Scarfes Bar

Gerald Scarfe, renowned British artist and caricaturist has lent his name and artistic vision to Rosewood London’s Scarfes Bar in Holborn. Gerald’s collection of amusing and conversation-provoking paintings, highlighting his best work, adorn the marble walls turning Scarfes Bar into a living canvas, described by Gerald as “my personal art gallery, where you can see my life on these walls”. Gerald’s collection of original and one-off paintings, a permanent feature in the bar, add a unique twist and depict well-known historical and famous faces recounting the colourful history of the United Kingdom in Gerald’s witty and satirical way. There is also a smaller changing exhibition in the heart of the bar. Dubbed the ‘artfully current’ corner, this wall is what Gerald deals with on a daily basis as a political cartoonist. Featuring a collection of prints from Gerald’s archive, the current affairs corner will continuously change as topics in the news arise.

Scarfes Bar, among the best bars in Holborn, inspired by the atmosphere of a drawing room and the sophistication of a gentleman’s club, features a roaring fire, low-key lighting, a collection of cosy velvet armchairs and shelves filled with over 1,000 antique books hand-picked by a Portobello antique dealer. The bartenders are true connoisseurs of their craft from advising on beers and matching wines to preparing specially-curated cocktails, some of which are poured from a stunning silver urn that takes centre stage on the long wooden bar. Complimentary live music six nights a week further adds to the conviviality of this artfully social bar where potions and paintings meet.