The who, what and where of raising a festive toast in Mayfair!
When it’s time to toast to the season, Mayfair has a whole host of bars that pour, stir, mix and shake up some of the capital’s best beverages, in the most elegant of surroundings, of course!
You would struggle to find a better menu than Mayfair’s, from world-renowned cocktail bars, to cosy Christmas-ified 5-star hotels, there really is a spot for everyone this festive season.
For the mulled-wine maestro
This is Mayfair’s answer to perhaps the beloved of festive beverages, served the world over, from Hamburg’s Christmas markets, to your neighbourhood carol service. The Beaumont Mayfair is pulling out all the stops with a selection of tantalising winter tipples, but the one that’s top of our order has to be the delicately spiced and always delicious traditional Mulled Wine, served in the chicest of settings; Le Magritte bar.
For the high-flyer
Reach new heights at the Hanover Bar on top of the Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair and enjoy sweeping views of London, particularly spectacular at this time of year with a festive cocktail in hand and a view over the city’s twinkling lights – how many landmarks can you spot? Last we checked the London Eye in a far corner.
For the martini-lover
Few experiences rival a visit to The Connaught Bar, a destination that transforms the martini into pure theatre. Voted one of the world’s best bars, its silver-leaf walls and art-deco glow make it the perfect setting for December indulgence.
The highlight is the legendary Martini Trolley: a mixologist glides to your table to craft the Connaught Martini, stirring bespoke vermouths and the bar’s own gin infused with your choice of bitters. The result is silky, balanced, and unmistakably refined.
More than a cocktail, it’s a ritual, a moment of craftsmanship and calm amid Mayfair’s festive sparkle. If your idea of Christmas magic comes with a twist of lemon and quiet elegance, The Connaught Bar is the place to find it.
For the Christmas traditionalist
Self-described ‘splendidly English, thoroughly cosmopolitan’ Brown’s Hotel plays host to the Donovan Bar, which is a masterclass in English elegance; all dark wood, velvet seats and black-and-white photographs by legendary fashion photographer Terence Donovan, whose work gives the bar its name.
Helmed by cocktail icon Salvatore Calabrese, the menu reimagines classics with flair, including playful seasonal creations, which are not to be missed. The festive season is the ideal time to visit: the bar’s warm glow, rich interiors and lively hum feel tailor-made for winter evenings and celebratory toasts.
For a little mischief, slip into the Naughty Corner (you’ll know it when you see it), the perfect perch for people-watching as you sip something naughty and nice.
For the one that says 'Happy Holidays'
A true American export, we can’t round-up Mayfair’s best beverages without at least mentioning Ralph’s Coffee, tucked just inside Ralph Lauren’s iconic flagship at One New Bond Street. Inspired by an ocean liner, the store gleams with polished wood and silver fixtures, with Ralph’s Coffee truly one of the shining stars in its bow. You can’t go wrong with a hot chocolate, or why not try one of the seasonal lattes made with Ralph Lauren’s very own blend of coffee? All served in this year’s festive coffee cup – launching in November! Arrive early to secure one of the coveted tables, they get snapped up faster than you can say ‘Merry Christmas!’
For the one who’s got their dancing shoes on…
In our opinion, no festive night to remember is complete without a little shimmy under the stars. Speaking of, did you know that the ‘The Lounge’ downstairs at Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair keeps the vibe going and the champagne flowing until 3am? Well now you do, behave accordingly this festive season!
For delightful jazz and a seriously good drinks menu, there’s no better spot than sketch. Every Sunday evening, the golden glow of the Gallery is made even more sumptuous as the pulse of Soul and Bossa Nova make for the perfect accompaniment to any celebration.
To round off a day packed full of festivities in Mayfair, where else but The Ritz? Established over a century ago, The Ritz knows how to ring in the season and this year promises merriment in full swing. Live at The Ritz invites guests to a dance-floor rendezvous where the resident house band transports you to the golden age of Fred Astaire and Joan Crawford.
Whether you be bedecked in festive finery ready for the night of your life, or simply looking for a cosy corner and a cup of perfectly mulled wine, Mayfair at Christmas is the answer and we look forward to raising a toast with you!