Esmeralda’s Mayfair, a live music and late-night lounge, will open early December within Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London on Hanover Square.
Inspired by the golden age of New York’s live lounge, it’s for those who savour the unexpected – elegance with a little chaos, with each moment unfolding like a secret you’re lucky enough to witness.
The interiors at Esmeralda’s are designed to feel inviting and quietly dramatic. Burnt orange velvet curtains frame the space, opening onto a softly lit bar where the Esmeralda’s emblem glows with understated warmth. Comfortable low chairs create an intimate setting, while the walls, detailed with the lounge’s record monogram, hint at its musical spirit. The overall atmosphere blends vintage character with modern ease.
From Thursday to Saturday, the room ignites with a six-piece band blending soul, funk and disco with contemporary flair. Between sets, the DJ keeps the momentum alive, carrying the night into the early hours.
The menu is deliciously irreverent, familiar comforts elevated with playful decadence. Think caviar-topped chicken nuggets, Wagyu sliders, lobster rolls, and oyster towers, all served with a wink and a flourish. Even the skinny fries arrive on silver.
Behind the bar, the cocktail list pays homage to the classics, the drinks you know, reimagined with precision, theatre, and personality. Bottles of fine wine, champagne, and rare spirits complete the experience. And as the night draws to a close, guests are treated to Esmeralda’s signature finale, a mini champagne tipple with every bill, a final nod to indulgence.
Founded by identical twin brothers, Lee (Circle PR) and Nicky Caulfield (Molto Music Group), the duo have joined forces with Mandarin Oriental Mayfair to reimagine late-night London with spontaneity and undeniable style.
Co-Founder Lee Caulfield says, “For years, I have worked with people who value privacy as much as they value great hospitality and experiences. The most exclusive places aren’t the ones you show off; they are the ones you don’t have to. Esmeralda’s will be a place for guests to disappear for hours, let their hair down and feel completely themselves. No cameras, no performance – just the best live music, service and a sense of freedom you cannot manufacture”
Co-Founder, Nicky Caulfield, adds, “Creating Esmeralda’s has been about shaping an experience rather than simply opening a bar. Every detail – from the music, drinks and guests’ experience has been curated to feel deliberate, personal, and alive. We’ve obsessed over sound and space: the band is close, the mix is warm, and the room invites you in. It’s a place where artists can take risks and guests can disappear for hours without a phone in sight.”
Mandarin Oriental Mayfair’s General Manager, Hemal Jain adds, “Esmeralda’s was born from a desire to create a true sanctuary in the city – a place where the energy of live music meets the intimacy of late-night conversation. It’s a destination for those seeking a sophisticated, sensory experience that feels both immersive and alive. We’re delighted to welcome such an innovative and dynamic concept to Mandarin Oriental Mayfair”.
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