VIBE

Relatively small, yet surprisingly sleek hotel bar. Custom glass and barware, marble, mirrors, and wood combine with leather and mohair furnishings (don’t miss the armchairs!) to create a fashionable yet comfortable setting. It is, however, still a hotel bar, which means there's a lingering tourist contingent and vibe.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

A fashion-forward suit or your shopping best

GO HERE WITH

Work colleagues or a small group of friends (perhaps to celebrate that fab find at Harvey Nicks across the street?)

CROWD

Captains of industry and the most sophisticated ladies who shop. A power crowd. Because it is a hotel bar, however, it can trend tourist.

WHY WE LIKE IT

The cocktails, the food, and the chic yet comfortable atmosphere. Live jazz is played Mon.-Sat. 9:00pm-1:00am and Sun. 8:00pm-12:00am.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

A late license and entertainment charge of GBP 5 is applied to the first drink of all non-hotel guests arriving after 10:30pm. As if a GBP 15 martini didn’t have this covered. Boo.

GOOD TO KNOW

After work is the busiest time here, making it more difficult to get a table (and to hear your companion). Perfect after-shop stop. The bar is actually a catwalk.

OTHER LOCATIONS

Worldwide at other Mandarin Oriental hotels.

CLOSEST COMPS

The Donovan Bar (London); Le Bar du Plaza Athenee (Paris)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to London