Velvet

Velvet occupies the ground floor of Corinthia London on Whitehall Place, between Trafalgar Square and the river. The bar is a partnership with Salvatore Calabrese, the Maestro, author of ten books and one of the most decorated names in London bartending.

Time Out reviewed it as a destination in its own right, and the 50Best Discovery listing keeps it on the international circuit. The Nudge filed it under glitzy with full approval.

The premise is theatre: classic cocktail craft, aged spirits, and a room designed to make 11pm feel like the start of the evening.

David Collins Studio dressed the room in crimson and royal blue velvet, convex mirrors, commissioned Robson Stannard artwork, and a central marble fireplace. Hot Dinners' test drive called it louche in the best sense, a room built for slow drinks and good coats.

The list splits between faultless classics and modern creations built with Calabrese and the bar team, leaning on aged cognac, rum, and whiskey, with theatrical elements in the serves. Cocktails start around 20 pounds and climb steeply toward the vintage spirits library. Order a classic first; the Maestro's Breakfast Martini history alone earns it.

Hotel guests, special occasion couples, and the after theatre crowd hold the room until 1am, Tuesday through Saturday. Dress sharp; the room rewards it even without a formal code.

What regulars say:

• Time Out treats it as one of the capital's serious hotel bars, not a lobby afterthought.
• The Pinnacle Guide lists it among London's benchmark cocktail rooms.
• Hot Dinners' review flagged the fireplace seats as the ones to request.

Who it is for:

• Occasions that justify a 20 pound cocktail done right
• Aged spirit drinkers chasing rare vintage pours
• Avoid if you want casual or quick; this room runs formal and slow

London's most confident new hotel bar: Calabrese classics, velvet firelight, open until 1am. Book the fireplace.

Getting there: Corinthia London, Whitehall Place SW1, two minutes from Embankment tube.

Timing: Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm to 1am. After 10pm the room earns the late licence.

Cost: Cocktails from around 20 pounds; vintage pours quoted on asking. Reservations via the hotel.

Make a night of it: Velvet holds the late slot. Take an early Martini at the American Bar at The Savoy, walk the river ten minutes, and land the fireplace seats here for the close.