By Majella Taylor, New Openings Editor, H&C News: Dorchester Collection announce opening of Vesper Bar
Dorchester Collection has announced the opening of The Dorchester’s new bar concept, Vesper Bar, this coming December.
The name Vesper Bar honours The Dorchester’s many connections with James Bond. Author Ian Fleming, who invented the Vesper Martini in the book Casino Royale, stayed and dined at The Dorchester in the 1940s and throughout his life until he died in 1964.
While mentioned in the novels, the iconic hotel has also hosted many press junkets for the film, and welcomed all six James Bonds, 14 Bond Girls, four M’s and nine Bond villains as guests of the hotel.
The new bar is set to be one of London’s hottest destinations, boasting a cocktail menu showcasing both timeless and signature cocktails inspired by The Dorchester, curated by award-winning drinks connoisseur and head bartender Lucia Montanelli.
The new layout of the bar, designed by none other than Martin Brudnizki allows for a dedicated Park Lane entrance and an outside terrace with views towards Hyde Park. Ornate design runs throughout Vesper Bar, including a 1930s Palladium leaf ceiling creating a warm effect as Martini hour transitions into the evening.
A series of Cecil Beaton pieces will hang within the bar to remind guests of this glamorous decade. Some of Beaton’s original drawings and celebrity photography will be brought together with work by contemporary artists, such as Rosie Emmerson, who were inspired by both Beaton and the energy of that time.