Hotel bars are a curious breed. While some of these bars arouse feelings of romanticism, perhaps because there is a fleeting, exciting element to meeting in a hotel, others can appear so sterile they evoke the complete opposite. Then there are the luxury hotel bars often patronised by celebrities, who turn them into fashionable hot spots that fall by the wayside when the next best thing comes along. It’s not easy to keep up with the capital’s hotel bars, so if you’re looking for a cocktail in glamorous surroundings that steers clear of the VIP set, let this by-no-means-exhaustive guide help.
The Old Guard
Despite the speed at which fashion moves on, some luxury hotel bars will never go out of fashion. In fact one suspects that in the event of the UK being overtaken by a population of zombie chimps the Ritz and the Dorchester will still be very much in vogue. Other firmly established bars are the Artesian at the Langham, renowned for its extensive (and expensive) cocktail selection, the celeb-studded The Blue Bar at the Berkeley, and the super sleek, marble-floored bar at The Connaught. Despite their reputation there are no restrictive guestlists, perhaps the reason why they have remained at the top of their game for so long.
The Opulent One
It may be opulent, but it’s also extremely comfortable. The Library Bar at The Lanesborough Hotel (supposedly now London’s most expensive, with their costliest suite cashing in at £14k) with its deep cushioned sofas, subdued lighting and roaring fire makes you want to sink into a seat with a classic leather-bound book and a martini. The low-level jazz playing in the background is only interrupted by the tinkling of trays of vintage champagne being ferried to and fro along with tiered stands of posh nibbles. As such, the bar’s clientele is mostly composed of well-coiffed ladies of a certain age and debonair gents.
\n\nThe Stereotype
Before the word “stereotype” conjures up any negative images, it must be stressed that Primo Bar at the Park Plaza Westminster has a lot going for it. It has a view of the Big Ben from the floor to ceiling windows, a delectable selection of cocktails, and its position makes it ideal for a Southbank post-show drink. It is also the spitting image of the hotel bar in Lost in Translation, the one where the red-haired chanteuse performs cheesy cover songs night after night and eventually beds the lead character after a particularly drunken evening.
The Functional One
K Lounge at the K West Hotel is far away from the amenities of Central London, however it still manages to attract a fair smattering of pop stars, perhaps because Shepherd’s Bush Empire and Wembley Arena are in the general vicinity. In any case, the bar is small and the décor is kept to a minimum, the cocktail list has all the classics, there is comfort food on the menu and a DJ plays commercial music till the early hours at weekends; K Lounge fulfils all the basic criteria of a hotel bar.
The Cool One
Dean Street Townhouse surely epitomises that somewhat hackneyed phrase, “effortlessly cool”. Elegant with a slight bohemian edge, waiting staff in uniform sashay around the bistro-style dining area, while the bar sits in the middle and is lit by standalone art deco-inspired lampshades. Their drinks list includes four different types of Bloody Mary and a wine list with plenty of aged European wines. Glamorous without the need to attract celebrities of any letter.
\n\nThe New Kid On The Block
It’s not easy being hip, and it’s even harder being the word on everyone’s lips for longer than a season. The W Bar at the W Hotel, along with the clubbier area, Wyld, is the current go-to haunt for fashion parties, celebrity afterparties and generally anyone who thinks they are someone. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, they have the odd recognisable DJ (Kim Ann Foxman of Hercules and Love Affair fame has played, presumably for a truck-load of money), but be warned that Wyld is strictly guestlist and full of security and “hosts” to ensure no stragglers can gain access. Bizarrely enough the venue essentially looks like a bit of leftover space the hotel decided to tart up with a giant mirrorball. Its oddly curved shape means there is little room for any actual dancing, but plenty of posturing and preening. Those aspiring to mingle with the beautiful people will love it, but if you don’t give a toss you’re better off spending the evening on the sofa.
The Oddball
It’s situated in the wrong part of town for either the tourism or entertainment industries, and is far too modest for the likes of Peaches Geldof to start hanging around here, but the Church Street Hotel in Camberwell has had nothing but rave reviews. It might have something to do with the passion the two owners have ploughed into the place, which shows in the detailed Mexican décor, colonial-style furnishings, lending DVD library in the lounge and affordable rates. The bar is an honour bar for guests to make their own drinks and kick back as if they were at home in Acapulco, everyone else can try the sherry and rum selection at Angels & Gypsies, the hotel’s tapas bar.
