The effortlessly luxurious Berkeley hotel in Knightsbridge has added another bar to its landmark five-star hotel, joining the legendary Blue Bar. The Berkeley Bar & Terrace is a contrast to The Blue Bar, with a softer and warmer colour scheme of cream, burnt orange and brown, and in true Berkeley style it oozes luxury and sophistication.
On offer is a selection of rare wines, Champagne and dark spirits. The expert service given at the bar means this is a wine connoisseurs’ haven, or the destination for someone looking to learn more. Cocktails are another forte, ranging from classic ones to signature serves and experimental mixes.
Food-wise, small plates such as Cornish crab and lobster beignets; Iberico ham toast with manchego, apricot and salsa verde; and camembert chicken tulips are available. Luxuries such as caviar and oysters are up for grabs, too, and to see it all off, the bar is home to a fine selection of cigars.
Irish designer Bryan O’Sullivan is the interior mastermind behind the look, which features a Snug for private parties that showcases an impressive wall mural of faces (painted by New York-based artist TM Davy) and dusty pink seating holding up to nine guests. The snug is inspired by the original alcoves seen in public houses, usually reserved for women and their secret discussions, which is why the faces on the mural are female, and why there’s a distinctly more feminine feel to the colour palate of pink and soft corals. It’s got its own sound system and a dedicated call-for-service button, so it really is a great spot for a private gathering.
The rest of the bar is also intimate and refined (especially helped by a central fireplace), yet glamorous and vibrant. Al fresco gatherings are made possible by the outdoor terrace, where the Berkeley Beach Huts have been operating, whereas drinks can also be enjoyed at the half-moon marble bar.