Libare Bar at Sartoria

Libare is as sharp as a Savile Row suit. It’s the rebooted destination bar of Sartoria (following a major refurbishment by D&D London) and strikes a 20th-century Milanese-chic pose. Park yourself on copper leather high stools at the marble-topped bar where signori, sharp in Chartreuse velvet tuxedos, dispense aperitivo-hour spritzes, seasonal Bellinis, twisted Negronis, and liqueurs. New room, new ideas: we like fennel-infused gin Martini; a Mediterranean Mojito that adds basil and cherry tomato to the classic formula, and a deviant Smoked Bloody Mary that prefers Lagavulin 16 whisky and Don Julio Blanco Tequila to vodka – all good at £12. Order one of over a dozen by-the-glass wines from £5 with sliced Italian hams and salumi. Bar food also includes minestrone, veal in tuna sauce, anchovy and panzanella salad, plus ices and pastries. ‘Libare’ translates as ‘to sip’: a pleasurable pastime in such elegant surroundings.

Fun fact: Libare Bar at Italian restaurant Sartoria is the only bar on Savile Row, so you don’t have to think twice if you’re in the area for a drink. Combining the charm of Mayfair with plenty of Italian style, this somewhat undiscovered spot is a best-kept-secret for those in the know. The interiors are beguilingly chic, as is the nature of any D&D venture, and offers comfortable seating, lots of natural light in the day, a glamourous bar area and table lamps dotted around the place to bring a sense of homeliness.  

Obviously, there are cocktails. Take your pick from four different types of Negroni as well as a selection of bespoke drinks inspired by Italian favourites. One named Little Venice, for example, combines lavender-infused Aperol, Amaro Montenegro, lavender bitter and prosecco, while Show Me The Way mixes Tanqueray gin, limoncello, fresh cucumber and mint. Refreshing! 

In fact, the word “Libare” in Italian means “to make a toast” and you can find plenty of drinks to do just that on the menu. There’s a full selection of wines available by the glass including bubbles, red, white and rose. While a range of spirits range from the familiar to the intriguing. There’s a bounteous selection of whisky, from Japanese to Irish and Canadian, or take your pick from a digestif at the end of the night that goes way beyond Limoncello.  

If you’re feeling peckish, guests can order from a relaxed menu of Italian favourites and regional cheeses, which are sliced to order at the cheese counter, to keep hunger pangs at bay. It’s also a great spot to enjoy your morning cappuccino, a light lunch from the daily changing bar menu or a freshly prepared salad from the cicchetti counter.