Nestled in Brown's Hotel, in its luxury Mayfair location, Donovan Bar provides a taste of luxury when it comes to London drinking spots. An impressive menu comes courtesy of the legendary maestro of cocktails, Salvatore Calabrese; one of the world's leading bartenders and former President of the United Kingdom Bartender's Guild. If you want the opportunity to drink cocktails made by the same master mixologist that has prepared drinks for move stars and royalty, it is not surprising that it will cost you more than your average round in London.
A stylish bar provides intimate sophistication and a decadence that is typical of Mayfair. A white and grey aesthetic adorns the bar with deep, emerald, velvet chairs, gold accents and patterned glass tables, creating a sleek, picturesque dining room. Guests can sip on tea and coffee during the afternoon while working in this gorgeous setting, before the bar transforms into a place for impeccable pre-dinner drinks, selected from a varied list of Salvatore's personal classics and new, original concotions.
The drinks menu is split into themed cocktails by author, actors and musicians, iconic people, iconic moments, signatures and vintage selections. With drinks inspired by Oscar Wilde, Winnie the Pooh, Orson Welles and Agatha Christie, you can be sipping on an unusual, tasty concotion while reading facts about the drink's origin. A selection of spirits, champagnes and rare vintage alcohols ensures a premium, luxury experience.
While the drinks menu is definitely the star of the show, the bar does offer a great selection of food that turns the spot from a bar into an all-round dining experience. Taking inspiration from European flavours, sharers and small plates compliment the atmosphere well; while larger dishes of beef fillet and seared salmon match the surrounding decadence.