Set within the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in the heart of Knightsbridge, the Mandarin Bar is a contemporary bar with a lively atmosphere. Vibrant, yet sophisticated, it’s often described as one of London’s more fashionable nightspots. Just a few yards from Hyde Park, it attracts a more stylish crowd and stands as a great option for those seeking an elegant setting to unwind, celebrate a special occasion, or simply stop by for pre-dinner cocktails or late-night drinks.
The interiors, designed by Adam D. Tihany, are striking and dramatic. At the centre is a rectangular, catwalk-style bar, flanked by high stools and illuminated by suspended copper glass light fixtures. A gold geometric frosted glass wall forms a glamorous backdrop, while the marble-topped bar and bespoke cocktail glasses evoke a sense of luxury and theatre.
The cocktail menus at Mandarin Bar change regularly, with previous themes revolving around the fashion capitals across the world, along with drinks inspired by Hyde Park and seasonal numbers too. But you’ll always find a troupe of reliable Mandarin Bar classics, including an intriguing ‘Corn Ol'Fashioned’ with 15-year Glenfiddich, Nixta corn liquor, maple syrup and miso distillate.
At the time of writing, there’s also a ‘Journey to the West’ selection, which takes cues from the stories of Buddhist monk Tang Sanzang, his journeys and his mythical companions. As such, you might find creative tipples like a ‘Monk’s Serenity’ with discarded grape skin vodka infused with exotic tea, verjus, elderflower, and Wignac cider, or ‘The Monkey King’ which sees whisky, peach cordial, and white peach and jasmine soda combine into a tall and fruity concoction.
As for food, the Mandarin Bar menu offers a selection of nibbles by two Michelin-star restaurant, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, as well as a caviar menu, a late-night menu, and a tempring Champagne list.