would meet up with spies in the afternoon, hoping that a pint or two of beer would help them get information to sink enemy ships.
Today, it is one of the best pubs in Mayfair. Run by the Green King company, the country’s leading pub retailer and brewer, Goat Tavern manages to serve some of the best ale and beer in the country. Aside from the fantastic fresh beer, the pub also serves classic foods that please the palate. You’d expect to find fish & chips, burgers, pies, and many other dishes in a pub. This is the place to come if you want an authentic and uncomplicated pub experience.
However, the main catch here is the venue’s rich history, which attracts many locals and tourists who want to travel through time. Snap a picture in front of the goat statue at the entrance and enjoy an afternoon of good food, drinks, and stories.
Continue Reading →Best Bars in Mayfair
March 23, 2023 Capital A List – Celebrity club news
Capital A List Membership includes access to exclusive clubs and bars, priority restaurant bookings, and many other benefits. For more information, please visit Capital A List Membership.
Mayfair is one of the most luxurious and famous neighbourhoods in London, and the best bars in Mayfair reflect all the elegance that takes place here. The beauty of a cocktail is its capability of bringing us incomparable joy and lightness of spirit. A well-crafted cocktail does that, but it also brings a touch of creativity, uniqueness, and aesthetic pleasure. However, an excellent bar goes beyond the exceptional quality of its drinks. It also counts on impeccable service and a well-designed environment, transporting you somewhere new and exciting.
Here, we will introduce you to the best bars in Mayfair. Whether inside a 5-star hotel or on the corner of a busy street, these bars will provide you with the best experience possible, rinsed in luxury and splashed with elegance.
Claridge’s Bar
Inside the 5-star Claridge Hotel, you will find the Champagne bar. It is one of the best bars in Mayfair, working with only the best quality ingredients and the best service imaginable. Inside an art-deco interior, you can taste premium bottles of champagne and well-crafted cocktails. The place has an extensive menu. It showcases rare labels of champagne and spirits so you can gift your tastebuds with unique flavours.
The cocktail menu offers a mix of timeless classics and house originals. Order a negroni or an old fashioned and sense the attention to detail on the temperature and dilution of the drink. The bartender can also craft any of the world-classics your request. As for house specials, taste The Mayfair cocktail. It is made with Hennessy VSOP, Carpano Antica, Laphroaig 10yo, and Amaretto Dissarono. The Coconut Drop is a blend of Bombay Premium Cru, St. Germain, Dry Vermouth, coconut, and lime for something a little fresher.
The Claridge’s bar also carries a rich collection of prohibition whiskeys. Very few selected American distilleries produced these bottles during the prohibition era. Take a sip and sense flavours you’ve never tried before. Visit the Fumoir and the Painter’s Room for different environments and enjoy an exceptional flavours and design evening.
Donovan Bar
The Donovan Bar is a cocktail bar inside Brown’s Hotel in London. It is the place for those who genuinely know how to appreciate a well-crafted cocktail. Salvatore Calabrese, a leading name in the cocktail world, created it. Blending timeless classics with his original combinations, the expert has created an exclusive menu that explores impeccable flavours and aromas. Today, customers can indulge in some of his original creations.
The Donovan Bar is intimate and sophisticated, with dim lighting shining over wooden floors and teal seats. In a 1960s photography-themed room, you can lounge on velvety booths by the windows. Lose yourself in deep conversations and complex drinks. Photographs by Terence Donoval decorate the grey walls. Labels of some of the best spirits and liquors in the world stand behind the L-shaped bar.
Order the fresh and vibrant Wilde Nights. It is made with Black Bush Irish whiskey, green Chartreuse, homemade apple vermouth, a spray of absinthe, Acqua Bianca, and a splash of Champagne. To get close to the classics, go for the Breakfast Martini, where you’ll taste Bombay Sapphire gin, Cointreau, lemon juice, and orange marmalade. The menu features many unique and creative cocktails and some well-known classics like Aviation, Negroni, and Brandy Alexander. We recommend The Donovan Bar as one of the best bars in Mayfair.
10º Sky Bar
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to taste the smokiness of a mezcal cocktail while staring at the sunset over the London skyline? Well, 10º Sky Bar is the place to live that experience. Located on the 28th floor of the Hilton hotel in London, 10º Sky Bar offers a unique sensory experience.
Aside from the view of the city, there’s the place’s interior design. Large windows that cover the floor-to-ceiling walls let plenty of natural light in. Over the black marble and terracotta tiled bar, greenery dangles from the ceiling. In the dining room, velvet booths and sofas with different colours and patterns illuminate the environment. They dance with the cream walls that turn red under the dim nighttime lighting.
Cocktails like the Only Us carry flavours of sweet wine, Kinobi gin, Suze, jasmine, and peach soda. Others are more bitter, with Cocchi Dopo Teatro vermouth, Campari, and mezcal, a different take on the classic Negroni. Enjoy the weekend afternoon tea and become part of one of London’s most authentic traditions. Order a scone or other sweet treat and savour classic teas or beverages spiked with gin or champagne.
Dukes Bar
The Dukes Hotel, famously beloved by Princess Diana, is home to the iconic Dukes Bar, one of the best bars in Mayfair. For the past 35 years, Dukes Bar has redefined the martini and crafted it to become a modern classic. Dukes’ martini and the atmosphere within which it is prepared and served epitomises the suave, timeless and sophisticated characteristics of James Bond.
Dukes Bar London exudes a traditional British ambience decorated with a mahogany panelled bar, intimate lighting and walls covered with portraits and prints. With a cocktail in hand, guests can sink into an emerald green velvet armchair and feel the warmth emanating from the marble fireplace.
As expected, martinis are the heart of the cocktail menu and come in the most cinematic way imaginable. Guests get their martini with their choice of 15 different types of gin, but also actively engage in the process of its creation. Choose from one of seven signature martinis, like the Vesper Martini made of No. 3 Gin, Polacki vodka, Angostura bitters and Sacred Dukes Exclusive Amber Vermouth. Another favourite option is the ‘Miss Moneypenny’ comprised of Russian standard vodka, triple sec, lime and mixed with passion fruit juice instead of cranberry juice which traditionally accompanies cosmopolitans.
The Connaught Bar
The Connaught Bar is one of the best bars in Mayfair, inside the Connaught Hotel. It was designed by David Collin’s studio in reference to Queen Victoria’s 7th child, Arthur, Duke of Connaught. The walls are textured in platinum leaf, and its design is based on English and Irish Cubist art of the 1920s.
Here you can witness first-hand your martini being crafted for you. Connaught’s Martinis are always ‘quietly stirred’ and never shaken and are made especially fitted for your tastebuds.
The cocktail menu is made from tradition, history and innovation. It takes limited edition champagnes, spirits and liqueurs all mixed carefully to create a unique experience for every sip. Some of the Connaught Classics include ‘Fleurissimo’, which takes a champagne cocktail and adds a refined twist with ingredients such as Remy Martin Vsop, home-made Connaught bitters and Laurent-Perrier Champagne.
The Essence menu is designed by the mixologists of Connaught bar and is split into three different sections taking you through Foundation, Finesse and Flair. It’s been inspired for over ten years and takes you on a sensory journey into what makes the Connaught Bar.
Mr Fogg’s Residence
Mr Fogg’s Residence is one of many bars that tell the story of Mr Phileas Fogg and his journey around the world. The fictional bar adds a light-hearted feel to the city as it tucks itself off Berkeley. A doorman greets you in a long coat at the entrance to take your reservation. Mr Fogg’s resembles the cross between a living room and an old boy’s club with a Victorian feel.
Décor consists of bookcases, a gramophone and random objects layering the walls and furniture representing Mr Fogg’s adventures. His hot air balloon spreads itself over one of the corners of the room, which you can drink in the form of a cocktail. The informal atmosphere leaves your mind to fly with the fairies and imagine your own stories behind each artefact.
The cocktail menu has a story of every country Mr Fogg managed to visit on his 80-day trip. With his highly in-trained staff, you can summon up exactly the drink you want with the base of your choice with all the classic cocktails available to be whipped up. Brewed ales are also available, and Mr Foggs has teamed up with Hendricks gin and Veuve Clicquot champagne to provide the most exotic range of flavours.
Le Magritte at the Beaumont
Le Magritte at the Beaumont Hotel is a reflection of the American tradition that took place in London and Paris in the 1920s. One of the best bars in Mayfair, this bar was taken over by ex-pats who diluted sadness and art in coupe glasses. These bars have become a staple of poetry, literature, and well-crafted cocktails. Le Magritte carries the essence of Hemingway, Picasso, Fitzgerald, Sinatra, and many other revolutionaries in the world of art. Adopting walnut-panelled interiors and early 20th-century paintings, the bar takes you back to when everything was possible.
Le Magritte specialises in bourbon and American whiskeys, crafting aromatic cocktails or simply serving them neat. Lounge on the terrace among greenery and rattan armchairs. Snack on light dishes that harmonise well with the wooden flavours of your drink. Indulge on a cuban cigar and have deep conversations with people who share the same interests as you.
Order classics like the Old Fashioned, Negroni, Boulevardier, and Martini. For something unique and creative, go for the Pilgrim 1966. It is made with aba pisco, yellow chartreuse, muyu chinotto nero, lime juice, and passion fruit. The Speak Whisky to Me is a blend of lakes no.5 whisky, amaro lucano, red wine cordial, and Angostura bitters. In no time, you will also become an artist.
Dickie’s Bar
Dickie’s Bar is one of Corrigan’s famous and elegant venues. It is also one of the best bars in Mayfair for its luxurious environment, impeccable service, and creative cocktails. The menu here is simple, seasonal, and sumptuous, as the bar describes itself. Find the quietness and nature of Ireland in the bustling neighbourhood of Mayfair, and play with flavours that dance in your mouth.
What used to be a hunting lodge is now a cosy and welcoming bar. With wooden interiors and leather seating, this place feels like a winter paradise for those who enjoy a whisky neat after a day of hunting. The extensive bartop separates customers from the vast selection of spirits and liquors from all over the world.
Taste the house Sticky Toffee Old Fashioned for a unique interpretation of a classic. Roasted Pecan infused Remy Martin 1738, fig, toffee, and chocolate combine to create something unusual and extraordinary. The Vermouth and Tonic highlight the beauty in simplicity with chamomile-infused Mancino Bianco, St. Germain, and tonic. All cocktails explore home-grown ingredients from the British Isles, and the seasonal produce grants a fresh and special flavour to the drinks.
The Luggage Room
There’s no such thing as too many Speakeasy bars in the world. Especially if they are located inside the old luggage room of the Marriott Hotel. Hence the name of the place: the Luggage Room bar. It is a secret worth sharing, according to them. As one of the best bans in Mayfair, this is an elegant spot to grab a drink and feel the energy of the American prohibition era.
Inside, find an intimate and dimly lighted place. Cream walls, leather booths and dark wooden floors take you back to the classic decor of hidden bars from the 1920s. Marble details on the stairs and the floor complement the design. Juleps, cobbles, and fizzes are a strong suit at the Luggage Room.
Aside from that, find well-balanced cocktails that work with different spirits and flavour profiles. A rum-based punch is fruity and robust all at once. The whisky Nog is the perfect solution for a cold winter night. The Pink Lady, a clever twist of the classic White Lady cocktail, delivers gin, grenadine, applejack, lime juice and the creaminess of the egg white foam. Behind the bar, there’s a rich display of spirits and liquors, as well as renowned champagne and wine labels from different parts of the world.
Comptoir Cafe & Wine
Comptoir is a cafe by day and a wine bar by night, offering us the best of both worlds. This is one of the reasons why it is one of the best bars in Mayfair. The other reasons don’t fall shy behind: different rooms offer unique and elegant designs, the wine list is extensive and extremely well-curated, and the food is mouth-watering, to say the least.
The wine shop at Comptoir is Mayfair’s best-kept-secret. On the lower-ground floor of the restaurant, you can find a collection of over 1,000 bottles of rare and premium wines. A selection of vintage Madeiras, numerous bins of champagne, and labels from around the world decorate the place. Purchase one to take home, or drink it upstairs with some food to make the experience even more memorable.
The place looks like a Mediterranean wine shop, with an open space, tiled floors, wooden tables, and plenty of natural light. Sit outside with a portion of jamon Iberico and feel like you’re enjoying your vacation time in a small spanish town. Take part of wine tastings and learn about specific grapes and regions, discovering how each one impacts the final flavours of wine.
Continue Reading →What to Wear to a Club
March 23, 2023 Capital A List – Celebrity club news
Capital A List Membership includes access to exclusive clubs and bars, priority restaurant bookings, and many other benefits. For more information, please visit Capital A List Membership.
London has some of the best VIP clubs in the world. The city’s luxurious lifestyle is clearly expressed in these opulent spaces, where people connect and dance with like-minded individuals. In places like these, you are surrounded by London’s elite, so giving out the best impression is essential. A lot of people, because of that, struggle with picking what to wear to a club. How high should your heels be, and is a polo shirt okay for entering these particular environments?
Club night is one of the most fun weekend activities out there. A few things in life top the feeling of arriving at a place and sensing the music enter your body. Ordering drinks, chatting and dancing with friends and flirting with attractive people are definitely part of the deal. A lot of people wait the whole week to be able to move until sunrise. With the weekend preparations come opening the wardrobe and picking the ideal outfit for the night. Here we will help you with tips on what to wear to a club so that you are always stylish, no matter where you go.
What Men Should Wear to the Club
Dressing up for men has always been easier than it is for women. Because of that, clubs usually tend to be stricter with them regarding dress codes. However, it should take a little time for a guy to figure out what he’s wearing to the club. For VIP clubs, the attire is always a bit more formal; most times, sneakers and a t-shirt won’t cut it.
A men’s club attire is stylish and fits the club’s dress code standards. Depending on the club you go to, some regulations are applied. Make sure to check that out in case they require special attire like blazers. However, most of the time, clubs need a casual business look that is minimal and easy to find.
For men who don’t want to invest much in preparations, a button-down shirt with jeans and dress shoes works just fine. Sometimes, even a simple v-neck shirt is enough. Adding a blazer makes the outfit ideal, and you will undoubtedly get in anywhere. Choosing a stylish and mature look gives the impression that you have plenty of money in your pockets, which clubs simply love.
Try to stick to solid colours to make it easier. Black, navy blue and grey usually blend well with any other colour, making it easier to pick what to wear. Darker colours are harder to stain, so you don’t need to worry about spilling drinks on your shirt.
Avoid wearing athletic apparel and other items that break club dress codes, like sandals and flip-flops, graphic T-Shirts, and hats. However, they may let you in if you already announce that you’re buying bottle service at the door.
On the other side of the spectrum, wearing too formal outfits can get you in. However, you are most likely to feel uncomfortable during the whole night, especially if you try to dance in a suit.
What about Urban Fashion?
Urban fashion teethers in the line of acceptable, depending on where you go. Urban fashion is entering the realm of luxury. That’s thanks to certain brands that have opened the doors for casual attire to be seen as elegant and wealthy. These outfits depend a lot on the latest popular trends, and you always need to be on top to enter clubs.
Certain clothes depend more on the brand than their style. A pair of Gucci high tops can get you into many clubs. You get a fresh and modern look if you pair it with a denim jacket and ripped blue jeans.
Usually, clubs that cater to younger audiences will be the ones that let you in. More traditional venues still hold you accountable to the dress code, and a fashionable attempt might not be so welcome. Again, it all depends on where you’re going, and you can always check a place’s social media to see what people are wearing inside.
What Women Should Wear to the Club
For women, picking an outfit for the club is a much more complex task. However, because women tend to be more adventurous and creative with their outfits, there aren’t many regulations about what they can and cannot wear.
Even with looser regulations, choosing what to wear to a club can still be challenging for girls. Clothes that are too formal will make you feel overdressed, and you risk not getting in by dressing too casually. There also needs to be a balance between being well-dressed and cosy to look good but still dance all night long without feeling uncomfortable.
Despite all the duality and grey areas, some essential clothing items will allow you to enjoy your night without worrying too much about anything. The most important thing is to dress upscale — choose outfits that flatter your figure and look good with your body shape. Slim dresses, skinny jeans, wide-legged jumpsuits… these are all perfect for a night out at a club.
Another essential aspect of what to wear to a club is the accessories, as these make a lot of difference by elevating any outfit. Earrings, bracelets and necklaces can make your outfit look more elegant and even allow you to dress down a bit. Also, bring a nice bag with you, small enough to fit the essentials, so you don’t need to carry extra weight.
As for shoes, heels, boots, and classy sneakers are always the best option. Heels are always the safest choice, as they are always classy. However, for those women who cannot stand on high heels for too long, a nice pair of boots or some trendy and elegant sneakers will allow you to dance all night long without any pain on your feet.
The most important thing is that you are comfortable with your chosen outfit. Having some essential clubbing looks is always a good idea, so you don’t need to overthink when it’s time to party. As for men, check out the social media of the club you are going to, and see what other people are wearing inside. This should guide you to how dressed up you need to be.
What to Wear to a Club
Choosing what to wear to a club doesn’t need to be complicated. For VIP clubs in London, fancier and more elegant attire is usually mandatory, and dressing up can make you feel good about yourself. Above, we’ve given you a quick guide to dress up for going to one of these venues — fancy clothes, but not too fancy that you’re uncomfortable and can’t actually enjoy the night.
At the end of the day, it really depends on the club and how strict its regulations are. Check their social media accounts to see what other people wear, basing your outfit choices on that.
Continue Reading →Best Champagne and Oyster Bars in London
March 10, 2023 Capital A List – Celebrity club news
Capital A List Membership includes access to exclusive clubs and bars, priority restaurant bookings, and many other benefits. For more information, please visit Capital A List Membership.
A few things speak luxury louder than the combination of champagne and oysters. A timeless match, these two delicacies harmonise excellently, bringing freshness and uttermost indulgence to any meal. The best champagne and oyster bars in London know how to cherish such a combination, offering only the freshest and tastiest oysters along with top-tier bottles of Champagne.
Explore the ocean flavours of oysters and the bubbly feeling of champagne. Dwell in these restaurants’ intricate designs and decor, and enjoy the rest of the menu, which is just as delicious as the starters.
Bentley’s Oyster Bar and Grill
Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill is a restaurant that offers some of the freshest seafood in London. Pairing Champagne with fresh oysters for lunch is not bad, especially when you can pick from six different varieties and indulge in those refreshing sea flavours. The restaurant has been around for over 100 years, always enchanting customers with excellent service and food.
The restaurant shucks over 1,000 oysters daily, so we know they must be good. Rock and native oysters take over the entire first page of the menu, and you can order them single or by the dozen. Aside from the oysters, you need to have, as a starter, the baked scallops with garlic and butter and the spiced foie gras with Sauternes wine on a brioche bun.
Even though Bentley’s focuses on seafood, there are also plenty of meat and game seasonal dishes. Chefs serve Himalayan salt-aged steak with pepper, and the parmesan gnocchi comes with truffles. On the first Sunday of each month, enjoy the Beef and Oyster Club. Pay a fixed price and savour a starter, main, and dessert dish with wine pairing.
J Sheekey Atlantic Bar
J Sheekey is a restaurant in the heart of Covent Garden that has been serving delicious seafood for over 100 years. It specialises in fish, shellfish, seasonal game, and of course, oysters. With a late-victorian charm, J Sheekey has five connecting rooms decorated with pictures of 20th-century actors. It used to be the favourite place among theatre performers, who would come over for oysters and champagne after a performance. Today, it still holds its theatrical flair and reputation among industry workers.
The restaurant’s oyster selection is at the top of the a la carte menu. Order from a wide variety of species, like Lindisfarne, Jersey, Carlingford, Rossmore Native, or mixed oysters served with spicy boar sausage. You can get famous house combos like the six Jersey oysters with a glass of Henriot Brut or Moët Grand Vintage 2013. J Sheekey only serves the best champagne to harmonise with its fresh oyster and other seafood.
The cobalt blue and pink façade of the restaurant is a powerful contrast of colours that expresses the flair of the place. The terrace follows the same colourful explosion, while the interior has a more serious, down-to-earth palate and decor.
Claude Bodi Bibendum
Claude Bosi Bibendum Restaurant is housed inside the Michelin House. Here, you can find the restaurant, bar, and oyster bar, each with its particular offer and design. Mosaic flooring and tiles take over the design. The oyster bar is on the ground floor of the house. Although it specialises in shellfish, it also serves other dishes, pleasing everyone who decides to visit.
Outside dining options take guests to an al fresco patio in front of the building. Taste Scottish mussels and crab linguine. Indulge in fresh native lobsters and oysters paired with glasses of champagne. The sky, and ocean, are the limit. The oysters, from six different species, come with shallot vinegar. This is undoubtedly one of the best champagne and oyster bars in London, which you can prove from your first slurpy taste.
The Claude Bosi bar is also on the ground floor, right by the oyster bar. Here you can taste cocktails and coffee all day long, trying house specials or sticking to the classics, prepared to perfection. At the restaurant, on the first floor, you can find stained glass windows that shine light over the cobalt blue velvet carpet on the floor. White walls and light grey chairs elevate the elegance and simplicity of the decor.
Scotts
Scotts is one of the best champagne and oyster bars in London. The restaurant works with the market’s finest fish, shellfish, and seasonal game in the posh neighbourhood of Mayfair. It opens midday and is the perfect spot for a Sunday brunch blend of oysters and sparkling wine. As a matter of fact, that’s their speciality.
The place was initially opened as an oyster warehouse in 1851 and is one of the five oldest restaurants in London. Today, Scott’s is one of London’s most luxurious and glamorous venues, hosting movie stars, politicians and famous writers. It was here that Ian Fleming discovered the dirty martini, shaken, not stirred, which later inspired his famous character James Bond’s cocktail preferences.
Order from the rich selection of oyster species on the menu. Lindisfarne Rocks, Ostra Regal, Jersey Rocks, and Gillardeau oysters are available examples. Taste the tempura-fried oyster with ponzu aioli and pickled fennel for a unique flavour. Pair it with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs N.V., a premium champagne that dances in your mouth. Aside from oysters, find caviar, shellfish, raw dishes, lobster, fish on the bone, and various cuts of meat.
Seabird
Seabird has one of London’s longest oyster lists. It is perfect for those wanting to taste different varieties of this luxurious food. A rooftop restaurant in Southwark, Seabird delivers unique dishes inside a glamorous environment. Mediterranean-inspired plates take over the menu, and city views complement your experience.
Find Spanish and Portuguese influences on the dishes, and pair your fresh food with some of the most premium champagne bottles in the market. With a sea-to-table philosophy, Seabird works with the freshest seasonal ingredients possible. The oyster menu always features native seasonal options and many rocks choices. Find popular choices like Lindisfarne, Ostra Regal, Jersey No.3, and many others. The list is extensive, and you may want to try everything.
Find an all-day menu with other delicious food options and a brunch menu that blends ocean flavours with breakfast classics. Sparking wine options include Cava Brut Nature NV from Spain, Classic Cuvée from England, and Grand Brut NV from France. The list is carefully curated to harmonise with the oysters, and you won’t be disappointed. During oyster happy hour, you get special prices on the unit, along with €7 martinis.
The Oysterman Seafood Bar and Kitchen
The Oysterman was the project of two friends who started hosting premium oyster bars at weddings and events. In 2016, they decided to open their restaurant, specialising in the British isles’ finest and freshest oysters and seafood. Today, their venue sits among the best champagne and oyster bars in London.
Here you can find daily fresh oysters that are served individually, and you need to check the blackboards to see which options will be served. Aside from that, there are many different options for dressed oysters. Taste oysters marinated in pickled cucumber and green apple, jalapeño and dill, spicy buffalo sauce and kosho, and other options. These flavour blends grant you a unique taste in your mouth, something you won’t find anywhere else.
After indulging in a mix of oysters and champagne, you can also order from the a la carte menu. Try the langoustine bisque risotto with cornish mussels, basil sauce and garlic chives. The place is fresh and bright, just like its food, with plenty of natural light coming in and shining over the dishes. A light colour palate explores exposed bricks and charcoal white walls, with wooden furniture and an exposed kitchen where the oysters are open and dressed.
St Pancras by Searcy Brasserie and Champagne Bar
St Pancras by Searcy invites you on an aesthetic journey back to the golden era of European rail travel. Unwind in the restaurant’s velvet booths and order a glass of champagne from their expensive collection. The “press for champagne” bottom on your table allows you to order as many as you’d like. Obviously, it needs to come with some oysters for you to have a downright luxurious experience.
Order caviar to upgrade your meal, and taste the seafood dishes from the kitchen. Taste rock oysters bathed in Mignonette sauce, lemon and tabasco. Blend their fresh flavours with the bubbles of the champagne and let the experience take you back to the late 19th century.
The design of the place, inside a train station, follows the urban and classic decor of when rail travel was at its peak. The island bar is surrounded by booths and small tables close to it. The small, open space matches the intimate and delicate proposal of the menu. Whether you’re taking a train or just came by to taste from one of the best champagne and oyster bars in London, one thing is sure: your experience will be unique, fun, and mouth-watering.
Randall and Aubin
Randall and Aubin is an Anglo/French Brasserie specialising in seafood and champagne. Open since 1996, the restaurant is a well-known institution, hosting celebrities and food lovers who come to enjoy fresh oysters and a juicy steak. Working with seasonal products and local suppliers, the restaurant constantly innovates its menu, always serving flavourful and creative dishes. Under its glittering disco ball, you can enjoy unpretentious luxury, champagne, and over-the-top humour.
Here, the old and the new merge to create uniqueness. 18th-century chandeliers glitter next to a disco ball, and daily specials is written on a chalkboard under the marble bar. Order from the a la carte menu, and don’t miss the shellfish platter. Succulent and fresh oysters come with Dorset crab, shrimp, clams, mussels, and whelks. With a bottle of champagne by your side, this turns into the perfect meal.
Caviar, grilled fish, and roasted meat also decorate the menu. The french onion soup is a house favourite, and the blend of french and British food is something comfortable and edgy all at once. Dine inside a small and intimate space with a friendly and lively staff. Dwell on the presentation of dishes and melt over their flavour.
Chiltern Firehouse
Chiltern Firehouse is a London restaurant focusing on seasonal and healthy eating. With American inspiration in the dishes, decor, and overall accent of the place, this venue makes you feel like you’ve walked into a 1950’s colonial house in the southern United States. The place’s vibe already hints towards its rich seafood selection, especially oysters.
The old firehouse still holds the fireman’s poles and the wall tiles intact. The panelled white walls complement the Victorian environment of the place. The dining room has black and white tiles on the floors, supporting the light wood furniture and elongated black marble bar top. Burgandy-leathered booths surround round tables, and circular lightbulbs dangle from the ceiling with warm lighting.
Start your meal with 1/2 dozen oysters and a glass of Moët & Chandon. Since the fresh flavours of seasonal oysters, let them balance out with the bubbles from the champagne. The mains include house specials like the forty-eight-hour chicken with citrus marinate or the hot-smoked trout salad with fennel, spring greens, apple, and green goddess dressing. The entire menu works to promote healthy eating with fresh flavours and ingredients.
The Oyster Shed
The Oyster Shed sits on the riverbank of the Thames. It is one of the best champagne and oyster bars in London because it blends water views with fresh seafood and high-quality bubbly wine. As a matter of fact, the restaurant won the National Pub & Bar Awards 2022 for Best Pub in the City of London. With a bright interior and spacious environment, The Oyster Shed makes you feel luxurious and free, sitting in an elegant pub-like ambience. It is the perfect place to eat while looking at the Tower of London and the Shard.
With a British-inspired seasonal menu, The Oyster Shed delights all guests with a seafood-driven approach. The oysters come with lemon and red wine shallot vinegar, highlighting the ocean flavours inside the shells. The daily selections bring the freshest options to your table, exploring popular species like the Atlantic Edge, Whitstable, and Killough Bay oysters. The cooked oyster platter comes with Rockefeller oysters seasoned with herby butter, crispy bacon, and golden breadcrumbs.
It is an unpretentious but elegant space, with a large terrace that captures the warm weather river breeze. The turquoise-blue bar contrasts with the wooden floor and industrial ceiling. The tables are placed by floor-to-ceiling windows, where you can observe the river from its northern bank.
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