Bar 45

Park Lane is the second most expensive spot on the Monopoly board, and is known as one of London’s most prestigious areas of real estate, so it’s no surprise that 45 Park Lane hotel comes with a reputation. The exterior is brutalist, and somewhat underwhelming, but the art deco interior makes up for anything the outside lacks. Think marbled flooring, varnished wooden walls, and opulent art hung wherever there’s space.

It’s worth ensuring you’re financially prepared before scaling the stairs to Bar45, as this chic spot doesn’t come cheap, but it’s quickly forgiven as you're greeted by the immaculately dressed staff. Once at our table, we’re presented with a selection of small plates of fish and chip cones, chicken pot pie and sherry trifle. This delightfully British, and limited time Oscar's menu, was created by legendary chef Wolfgang Puck of CUT, the restaurant that sits below the bar area, and executive chef Elliot Grover. Adorned with a healthy portion of truffle, the chicken pot pie is served onto our plates by the waiter as we marvel at its perfectly crisp pastry. Moving on to dessert, the sherry trifle was alarmingly moreish, presented in a small jar, with a perfect ratio of cream, custard, jelly and sponge – and we could’ve eaten another three.

In no rush to leave the soothing ambience that engulfs the space, we also sampled a few dishes from the regular menu, with the most notable being the beef sliders. This snack consists of wagyu patties, garnished with truffle mayo generously spread across miniature brioche buns, which were a masterclass in burgers.

To drink, there is an extensive list of some of the best wines in the world, and plenty of well executed cocktails. During our visit, we sampled a cocktail from the Oscars menu, where the glass came embellished with gold leaf on the side to resemble the award itself.

Bar45 has a way of making you feel special, as if you’re in a movie, and almost like you wouldn't be surprised to see Daniel Craig sitting at the bar waiting for his next Bond girl as you head back down the stairs.

Set in one of the city's most prestigious hotels, Bar 45 sits on a mezzanine level in 45 Park Lane offering a space to escape from the hustle and bustle of central London. The interior is opulent with a gold theme running throughout, from the bar to gold rimmed tables dotted around the room. The leather and plush seating, and art work running along the walls, add to the rich feel of this sophisticated and contemporary space. 

The menu has been carefully curated by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck and executive chef Elliot Grover, offering some of the most luxurious bar snacks in the capital. In the light bites section expect yellowtail sashimi with black truffle ponzu and pickled wasabi or beef and prawn wontons with honey truffle ponzu. A customer favourite though, is the mini wagyu beef sliders with brioche buns and sweet pickles. For those who are slightly more peckish, Bar45 offers 'larger bites' such as a native blue lobster spaghetti and Wolfgang's famous smoked salmon pizza.

The drinks menu is vast, with everything from single malt whiskys and after dinner liquers, to a wine list that even includes some of Wolfgang Puck's very own wine from his vineyard in Austria. For those who prefer to whet their whistle with a cocktail, there is also a range of options split between spirits so that vodka lovers and gin enthusiasts can find their tipple with ease.

Being located within a 5 star hotel, it comes as no surprise that excellent service is of great importance, as staff are on hand to answer questions about anything from how a dish is created through to the inspiration behind a cocktail. Bar 45 lends itself as the perfect spot to unwind at the end of a working day, whether for a light dinner or just a glass of wine.