One of the most iconic bars in the world
Some days you feel the need to spoil yourself, and last week we had such a day; after lunch at estiatorio Milos the impressive Greek Fish restaurant, we decided to walk off lunch and pop into the magical Fortnums and Masons, especially lovely as it was December and Fortnums just get Christmas, if you are struggling to get that Christmas feeling a trip to Fortnums will cure that. So what better way to round off the perfect day than making your way to Browns Hotel and Donovan’s Bar, one of the best hotel bars London has to offer
The Donovan Bar offers a truly exquisite cocktail menu thoughtfully crafted by the renowned Salvatore Calabrese and dedicated Director of Mixology Federico Pavan. Together, they have curated a remarkable selection that beautifully blends classic favourites with unique original creations. The Donovan bar was named in honour of the talented British photographer Terence Donovan; the bar showcases his stunning works that highlight the vibrant spirit of the swinging sixties. The collection of his art displayed here adds a special touch. Creating an atmosphere that feels both welcoming and intimate.
Once seated in a very cosy corner seat, we were presented not with a menu but a storybook of fairytales that Mssr. Calabrese and Pavan had used to create their “Happily Ever After” cocktails. We settled down to read the fairytale Menu
The menu begins with “Head in the Clouds,” a vibrant green cocktail inspired by Jack and the Beanstalk, featuring Patrón Silver, Green Chartreuse, Benedictine D.O.M, Kiwi, and Pea. Next is “Peter Punch,” a light and fruity mix of Altos Tequila Blanco and Casamigos Mezcal, with Americano Cocchi Rosa, Dragon Fruit, Guava, and bubbles. The trio concludes with “Little Red,” a robust New York Sour made from Uncle Nearest 1884, Macallan 12 Years, Amaro Lucano Anniversario, Muyu Vetiver Gris, Nettle, and Strawberry.
“Midnight Scandal,” inspired by Cinderella, is served in a glass slipper, blending Espolòn Tequila, Ketel One Vodka, Savoia Orancio, Coconut, Ginger Beer, and Butternut Squash for a light and fruity experience. Lastly, “Three Wishes,” served in a genie lamp, combines Ron Santiago de Cuba 11 Years, Johnnie Walker Black Label, Cadello, Marsala, and Fig for a rich, chocolatey sip. It wouldn’t be a menu created by The Maestro Calabrese if it didn’t include a martini. Silent Pearl, embraces all of the flavours of the sea and pays homage to the home of The Little Mermaid. Silent Pearl is created using No.3 Gin, Grey Goose Vodka, Mancino Sakura, Samphire and Soya. Also featured on the menu are 101 Reasons, Seven Apples, Wizzpop, Drosselmeyer, The Green Light and Wonderland.
So you can see our conundrum upon reading the menu: what on earth did we choose? Do we go for a cocktail representing our favourite fairytale or purely on the mix of ingredients?
The answer lies somewhere between both.
First up for my partner in crime in this cocktail frenzy was the glass slipper “Midnight Scandal” the first question was where do you drink it from? Luckily, we had an expert on hand, and the answer was the back as by tipping the glass slipper, the cocktail in the sole of then mixes with the mix in the heel, how clever.
My cocktail of choice was as a refreshing Seven Apples, an apple explosion using seven different apple flavours, including cider, calvados, and green apple liqueur. This cocktail pays homage to Snow White and the seven dwarfs.
Did we twist or stick? By now, we were very at home in our new surroundings and did not want the fun to end. So we decided on another two; next up was “101 Reasons”, inspired by the lovable Dalmatian spotted dogs and the very theatrical “Wizzpop”, which turned a few heads when our waiter filled the glass with bubbles. It looked incredible and drew admiring glances from the next table. The Whizzpop included Tanqueray no10, Amaro Santoni, Mancino Rosso amaranth, and Raspberry.
My “101 reasons” cocktail was chosen as the ingredients bore a slight resemblance to my favourite Negroni cocktail, with ROKU gin and Campari (gin & Campari are both in Negroni). Add Fernet-Branca and peach and you have a point of difference that elevates this cocktail. The glass even had a tail.
Interestingly, I was told that all the glasses used, which are individually designed for each fairytale cocktail, are handmade in Italy.
Donovan Bar has launched a series of chef residencies, starting with Andrew Wong, the head chef of the two-Michelin-starred A. Wong, which happens to be my favourite Chinese restaurant. You can sample Andrew’s bar menu until January 26th. After that, it will be the turn of the legendary Scottish chef Tom Kitchin.
So, my first visit to The Donovan Bar—what a way to end a perfect day. The Donovan Bar has earned a reputation for being one of the world’s most iconic bars, and from my visit, with good reason. The excellent cocktails, attentive service that makes you feel comfortable and at home, and a bar that is confident in its ability to please. Once we left the bar, we immediately thought about when we could return for more.
So until next time
The Donovan Bar, 33 Albemarle St, London W1S 4BP
