Situated in the glamorous Mandarin Oriental Hotel and right next door to Heston Blumenthal's Michelin-starred Dinner, Mandarin Bar couldn't be anything less than perfect if it didn't want to be a blemish on the hotel's shiny crown.
The Venue
Whilst the bar itself is relatively small, the clean and simple decor means that it still feels light and airy inside. The beige and brown interior puts all focus upon the Mandarin Bar's centerpiece, its marble topped bar, which is designed to look like a catwalk. There's not even any bottles to clutter the surface as they are kept safely behind a translucent glass panel which allows colourful silhouettes and shadows to shine through theatrically.
Clean and simple decor retains the bar's emphasis on its drinks and guests.
The Ambience and Clientele
With its high prices and suited waiting staff, it would be easy for the Mandarin Bar to slip into the sterile territory of many hotel bars in London. However, when I visited at around 7.30pm on a Wednesday evening, the bar was busy with voices. Although the service is very formal, there isn't the feeling of having to be on your best behaviour; something obviously noticed by the smart couple we spotted canoodling in a corner alcove as the night drew to a close.
The clientele of the bar is made up of hotel guests, diners at the restaurant next door and drinkers visiting the bar. This means that there's an animated atmosphere created by the constant turnover of drinkers, which can be a pro or con depending on whether you're looking for a lively or more chilled atmosphere.
Stowed away bottles of spirits throw dramatic shadows through the frosted glass backdrop.
The Drinks
As you would expect of a Knightsbridge bar, especially one in a luxury hotel, prices are sky high. A bottle of Asahi beer will set you back £6.50, as will a Paulaner Weissbier which had interesting hints of banana and clove. The cocktails are undeniably amazing and so they should be at an average price of £15! I opted for a fig martini (£16.50) which was utterly delicious. They say the best things come in small packages and despite its size, the cocktail was very strong and the individual flavours of fig, gin and vermouth could easily be picked out. The following Cherry Picker cocktail was equally lethal and, thankfully, a little longer. Luckily, they also serve up free bar nibbles which is always a nice added bonus and helps to soak up the strong cocktails if you aren't eating next door.
Cocktails in the Mandarin Bar are innovative, expertly mixed and accordingly expensive!
Summary
Mandarin Bar's location means that it can seem a little like a waiting room, with diners hanging around before entering into Dinner. However, there's no dog-eared magazines in this waiting room; strictly exquisite cocktails, contemporary decor and comfy sofas are allowed in this Knightsbridge bar. If you're a cocktail fan and don't mind splashing the cash, head here and experience Mandarin Bar.
