Gilbert Scott sounds like a Victorian expletive in the fine tradition of ‘Gordon Bennett’ and ‘What the Dickens’. Which is particularly apt – because it would be perfectly natural to utter a powerful exclamation of wonder once you enter this stunning bar and restaurant through the heavy revolving doors that mark the entrance.

The decor really is breathtaking. Mere words can’t do it justice… the bar which you enter is toweringly tall ceilinged and packed with glorious gold leaf, gilt and fin de siècle glamour. Steps ahead of you lead up to the restaurant, but why go further than the bar? On your left you’ll find comfortable seats to sink into while supping your selected cocktail. On the right stands the bar itself, a beautiful construction of dark metal, gleaming glasses and many hued spirit bottles

The staff are dutiful, the drinks delightful. My pocketful of rye bourbon-based cocktail was very, very moreish, as was the delicious smoked butter and paprika popcorn that kindly accompanied it. But it’s difficult to concentrate on the drinks and nibbles when you’re surrounded by such amazing décor. With an ornate, eastern influenced painted ceiling punctuated at each end with vast golden, bell shaped chandeliers you can’t help but stare in amazed delight and imagine yourself in a bygone era of decadence.

If you’re wondering who Gilbert Scott was, well Sir George Gilbert Scott to give him his full name, was the man who designed Kings Cross Station – and the Albert Memorial – both shining examples of splendid Victorian Gothic revival architecture

St Pancras Renaissance Hotel
Euston Rd
London
NW1 2AR

www.thegilbertscott.co.uk

Tags: Bars in Kings Cross, bars in NW1, Bars in St Pancreas, best hotel bars london, cocktail bars london, cocktails, gilbert scott, Hotel bars london, St Pancreas Rennaissance hotel

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Some of the best hotel bars in London are cool in a trendy, flavour of the month way. Whether it’s a trendy small new boutique hotel bar, or a 7 star, see-and-be-seen homage to chic celebrity culture.

But the Blue Bar at The Berkeley Hotel is just achingly, blissfully cool in both ambience and decor. I mean, it literally is blue… all breathtakingly beautifully blue.

Don’t worry though, the blue hues won’t dazzle you… they are far too tasteful and refined for that. Think regency… think pastels… think which one of their expertly made cocktails you’ll choose… think; ‘I’m sure that person over there is famous…”

You’ve got to see it to understand what we’re talking about. Pictures can’t do it justice. It’s small and it’s perfectly formed. And its very coolness attracts a rich – and often famous – clientele.

So, be cool. Just revel in the surroundings and enjoy the delicious cocktails and ambience.

The Blue Bar
The Berkeley Hotel,
Wilton Place,
Knightsbridge,
SW1X 7RL

www.the-berkeley.co.uk/knightsbridge-bars/blue-bar/

Tags: bar reviews, Best Bars in London, best cocktail bars, best hotel bars, best hotel bars london

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Any bar that not only won the crown of World’s Best Bar in 2012, but defended it successfully in 2013 and 2014, deserves to be on our list. As hotel bars go, The Artesian Bar at The Langham Hotel has exactly what it takes to be one of the best hotel bars in London. The beautiful décor, designed by David Collins, exudes comfort and luxury with lots of lilac leather, white curtains and a breathtaking mirrored pagoda bar.

It’s not just the bar that has won awards, the staff have too, with head barman Alex Kratena leading the way, ably supported by his No.2. Simone Caporale. As you’d expect the cocktails are exceptional. But surprisingly for a bar so firmly anchored in the bosom of 5 star luxury, there’s a real sense of fun too. Highlights of the innovations menu include skulls, pandas and aroma filled balloons.

But if there’s one thing that sets the Langham apart from other some other high end hotels, it’s the exceptional levels of service that leave you feeling pampered and spoilt, but never overwhelmed or intimidated. The Langham? It’s simply lovely.

The Artesian Bar – Best Hotel Bars London
The Langham Hotel 
1C Portland Place
London,
W1B 1JA

www.artesian-bar.co.uk

Tags: artesian bar, bar reviews, best bar reviews, best bars, Best Bars in London, Best Bars London, best hotel bar, best hotel bars london, cocktail bar, cocktails, drinks

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The Connaught Bar

What’s the recipe for the best hotel bar? Well, a great hotel bar has to have presence… it’s got to have glamour… it’s got to have great cocktails served by attentive, but not over-zealous professionals.

Personally, we like a hotel bar heavy on the style, light on the stuffiness. Not a party venue, but a destination… a bar where great evenings start… and end… where assignations are fulfilled, promises made and deals done.

But to be the best, there has to be one more thing… but we’re damned if we know how to describe it. It’s a secret ingredient, an unfathomable ambience… so welcome to the Connaught Bar – the best hotel bar london

The décor of this beautiful bar, nestled in the sumptuous 5 Star Connaught Hotel is cool, elegant and inspired, apparently, by cubist and Irish art of the 1920s. That’s great to know, but even nicer to drink in. It oozes sophistication, or should we say reflects it, because the art deco design shines with silver leaf.

But that’s just the surroundings. And, as they say it’s not what’s on the outside that counts, but what’s on the inside. Once you get a few of their incredibly good – and expensive – cocktails down, you’ll know what we mean. They even have a martini trolley that will pull up to your table, and create the most magical martinis for your delectation and delight.

The Connaught Bar has won all sorts of awards – and it deserves them all. It can get busy – what else would you expect? But get dressed up, get a table and get an insight into what being the best hotel bar in London means. One final tip – don’t confuse The Connaught Bar with the Coburg Bar, the lovely, but smaller ‘second’ bar at the same hotel.

The Connaught Bar
The Connaught Hotel
Carlos Place
London,
W1K 2AL

www.the-connaught.co.uk

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