They say you only get one chance to make a first impression. At Le Magritte, the resident bar of The Beaumont hotel, one chance is all they need.
Nestled in a corner of the Mayfair hotel’s grand lobby, Le Magritte beckons you in, spilling warm golden light onto the polished checkerboard floor and framing a striking view of the bar: rich wood, a seductive collection of glass bottles stretching to the ceiling, and pride of place, the Magritte painting that gives the bar its name.
The cosy, cherrywood-panelled nook seats 30 guests spread across small, polished tables or watching the action at the granite-topped bar. Staff as are impeccable as you’d expect in a five-star establishment: white-jacketed, attentive, and discreet.
We’re brought silver dishes of olives and smoky nuts to graze on as we examine the cocktail list. The bar’s namesake is the star of this show, with several cocktails inspired by the Belgian artist himself. We tried the Le Maître d’Ecole, the delicious vivid blue liquid and lemon twist mirroring the Magritte painting above the bar. Alongside these, you can find all the old classics, from a perfectly made Martini to The Beaumont’s Bloody Mary (spiced to taste) or if you prefer, go off menu entirely – after mentioning my favourite flavours to our expert waiter, my dreams were made reality with a bespoke cocktail of rum, champagne and mint. Monogrammed ice cubes were a delightful touch.
The small menu of bar snacks is inspired by transatlantic favourites. Of course, there’s oysters and caviar, but some of the highlights included decadent bitesize French toast, a generously truffled pizza bianca and fluffy chickpea fries with a zingy, fresh jalapeno ketchup.
If your idea of a great night comes with a touch of old-world glamour – monogrammed ice cubes and all – look no further. Le Magritte may be just two minutes from Oxford Street, but it feels worlds away.