The Dorchester has a long had a historical association with James Bond - author Ian Fleming was an occasional guest at the hotel, and the hotel is oft-mentioned in various Bond books. It’s no surprise then that the Dorchester’s Vesper Bar has more than a knowing nod to 007, not least in the name, which is a reference to Vesper Lynd - a central character in the novel Casino Royale.
The Vesper Bar has a bespoke entrance on Park Lane, as well as an outside terrace for al fresco cocktail sipping. The vibe is luxurious and opulent, as you’d expect at the Dorchester - expect bespoke glassware, moody low lighting and a glitzy 1930s aesthetic that takes you back to an era just prior to when Fleming would have been writing Bond novels himself.
A collection of talented mixologists whip up a wide range of cocktails. This is the sort of bar where you can request almost anything you want, and the bartender will be able to oblige. The drinks list reveals both classic and more innovative cocktails, but most will want to head to the ‘Stories’ menu, which boasts a collection of signature cocktails that all tell a story about a moment in time at The Dorchester.
With there being somewhat of a Bond theme here, Martinis are obviously the star of the show. Try the Vesper Martini - invented by Bond in 1953 novel Casino Royale - which swaps dry vermouth for gin and vodka, and switches lemon peel for the olive.
You won’t be expected to drink on an empty stomach at the bar either. The Vesper Bar has a suitably elevated menu of bar snacks and sharing plates too, including dressed rock oysters with Aquavit, caviar on hasselback potatoes with creme fraiche, tempura shrimp with ponzu mayonnaise and slices of lamb Wellington with minted hollandaise.