Review: The Bar at The Dorchester, Mayfair, London
The Bar at The Dorchester, Mayfair, London
I’m not what you would call new money, nor old money, but I couldn’t help think as I walked past The Dorchester that I should pop in and sample a drink at their bar. I’ve heard a lot of nice things about the place, and thought why not.
Perhaps, in retrospect I should have thought a bit harder; after all this is: A) Mayfair, B) Posh Hotel and C) Hotel Prices.
I’ll get to that later though, after walking into the hotel you realise that this is most definitely not a Travelodge, a Hilton or a Marriott. It’s much more grand, sophisticated and hinting at what is to come. Just pretend you do this all the time and turn into the bar, aptly named ‘The Bar’. Within is a very relaxed atmosphere, where I was greeted and taken to a seat at the bar.
The cocktail menu is extensive, with an assortment of enticing concotions, yet after a day of tasting a lot of different drinks I wanted something simple and refreshing. It was time to order a Negroni, a thrown Negroni.
On asking the bartenders face instantly lit up, a ‘of course sir’ was uttered and he set to work. The drink was expertly made, and served in a fabulous heavyweight glass, that I would have loved to have taken with me (See reasons A,B,C).
Looking elsewhere on the menu, they have had their own Old Tom made to a traditional 17C recipe up in Scotland, nice to see a bar doing something a little bit different.
Spotting the time, and my stomachs hunger, I needed to move on and so refrained from ordering another drink. I’d usually not write about a place if I only had one drink – I’m breaking this rule for a reason.
The bill came, and I gasped slightly; TWENTY ONE POUNDS! It was made with Tanqueray 10, yet this was certainly the most expensive cocktail I’ve ever had.
There is only one way I’d be ‘happy’ with that price. Let me take the glass. Please.
So, if you fancy a nice drink, and are walking past the Dorchester then be prepared to either A) Mortgage your house, B) Schmooze a guest or C) feign a heart attack.
Atmosphere: 8/10
Staff: 8/10
Price: 4/10
Drinks: 8/10
Overall 5.6/10
Location: Parklane, Mayfair, London
Website: The Bar at The Dorchester
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The Dorchester Picture from Uggboy’s Photostream
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