Shaken Not Stirred: Why the Vesper Bar Is The Go-To Pre Dinner Spot In London
Set in the Dorchester Hotel, its dark ambience is inviting and mesmerizing
If we’re talking Daniel Craig James Bond movies and which is the best, then hands down its Casino Royale. Released in 2006 it goes into much more depth than the other Craig Bond films. When polling my friends, especially guys they also agree that Casino Royale is the best of Craig’s 5 installments of the franchise. Who can forget the scene where Bond (played by Craig) is starting a high stakes poker game and to distract his villainous opponent, he orders a very intricate cocktail? And, if you read Ian Flemming’s book Casino Royale, it’s the first drink that Bond orders.
Kina Lillet is no longer in production, since the 1980s that is, its successor has milder bitter notes. Lillet Blanc is likened to dry vermouth. For anyone not used to martinis, trying the Vesper Martini for the first time will be a bitter shock, but it’s lighter on the calories and just as divine.
“Dry Martini. Wait. Three measures of Gordon’s, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet, shake it over ice then add a thin slice of lemon peel,” says Bond in the film. Et voila, you have the Vesper Martini and the name of this quaint and cozy bar nestled in the Dorchester Hotel, and it’s absolutely divine- the martini and the bar.
The Vesper Martini at the Vesper Bar | Photo Credit: SEELE Magazine
I prefer the Vesper Bar midweek because it’s not crowded or overwhelming. It’s just right with a few full tables, which allows one to take in the Art Deco interior and muted lighting. The Snug is a hidden-ish area in the bar where 8 people can sit and chit chat. Divided by a tasseled curtain, a group can sip on cocktails and munch on the bar’s lite bite menu.
Now, there are other cocktails that one can order like the Terrae, Timber, or Morning Sunshine, but my questions is, why would you? This is the place of the “James Bond martini” and all the notes of Stolichnaya Elit vodka, the Dorchester Old Tom gin, re-distilled Forbidden Fruit liqueur, Del Duque sherry 30 years, and Vesper scent make for the perfect pre-dinner cocktail. The bar has a unique take to Bond’s original recipe of Gordon's, vodka, and Kina Lillet (rather Lillet Blanc) shaken (not stirred), which hits all the right spots.
The most noticeable thing about the Vesper Bar is the warmth of the staff. The host staff are kind, and inside the bar staff are helpful and welcoming. The modern classic design of the space draws you in. Done by Martin Brudnizki, he was able to capture the spirit of the 1930s ever so strongly with the plush seating, articulate doorways, and small tables, flooring, and antique lighting fixtures. It really feels like you’re in an episode of Downtown Abbey when a member of the Crowley family ventures down to London, and has a rendezvous at an Art Deco era bar.
There is a dress code of “dressing brilliantly.” The bar prefers guests to not wear shorts and sportswear in the evening. Sometimes a DJ is brought in to liven the mood. Overall the Vesper Bar is an overall place of libations, where memories are made, and laughter is had with a friend or friends. The Dorchester Hotel offers has a plethora or dining options from The Grill by Tom Booton, The Promenade, to China Tang so after the Vesper Bar continuing good company over a good meal is a great way to round out an evening.
