Although Artesian is tucked inside one of central London’s elite hotels, it does its best to maintain a down-to-earth edge. It’s a stunning room – epically tall ceilings, doric columns, blinging chandeliers, you get the picture – but you’ll never feel out of place on the more casual side of smart-casual. That’s probably down to friendly staff (on the smarter side of smart-casual, of course) who chicane around tables with complementary canapés.
While there’s people-watching to be done (there are a fair few media darlings propping up the bar), you’ve probably come for the cocktails. And with Alex Kratena – head bartender and a star of the drinks industry – crafting wacky drinks that come with their very own hashtag, there’s certainly the wow factor. Cocktails demonstrate spectacular balance, even when using mad ingredients (‘vodka, shochu, artichoke, coffee, yuzu, passion, coriander’, runs one description). And presentation is taken to showstopping levels… although it probably should be at £18 per glass.
Time Out says
Winner of Drinks International's 'World's Best Bar' for four consecutive years, Artesian creates classic and innovative cocktails at the top of Regent Street and minutes away from Oxford Street. This perfect date-venue elevates bar food and drinks out of the ordinary and into the gourmet.
Artesian is at the forefront of the sophisticated London bar scene, showcasing the city’s largest collection of rums, an extensive Champagne list, alongside an inventive menu of cocktails and blends.
The team behind Artesian have helped to receive numerous accolades in the last four years. Artesian has scooped ‘The World’s Best Bar’ for four consecutive years from Drinks International Magazine.