Vesper Bar, The Dorchester, London.

Vesper Bar, The Dorchester, London.
© photo provided

The Dorchester unveils new London bars

After extensive renovations, The Dorchester has opened its most stylish new bars to the public along with other artfully redesigned spaces.

After undergoing its biggest renovation in over 30 years, The Dorchester London has opened two of its new bars. Vesper Bar, previously known as The Bar at The Dorchester, opened on January 23. The bar is themed around the world of James Bond who famously enjoyed drinking a Vesper Martini amongst the pages of Ian Fleming’s novels. Fleming had a strong connection with The Dorchester, staying and dining there many times throughout his life, and since the original release of the James Bond films, the hotel has hosted a variety of press junkets. The cocktail list has been curated by Head Bartender Lucia Montanelli, with each one named in tribute to special moments, artwork or guests from the hotel’s history.

This includes a cocktail called the Bessie Mae, after actress Elizabeth Taylor who stayed in the hotel 37 times. The bar has been designed by renowned Swedish interior designer Martin Brudnizki, who has previously worked on the likes of member’s club Annabel’s and Soho House residences. The design has added a new entrance directly from Park Lane, as well as a balcony overlooking Hyde Park.

Additionally, The Dorchester revealed The Artist’s Bar, which is intended to be a more light-hearted yet sophisticated venue, serving champagne, seafood and classical live music. The bar, which is decorated with sparkling Lalique crystal, is now the home of Liberace’s famous mirrored piano which sits at the centre of the room. Aptly named, The Artist’s Bar will feature artwork in a range of mediums on the walls, which are all related to The Dorchester and its connection to London. The culinary director, Martyn Nail, has created a menu which offers native oysters, shrimp, lobster and a selection of sushi to accompany the art-themed cocktails in the bar.

The final ground-floor area to be revealed in January was The Promenade, one of the hotel’s signature restaurants, which serves classically British cuisine including lobster casserole, roasted salmon and chicken and langoustine pie. After a full year of redevelopment, the ground floor is the first area to reopen in The Dorchester, however, the hotel is set to reveal its brand-new rooms and suites in March 2023.

India-Jayne Trainor
India-Jayne Trainor
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