Artesian Bar at the Langham Hotel
BERNADINE BRÖCKER
When reading the drink menu at the Artesian, if you hadn't already noticed, its late 19th century origins become apparent. Drinks ranging from the classic so-called "centuries-old" mint julep to Ernest Hemingway's favorite daiquiri to a champagne cocktail using a bottle from 1865 (the hotel's founding year) to a fun cocktail named Alice in Wonderland to commemorate Lewis Carrol's novel to a lengthy list of non-boozy cocktails: incentives abound to try something new or to remember something classic.
But you really should have noticed the eccentric Victorian-inspired interior from the moment you walk in. The chinoiserie wooden bar that would have made Chippendale smile is stocked with bottles galore, and surrounding it are comfortable stuffed sofas, 'klismos'-style chairs with a studded purple leather twist, chandeliers and table cloths... it's eclecticism at its strongest. And also in keeping with the Victorian inspiration, there is not an empty space in sight, the floor is carpeted in a funky pattern, and the pallette surrounding you abounds in tones of browns, golds, and purples. Taking the parlor and giving it a sassy undertone, you can equally feel right playing dominoes with a cocktail or sipping tea with some cucumber sandwiches in this place; and perhaps that's what makes it feel strangely welcoming.
Designed by the David Collins Studio and staffed with excellent mixologists you'll have fun watching, this bar at the Langham hotel is definitely a fun spot to sit for a little while, and nicely situated smack-dab in the middle of Upper Regent Street across from the hard-to-miss BBC building.
Also open since June 15th is the fun Cigar Bar on the second floor of the hotel, with a smoker-friendly terrace and fine range of Cuban and Dominican cigars.
The Artesian is open M-F from 4 till midnight, and midday to midnight on weekends.
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