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Hip Hotel Bars in London
By Alice Von Simson, London Lite 08.08.08
Fine blend: glitzy Whisky Mist is a favourite of Chelsy Davy
Get in the mood: the Pool Bar
Super-chic: The Terrace
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They're luxe, louche, and brilliantly London: our city's fine tradition of hotel bars is something to be proud of. And while the grand old drinking holes at The Dorchester, The Berkeley and Claridge's never wane in popularity, there's also a clutch of new, hip spots.
You can get a late tipple, enjoy fab service, usually spot a celeb or two and if you can't face going home (or better, you get lucky), you can just get a room. Here's our pick of the new generation of hotel bars.
WHISKY MIST AT ZETA, THE HILTON PARK LANE
The highest profile opening of the summer, Whisky Mist At Zeta, on the ground floor of the Hilton on the site of the former Zeta Bar, is glitzy, glam and already a firm favourite with the jet-set. It's owned by the brains behind that other celebrity hotspot Mahiki and Harry, Wills, Kate and Chelsy have been down to give it the royal seal of approval, while Kid Rock, Guy Ritchie, Lily Allen and the Arctic Monkeys have also all shimmied into the slick interior. Whisky is, as you might expect, the order of the day, from £9 a dram, whisky cocktails from £11. It's members (£550 for a year) and guestlist only, so to guarantee entry book a table. Minimum spend is two bottles of spirits or champagne.
V&T: £11. Glass of wine: £11. 5.30pm-4am Tues-Fri, 9pm-4am Sat, closed Sundays until September. 35 Hertford St W1 (020 7208 4067)
THE POOL BAR, THE HAYMARKET HOTEL
Need to cool off ? Then why not combine a drink and a dip? The Haymarket opened last year and boasts an 18m swimming pool and a long, pewter bar. It's open to residents but can be hired by non-residents: perfect for a glam pool party to remember. Thandie Newton and Orlando Bloom are among the A-listers who've lounged by the pool here, so it's a great spot for your own showbiz-style do. The hotel's also home to the funky Brumus Bar, with its warm, bright red interior, which is open to the public and residents alike. Hang out here to get in the mood before heading downstairs and taking the plunge.
V&T: £6.50, glass of wine: £6.25. 11.30am to 11.30pm. 1 Suffolk Place, SW1 (020 7470 4000)
BUNGALOW 8 AT THE ST MARTIN'S LANE HOTEL
The London outpost of New York's starstudded club, established by party queen Amy Sacco, this is a private members bar and club, but anyone staying at the hotel can book a table for 6pm to 10pm, and take three friends with them. Once you've had a taste of partying with such regulars as Mark Ronson, Daisy Lowe and Agyness Deyn you might want to apply for membership - a surprisingly cheap £350 a year. See bungalow8london.com for application details and start calling in favours from well-connected friends - the club chooses its members very carefully indeed.
V&T: £10.50, glass of wine: £9.50. Open daily 6pm-3am (residents and guests to 10pm). 45 St Martin's Lane, WC2 (020 7300 5592)
GARDEN ROOM, THE LANESBOROUGH HOTEL
The rich and famous don't want to puff away down an alley, beside the bins, do they? So The Lanesborough has designed London's most glamorous smoking area. With its oversized sofas and armchairs, the twinkly lamp-lit outdoor room is the perfect place for a spot of "smirting" - even if you don't actually smoke. Anyone can drink (and smoke) here, but with a capacity of just 35, get there early to avoid disappointment.
London's first walk-in humidor will open alongside the smoking room later this month and there is a fine selection of cognacs, whiskies and vintage champagnes to go with your favourite cigar.
V&T: £13, glass of wine: £10. Open daily 4pm-midnight. Hyde Park Corner, SW1 (020 7259 5599)
THE TERRACE, SANDERSON HOTEL
This new addition to the super-chic courtyard at the Sanderson runs adjacent to it, like a small, boozy ante-room where you can quaff cocktails while overlooking the minimal courtyard full of flowering trees, fountains and London hipsters. It's like being on holiday, but right in your own fair city. If it's celebs you're after, you won't be disappointed - a steady stream of high-profile figures call in at the Sanderson to quench their thirsts. Models including Lily Cole, Erin O'Connor and Helena Christensen drop by for a flute of champagne and burlesque queen Immodestly Blaize DJ'ed here last month.
V&T: £11, glass of wine: £8 50. Open daily 11.30am-midnight. Berners Street, W1 (020 7300 1400)
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