Mandarin Bar

The Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge is more famous as the location of Heston Blumenthal’s Dinner, and when we were here, there were at least four other parties who’d settled in for a drink while praying for a walk-in at the restaurant. If you’re going to choose a waiting room, you can’t do much better than this. The room is dazzling, with a central bar and an array of of glass, wood and marble. It’s deliberately sleek, modern, high-fashion hotel luxury, and if that look appeals, then the Mandarin will too. The drinks side of things is done expertly. Their own cocktails are devised with good sense, and classics are well handled – and with serving sizes to match the high prices. Polished service, good bar snacks. If you’re weighed down by bags of treasure from nearby Harvey Nicks, this is a good place to rest your feet and indulge in some deep relaxation therapy.