London’s drinking and dining scene is eclectic, surprising and often mind-bogglingly beautiful – you just have to know where to look. Without a doubt, Jurema terrace located within the opulent Mandrake hotel, is one of London’s best kept secrets. This Fitzrovia-based spot is an open-air bar like no other. Surrounded by a hanging garden of suspended jasmine and passionflower and overlooking the Courtyard below, where two ginormous Tasmanian Ferns function as a magnificent focal point that draws the eye, the jaw-dropping garden provides an oasis of calm within the bustling city.
Look up and you’ll find the Glasshouse perched just above Jurema, an intimate area filled with exotic plants that’s open to all guests. It can also be booked out for a private meeting, dinner or event for up to 10 people – the perfect location to host smaller groups.
The jungle-like bar serves up summery cocktails and Mexican-inspired dishes from YOPO, the hotel’s main restaurant. Feast on dishes such as mushroom tostada with pumpkin seed mole and cactus, roast Cornish pollock with artichoke, onions and sherry and beer braised pork belly with grilled spring onions, pickles and tacos. Alfresco dining during the warmer months has never looked so good.
Meanwhile, its unconventional cocktail list features a number of herbs and botanical ingredients that you are likely to not have heard of before. One particular drink is called Oshun and mixes Bombay Sapphire gin infused with gynostemma herb, yuzu sake, basil, sudachi sherbert and champagne. If your palate isn’t feeling quite so adventurous, the general drinks menu also includes an extensive collection of wines, spirits and beers.
The dress code here does specify strictly smart casual, which feels about right (this is Fitzrovia after all). With surrounds as impressive as the ones at Jurema, you’re going to need an outfit to match.