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Scarfes Bar

London

Gentleman’s club stylings meets fine drinking in London

The scene at Scarfes is hotel bar seventh heaven. The entrance alone is one of the most arresting in hospitality as the antique revolving doors transport you from High Holborn into a swish, leader-bound lounge of bookcases, fireplaces and spherical chandeliers – in here, guests feel every bit the British aristocrat.

To your left flank is an impossibly long hardwood bar, tended by bartenders bedecked in Scarfes' signature white jackets and tartan trousers. Wrapping around it are plush sofas, armchairs and a grand piano, which attracts some of the city's best musicians. Wherever you find yourself, you'll feel like you landed the best seat in the house – every spot offers something different: a cosy nook under namesake cartoonist Gerald Scarfe's artwork, a ringside stool at the bar, or nestled in among the musicians.

Director of bars Andy Loudon took the reins of the place last year and he and his team have delivered their first menu. One Drawn Out Sip is inspired by Gerald Scarfe's memoirs – entitled Long Drawn Out Trip – with cocktails inspired by Scarfe's work in stage, film and political satire. 

Try the Retail Therapy (gin, basil, yuzu, clarified almond, champagne) or, for something you can get your teeth into, the Toothless Grin (Rémy Martin 1738, medjool dates, evaporated beetroot, citra hops). Alternatively, just peer up at the back bar to Scarfes' impressive cannon of Scotch – there aren't many better places in the world to drink one. 

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