Why is DUKES Bar such an iconic part of London?

Alessandro Palazzi, the bartender at DUKES Bar, LondonWhen you visit us at DUKES London, we aim to make sure you have a truly memorable experience. This differs for everyone and can be anything from the truly welcoming service from each and every member of staff right through to the food in our highly-coveted GBR restaurant.

But what so often connects every visitor’s experience is DUKES Bar, our world-famous bar that has been serving up tipples of all varieties for decades.

And importantly, given our position in the heart of Mayfair, DUKES Bar has become a firm favourite for many in the vicinity who aren’t staying with us overnight or dining with us at GBR, but who simply want a perfectly concocted drink in a wonderfully traditional, British setting. Continue reading “Why is DUKES Bar such an iconic part of London?”

Get ready to Bond with DUKES!

Daniel Craig as James Bond, pointing a gun

Now is the perfect time to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Britain’s finest secret agent. With the release of the new Skyfall film fast approaching, we think that now is the time to Bond with Dukes.

Once often frequented by Bond author Ian Fleming, DUKES Bar is said to be the inspiration behind one of Bond’s most famous lines, “shaken, not stirred”. Therefore, it would only be appropriate to herald the drink that this phrase was created for, the Classic DUKES cocktail.

We feature a number of Bond themed drinks on our extensive menu, including the Golden Eye and the Fleming ’89, created by our Head Barman Alessandro Palazzi. Made in partnership with Floris, whose “89” cologne was worn by Bond, the martini is the perfect blend of suave and stylish that Bond himself lived up to.

So says Kings Road Rocks writer Chelsea Girl, “Both (the Tiger Tanaka and Ian Fleming’s Classic Vesper) tasted heavenly and were presented so elegantly – exactly what a martini should be about. Each sip was an occasion as each drink oozed style and the integrity of a very good cocktail.” All this can also be enjoyed from our cigar garden, to which Bond was not averse to.

If that’s not enough, why not come to one of our Martini Masterclasses? You will be regaled with tale after tale behind each of the cocktails and learning a few secrets of the trade. You will also be taught to craft your own cocktail and then sample it, all under the supervision of one of our expert barmen. You will then retire to our bar while enjoying canapés and sipping on your cocktails.

DUKES Bar is like no other. Steeped in history and oozing sophistication, it is a must visit for all cocktail lovers and James Bond fans!

Image courtesy of brava_67