LONDON, December 26, 2011 — Cheers to London’s Arch Bar. After a complete rethink of its booth design and its menu, this sophisticated bar has emerged as the cocktail king of Mayfair.
The bar, which is set in the lobby of the Intercontinental London Park Lane, derives its name from its view of the famous Wellington Arch near Hyde Park. And it has made its prestigious Park Lane address accessible and fun.
Inspired by busy New York-style hotel bars, the Arch Bar set out to achieve the loyalty of a local clientele. The bar has became a place for young professionals to connect after work and for well-heeled couples to meet for a tipple before heading off to dinner at one of the neighborhood’s acclaimed restaurants (Nobu, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, Benares, Wolfgang Puck’s Cut 45, and Theo Randall’s - the list goes on).
The bar’s location inside the hotel ensures it will never become simply a tony elbow-tipping tomb for the bourgeoisie. There are enough travelers – guests of the hotel - passing through to keep things interesting. In a single evening you’re apt to see a Russian oligarch perched at the granite bar, a Korean cosmetics heir holding court round a corner table, and a American sales team gabbing on a butter-hued sofa.
The bar menu, which is vast and deep, focuses heavily on gin. If Stefano Filistad, the assistant bar manager is in, you’ll do well to tap him for his vast knowledge of the history of gin, which, with its Dutch roots, just might surprise you.
As the weather turns chilly, many locals order Plum Duff, a cozy gin-based drink based on a traditional Christmas pudding recipe. For those who can’t get to London this winter to taste the original, the Arch Bar has shared the recipe so you can make this standout cocktail at home.
Plum Duff
50 ml of raisin and cinnamon infused Gin
10 ml of Orgeat (almond syrup)
15 ml of Double cream
5 ml of Grand Marnier
Shake with Ice and strain into martini/cobbler glass. Garnish with a pinch of nutmeg.
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