Bars with a twist
The city of London is a constant thrive of activity during the daytime hours and especially during the twilight. The city provides a large number of venues which can easily cater for your needs to create the perfect night out, whether you are looking to dance until dawn or sip a drink within a relaxing atmosphere. Less than 30 minutes walk from The Montcalm hotel in Cumberland Place unveils an exciting mix of bars and clubs which will ensure you will have a night you will never forget.
A dr-Inca with a twist
Various celebrities such as David Beckham and One Direction have attended this late night lounge bar and dance club. Beautifully decorated in gold, red and orange as well as carvings of a snake and animals from the rainforest; Chakana will give you a taste of the Inca civilization as soon as you enter the premises. Traced from the Inca mythology, Chakana means ‘tree of life,’ and this symbol is intricately engraved into the fixtures throughout the bar. The drinks are one of the many highlights of the club as the ingredients are described as ‘the super foods of the Andes;’ which include Inca berries and maca root which are mixed with tequilas, rums and the brandy 'Piscos', to create unique and delicious beverages that you never would have experienced before!
Diamonds and Purl's
The prohibition era during the 1920's was a ban on the sale of every type of alcohol. As a result, concealed clubs called 'speakeasies' were founded up all over America, and went on to illegally sell alcohol to patrons. In order to reintroduce the style of that era, Purl, in Marlyebone, has successfully reminded customers of that mischievous feeling of excitement and exclusivity. With a winning mix of jazz and swing music alongside a dazzling mix of cocktails that utilise aromas, foam, liquid nitrogen and fire to stimulate all senses, this bar is an absolute must for those seeking a thrill.
The Montcalm London Marble Arch – The Champagne Bar
The Champagne Bar is one of the Montcalm bars, and it can be found adjacent to the main reception at the hotel. It features all of the successful characteristics a great hotel bar should possess; seductive style and the perfect amount of indulgence.
As well as an enriched range of Champagnes and cocktails, the Champagne Bar offers an extensive selection of whiskies, cognacs as well as other popular spirits. The delicious mix of cocktails are famous throughout London, offering a mix of old-school classics as well as some contemporary accomplishments. However, if the existing cocktails are not to your liking, the bar's resident mixologist is always on hand to create the perfect drink based on your requests and preferences. You cannot help but be mightily impressed with this glamorous venue.
The Montcalm London Marble Arch – Sixtyone Restaurant
Another of the Montcalm bars is the Sixtyone Restaurant. It is easily accessible as it is located next to the Champagne Bar and is located in South Marylebone, less than a 5 minute walk from Park Lane. The restaurant has recently received an incredible 3 AA Rosettes during September 2014 for its exquisite dishes, filled with bold flavours and topped with a sprinkle of excellence. The travelling experiences of Chef Patron Arnaud Stevens have inspired these mouth-watering meals that must be experienced to be believed. Furthermore, Sixtyone also serve a variety of elegant wines to accompany your meal, such as the Vintage 19 sixtyone, which displays intense strength and a delicate taste. Other types of wines range from the Gevery- Chambertin, Domaine Trapet and Burgendy which is £550.00 to the Chateau Mouton-Rothschild 1GCC, Pauillac which is a staggering £2400.00 and the perfect beverage if you are looking to treat yourself!
Let's go to the Circus!
If you are looking for in-bar entertainment which exceeds the norm, then pull up a chair! Located within Covent Garden, this cabaret bar boasts a long central table capable of transforming into an improvised stage for burlesque dancers, hula hoop spinners, fire-eaters and other various acts. Resembling a cocktail bar version of La Clique, it’s glamorous white space serves quality drinks and Pan Asian food. Circus is never short on attendees, which guarantees a memorable evening on any day of the week! The bar’s novelty factor means that the crowd it attracts tend to be a pretty mixed demographic which only adds to the exciting atmosphere of this unique venue.
Opium
Located within the heart of Chinatown, behind an anonymous jade door, Opium – as the name suggests - is styled after a Shanghai opium den. The décor is bewitchingly vintage, with lots of inviting armchairs, fringed lamps, and intoxicating incense that envelopes the air. The main bar contains a large central island where bartenders and punters interact and cocktail classes are held. The short list of in-house drinks blends Asian and Western flavours to inventive effect; for example, the Double Bubble is a kind of boozy bubble tea blending Chivas with orange blossom and tapioca balls. To further add to the experience, the drinks are theatrically served by the accommodating silk-dressed hostesses, though the jury’s still out on the childproof ‘Chinese medicine’ bottles that some of the drinks are served in.
Resources
http://www.kettners.com/about-us/
http://www.purl-london.com/about/
http://www.justopenedlondon.com/chakana/
http://sixtyonerestaurant.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Wine-list-September-2014.pdf
http://www.themontcalm.com/restaurant-bar-250.html
http://www.themontcalm.com/the-champagne-bar-693.html
http://www.worldsbestbars.com/united-kingdom/london/covent-garden-and-holborn/circus
http://www.worldsbestbars.com/united-kingdom/london/soho-and-fitzrovia/barrio-central
http://www.worldsbestbars.com/united-kingdom/london/soho-and-fitzrovia/opium