Artesian is located in The Langham Hotel, and it is such an elegant, classy space. I have never seen a cocktail menu quite like theirs (let alone the names of their drinks), and it was like an art portfolio I wanted to take home. The lounge is perfect for an intimate date night with the low lighting and cozy couches. Parsnip (£24): Their take on the espresso martini! I hate that it's the best one I've ever had. I hate it because I don't live in London. I also hate that no one else to my knowledge has thought to add whipped cold foam to espresso martinis. A non-alcohol alternative was also listed with its respective ingredients (I assume this is wherever applicable), and I appreciated the inclusivity. Currant (£23): I believe this was their version of a Palermo! My friend really enjoyed it and didn't find it too tart. Both still and sparkling waters were £5.50. Service was lovely, and we didn't feel rushed as they were closing. We came on a Wednesday evening so we were seated immediately, but I bet the wait can get long on a weekend. I would absolutely recommend this place for anyone visiting London to experience their unique menu and drinks. Worth the $32 price point! read more

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Walked in late afternoon for drinks and got seated right away, was a lovely escape from the Christmas crowds in London Staff were lovely , knowledgeable and attentive The cocktails were delicious , lovely place to have a fancy drink The Langham hotel is beautiful year around but at Christmas it's even more beautiful with the decor read more

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Artesian is the excellent cocktail bar in the lobby of the Langham Hotel to the left of the Palm Court as you enter the hotel. With a bit of an Asian accent, Artesian delivers wonderfully delicious and inventive cocktails with impeccable service in a great room. Worth the trek. read more

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- very unique cocktails - their martinis were very different; tried a "SOIL" and there was a plant in it with a glucose soil base - their fried chicken and sandwich were absolutely delicious - intimate setting with the upscale vibes given the Langham Overall, top cocktail lounge in London. Really good food and cocktails. Prices are high, given you're at the Langham, but well worth it. read more

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One of the best cocktail experience you can have, especially if you like to try different flavors and imaginative pairings. I tried a couple but cannot remember the names but they were equally excellent. The atmosphere is just perfect for sipping an elegant cocktail before dinner. read more

How drunk do you have to be to think these drinks are good? It's a beautiful spot in the Langham hotel, and the funky ambiance is cool, but the drinks were downright awful. It's like a five year old got in his parents' liquor cabinet and played around, then put all the drinks in various containers around the house. Just using a creative cup and unusual ingredients don't make a palatable or balanced drink. We had better drinks before dinner at Dishoom at half the price, still creative and with great presentation. This bar cannot be compared among even the average spots I've been to in San Francisco, NYC, and Vegas. Out of three drinks for 18P each, we struggled to finish all of them. One was served in a potted plant (La Penca de la Vida), another in a glow-in-the-dark paint-splattered rock (Two Memories?), and the third as an Icee (Ten Dollar Tease). Interestingly, these drinks are not on the menu featured on their website. We ordered drinks that used liquors we like, asked the server for recommendations, and still no one received a drink they actually enjoyed. It's not just us, either- the table beside us ordered three drinks, took sips, and left. I don't even think they paid! I wish I hadn't- $80 for absolute crap. Even the olives were ordered were awful, hard and flavorless. The icing on the cake is that our server handed us off to the manager, who took multiple reminders to bring us the bill while he was doting on a table of wasted business men who were taking photos with all the funky drinks (and then, hilariously, not drinking them). read more

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So they say that this is the best bar in the world. I can see why. The presentation of the food and cocktails here were amazing. The decor of the place itself is meh. But shouldn't the effort be going more into what you're consuming? I mean, this place IS in a hotel, so they can do but so much with their decor without stepping out of code and accordance with the hotel. So, it was definitely quite a wait. But worth it. You did have the people who snaked in front of you, begging to come in because they knew someone or stayed in the hotel. Damn, get in on your own accord for goodness sake and don't ditch the line. You'd think adults would learn this by now. Yeah...nope -_- Anyways, once my friend and I were able to be seated, we had an experience indeed. Tapas/hor d'oeuvres & crazily crafted drinks. I'd definitely go back. Service was lacking a bit but definitely not horrible. Justified some since they were crazy busy. Pictures say 1,000 words... Go. read more

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Absolutely love this place! I have to come back here when I'm in London again! I found it on Instagram from people's post when I searched for London bars and came for my friend's birthday after dinner. The waiter gave us the most delicious dessert, chocolate passionfruit mousse cake in the shape of a rose. W.O.W. Pros: -Amazing handcrafted cocktails and ice cut in the shape of a diamond -Friendly wonderful staff -Yummy snacks Cons: -A bit pricy read more

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So the drinks and vibe were chic and stylish. The drinks were fantastic. Had the Nardi Acqua di Cedro & Sandalwood and Oxley Gin & Cassis Leaves (infused into water with sugar) while my wife had the Armagnac & Zalotti Blossom. The ice is a solid piece the entire length of the glass with no oxygen or impurities in the ice making it clear throughout. This is a must visit when in London and looking for great drinks! Just a reminder that they don't have a menu or really any food. So plan to have great drinks and some snacks. Head to the Wigmore in the same hotel (The Langham) for food. The burgers, pies and fries at The Wigmore were to die for! So, as of now...the best drinks I have had anywhere in the world! read more

Very cool hotel bar. Walking in you realize you are walking into a classy establishment. We sat at a table in the back of the room. It was cozy and had a nice ambiance. They give you some little snacks for the table before ordering. Service was also spot on and they really take care of you. All the drinks have a theme and are served in some interesting presentations. We saw one that came out in a spider looking glass. Very cool. The drinks were good. I ordered an old fashioned and my fiancee had a specialty drink. Awesome place. read more

Artesian - Great drinks - Lounges Near Me - London, XGL

Very expensive cocktails, but an enjoyable modern cocktail experience with a good music collection. read more

Artesian - Lounges Near Me - London, XGL

What a swank, sexy and subtle place to enjoy an evening in London's west end. Located inside the historic Langham Hotel, I was very impressed by the sleekness of the Artesian Bar. A genteel Franco-Oriental motif dominates, and ornately carved wooden bar cabinets filled with curious artifacts are somehow not at odds with the drowsing purple butterflies in the wallpaper. Dark wood is contrasted by cool marble, mirror, and chrome accents. The effect is classy, modern and warmed up by perfect glowing light and floor to ceiling windows with a view of the street bustle below. Enjoy the gourmet nuts and chips with an expertly crafted cocktail at the bar, or tuck yourself into one of the intimate pockets of seating in shades of lush gray and purple. The bar itself is like an apothecary's cabinet, filled with funky and bewildering items from abroad. Look for the Russian nesting dolls, tiki heads, barrels of rare Chinese spirits, aboriginal bottles covered in cow hide and goat horns, and more. There is a very rum-centric vibe, but their friendly and polite mixologist can mix up the most delicious non-rum combinations as well. I enjoyed the Aromatic Rendezvous (coriander, tarragon oregano, rosemary, fresh lime and French gin somehow concocted over a perfect globe of ice in a tumbler glass, and finished with achingly fresh sprigs of fragrant apple blossom and jasmine flower). Their menu is fabulous, with a cocktail flavor map to help guide your journey, the cardinal points of which consist of "light and crisp" (Diamond Life), "delicate, fruity and refreshing" (Langham Cobbler), "rich and vibrant" (Aromatic Rendezvous) and "full body, dry and sipping" (BBC cocktail). If you prefer something a little more traditional, opt for the hot buttered rum, or one of their lost and forgotten spirit tasting combos (Genever with traditional Dutch cheese, for example). And if you're really fancy they have a bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal 1990 for just 1,200 GBP. read more

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This is a nice little cocktail bar at the hotel the most beautiful hotel beside the Reds I ordered a glass of rosé champagne the service was wonderful atmosphere was incredible a little expensive I will admit but they do bring you honey roasted peanuts and crisps on the side I was told that they just opened a better lounge bar in the hotel I didn't get a chance to visit because I had a dinner reservation but this was a nice start for sure read more

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This was my favorite place in London. I went twice in a week and if I had more time, I would have gone again. Its located inside the stunning Langham hotel. The lounge is classy, sophisticated and pretty. A few bar seating, the rest are tables & lounge type seating. Not a very large place, its cozy and can be pretty busy at times. The bartenders here are the nicest and best bartenders I have ever met. The cocktails were absolutely amazing, such unique flavors and perfect presentation . Not cheap, around 20 pounds a drink but it goes along with the territory and settings. I love this place, can't wait to go back. read more

This place was so grand. From the moment we walked in they treated us like Kings and Queens. The cocktails are so different. They are simple with so much flavor. The cocktail menu is this spinning stand. It was so fun to spin and pick one without looking. We had a few appetizers the wagyu gyozas were my favorite. I had to order 2 orders!! This is a great date night place to enjoy your time and spend a few hours here! The atmosphere was amazing and the servers were even better! They explained there method so well and it made the expletive even better! read more

Artesian - Lounges Near Me - London, XGL

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Artesian is inside the Langham hotel. We walked in without a reservation, started at the bar for our first round, and were moved to a table for the second round. For the #1 bar in the world, it certainly wasn't the wait that I was expecting, which was a surprise (the good kind). The cocktails are great. The presentation, arguably, is better. Since I can't remember the names, I will describe them. My favorite was probably the drink that came in a box with smoke, and the drink that came in a rock. We also had the drink that came in a giant ant. Another popular hit was the drink that came in the Star-Wars-but-not-really-Lego-elephant-thing. Super helpful, right? They were occasionally accompanied by a performance from the bartender - e.g., "make a wish and open the box to reveal your future, ooh ahh, magic." Prices are high, but on par with the nicer bars in London, and definitely worth it. read more

Artesian - The drink in the box with the smoke - Lounges Near Me - London, XGL

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Simply brilliant. The cocktails were definitely the one thing the Artesian placed its emphasis on. The service was sublime and the flavors unparalleled. It was evident why this is the world's best cocktail bar. While the chairs looked comfortable, nothing compares to seeing Simone Caporale mixing drinks. The bartenders are extremely pleasant and polite and the overall atmosphere pleasant and fun. Overall, impeccable service and a relaxed ambience combined with the world's finest cocktails make for one hell of an experience. read more

Artesian - Lounges Near Me - London, XGL

Well you don't get called the best bar in the world for nothing. Drinks might cost you half your wages but go on pay day and at least treat yourself to one. The atmosphere isn't relaxed but you are in a hotel bar. Enjoy it for what it is and if your lucky they'll bring round extra nibbles, which will sort of make up for the fact that they're charging you three times as much as anywhere else. read more

Artesian - Surrealist cocktails - Lounges Near Me - London, XGL

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Hands down the BEST & most elegant bar in London! We tried others but none compared! It's elegant & sophisticated without being stuffy. they allow well behaved kids with you. We had two 11 year old boys wearing Bermudas & they welcomed us with a smile ! read more

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Artesian is currently rated the worlds best cocktail bar and they certainly live up to that.. Their style is that of build a great tasting cocktail with a backstory, they change their menu every six months or so and in the process they come up with something special each time. Their array of cocktails goes from the classics to their own special creations, their creations will pull many components together to make a special unique drink. For example on their current menu they have a drink called What Is Agugu?! which is made as a sort of lukewarm hot chocolate with mezcal and a hint of chilli which as a chocolate lover is totally sublime. The bar is in the Langham hotel and you end up with a wide array of clientele, from those staying in the hotel, those that have come because of the cocktails, the date crowd and the odd 'local'. If you stand at the bar you get the full experience from the guys behind the bar who really do make the entire experience special. The drinks price wise are at the top of end of the spectrum for cocktail bars in London, but it is the kind of place you go for a special occasion. read more

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Voted best bar in the world? I can see that. You can't reserve a table, you have to chance it, but you want to chance it. Walk in through the langham, and put your name on the list to be seated, and when it's your turn, I promise, you will love it. You're handed snacks of spiced nuts, well seasoned crisps and the carved wooden menus. You'll want practically everything on the menu, unless you're picky with your spirits, but even then, they'll still be plenty for you. On our table, we had an accessory ring cocktail, an arc reactor in a box, glowing and pouring smoke, pretty glasses, and a plastic cup held IN AN ELEPHANT SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THE BAR BY LEGO TECHNIKS, yes, you heard me. We did however, only go for a couple of cocktails each, as no matter how high the ceilings, comfy the seats, pretty the ornate bar and chandeliers, and tasty the samples of truffled broccoli, and tasty their legendary marshmallows, the cocktails are £18 each, which they are worth, but it would be so very very easy to run up a big bar bill in here. read more

Artesian - Lounges Near Me - London, XGL

Classy spot for expensive but unique drinks. Highlights. - Cocktails: not a list of the standard ones you're used to - Drink presentation: some come served with things like an inflatable panda head or a mirrored slanted surface with incense have a straw to drink through a hole. - Dim sum: ability to order this late night was amazing - BBQ pork buns: I've had my fair share in my life coming from part Chinese origin, and these did a pretty good job of representing. Soft buns and tasty slightly sweet filling. - Shrimp dumplings: I'm a har gow fanatic and these didn't disappoint. To make it upscale, it came accompanied by a lemon ginger sauce that was quite delightful. - Atmosphere: high ceilings make it feel roomy and appreciate the artsy decor in a marble-like setting Midlights: - Multiple drink menus: standard and the wheel. The wheel is interesting but makes it harder to categorize what you want. Lowlights: - Price: the drinks are incredibly expensive at 17 pounds! Fun place to have a drink but can't frequent it too often due to the price. read more

This is my 100th review. I had originally wanted to save it for a 5 star, positive, amazing review. But then this happened. I was really psyched about visiting the 'World's Best Bar' for the 2nd meeting of the Classy Cocktail Club. We showed up midweek in mid-December and the bar was hopping. Like, super loud, bass-heavy music hopping. And, a crowd which spilled into the hallway. But, this crowd was deceptive because if you got through it you realised it was just people standing in the doorway (as they do here) and the interior wasn't really that crowded. There were three host-like people standing near the door, none of which wanted to grant me eye contact. One of them finally did and then executed a reluctant obligation to come and acknowledge me. His first words were, "we're very very crowded." He then went on to say that if we wanted a table it would be a "very very long wait" but we could order at the bar. We asked if we could put our name on the list for a table. He looked at us again, asked how many (to which we replied 5) and then dismissed us finally (and severely) with an "it will be a very very VERY long wait", at which point he turned around and walked away. We had just been judged and, clearly, had been found lacking. Having no desire to pay £15+ for a cocktail we would have to enjoy whilst standing (and shouting since the music was very loud), we bailed for a true class act, Rules. The very poor customer service and very offensive attitude I received gives this place 1 star. If I wanted an expensive cocktail in a characterless hotel bar served with attitude and bitterness, this is def where I'd come. Since I will never want that - ever - I won't be returning. read more

The prestigious organization Drinks International has voted Artesian the number one cocktail bar in the world for several years running, and it's not difficult to understand why. In truth, calling it a "cocktail bar" is a bit gauche, as this place is a lot more ambitious than that. It's more of a "cocktail gallery," as every cocktail carries a certain artistry and technique that few can replicate. We arrived late afternoon on a weekday, at which point there was already a bustling after-work crowd, but no line out front. No tables were available, but the courteous hostess did allow us to stand at the bar and order. That was fine with me, even preferable - as an amateur mixologist, I was fascinated to watch these pros work at bartending's highest level. You might want to dress in a smart manner. To my knowledge there is no dress code, but while I did put in *some* effort to not look like a total American tourist buffoon, I still did not even begin to approach the level of sartorial sophistication of the crowd inside, one I can only assume is mostly comprised of young hotshot London investment bankers. Ah well. As long as the bartenders don't treat me like a second class citizen because I'm not wearing an expensive bespoke suit, I don't really care. The cocktail I ordered involved setting a sprig of pine aflame and letting it smoke inside a rectangular chamber for aromatic purposes. Another featured frankincense and bergamot orange - which you would think would be very herbal and bitter, but actually came out pleasingly sweet and way too easy drinking. The one and only true negative I can bring up for Artesian is the shocking price tag. Even if I received my salary in GBP, 18 pounds for a cocktail is a lot. Unfortunately, since I of course get paid in good old US greenbacks, for me one cocktail cost nearly 30 USD. I would have loved to hang around and try more of the adventurous "Surrealism" portion of the menu, but when one round of cocktails for two costs 60 USD, going one-and-done is an all too easy decision. Expensive to be sure, but a must-do for any serious cocktail connoisseur, even if just for one drink. read more

Beautiful cocktail presentation The cocktails are nicely presented in different themes. They are being very creative in telling a story behind each of the drink. The cocktail itself has depth in flavour. The staff are attentive and friendly. read more

Very common bar with boring wine list... The bar is too small and the view, the design of the bar are just too bland... From a man's point of view, the good thing is only the waitresses and the shocking thing is just the prices... read more

Said to be the best cocktail bar in the world, the Artesian Bar failed to impress me. the decor was flambouyant and baroque - an outdated trend - and if I'm honest just felt a bit cheap and tacky. The cocktails are equally flambouyant and also experimental but I don't think worthy of the hefty price tag. If you're looking for an experimental cocktail that's delivered in a theatrical manner I'd recommend Lounge Bohemia. The cocktails are better and significantly cheaper. read more

There's a reason Artesian has been voted the number one cocktail bar in the World. Located inside the posh Langham Hotel, Artesian is the epitome of sophistication and tasteful refinement. While you can reserve tables in advance, snagging a spot at the bar is quite an entertaining option as then you can watch the bartenders craft each drink. Fresh herbs and edible flowers are painstakingly placed, and watching them work is tantamount to watching a well choreographed ballet. Don't get me wrong, the price tag certainly matches the setting, but undoubtedly, you will receive a caliber of libation that will assuage your guilt. Jasmine, curry, and volcanic ash rims to add an element of smokiness, each unusual ingredient tests the boundaries of standard cocktails and elevates the presentation into a fine art stimulating all the senses. Although they do offer some of the more traditional standbys like the Negroni and the Bloody Mary, their unique concoctions are not to be missed. The titles are witty and whimsical, and nod to the experience ahead (enter the West Side Story mention with the "I Feel Pretty," made with Frankincense, Bergamot, Mandarin, Raspberry, and Rice). The menu changes every so often, making a specific recommendation difficult, but undoubtedly each will bring satisfaction and a bit of tipsy euphoria. The bartenders are immensely knowledgeable and friendly, despite the focus required for each drink, so if you're undecided they can help steer you depending on your libation preferences, and perhaps offer some interesting trivia on your chosen cocktail too. They also keep the bar snacks plentifully stocked, although if you've got a cashew addiction like I do, I recommend treading with caution (especially if you've just popped in on your way to a multi-course dinner, a tremendous error on my part). Ditto if you're a fan of chips, or rather "crisps." Instead, plan ahead and stick to cocktails, or commit your stomach to a full evening at the Langham, and just order off their food menu. They've got everything from caviar and oysters to dim sum. You can even choose to enjoy your cuisine with beer, wine, or champagne, if you've reached your cocktail limit (although I can't imagine passing up their creations). Plan ahead, bring a date, or make it a special occasion (which can also include a just-because-I'm-here-in-London occasion), just be sure to find an excuse to give this venerable cocktail bar a try, it is well worth the hype. read more

Artesian - Lounges Near Me - London, XGL

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I've been wanting to come here for a while. After all, this is the world's best bar, and I needed to cross it off my list, having checked out the rest of the what London has to offer... The American Bar, Happiness Forgets, Callooh Callay, NOLA, Nightjar, etc. I came here for a customer meeting around 6pm on a Friday night; it was busy, but not too much so; we ordered drinks at the bar, put our name on the list, and got seated just in time to order a 2nd round of drinks. This is a beautiful bar; I'm always a bit squeamish about going to a hotel bar, but the fact is, the American Bar at the Savoy is beautiful, and guess what, Artesian is absolutely beautiful. It's a beautiful bar, with guess what? Beautiful people, and absolutely gorgeous drinks. We ordered the 'Forever Young'. This is a gorgeously presented libation... a play on a vodka martini: made from Grey Goose Vodka, Martini Extra Dry, eucalyptus, maraschino and citrus. You have to see the drink to see what I mean by gorgeous. It is 'clin d'oeil' to Dorian Gray, the late 19th century story by Oscar Wilde, who is said to have written the story at the Langham Hotel. The novel tells of a young man named Dorian Gray, the subject of a painting by artist Basil Hallward. Basil is impressed by Dorian's beauty and becomes infatuated with him, believing his beauty is responsible for a new mode in his art. Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton, a friend of Basil's, and becomes enthralled by Lord Henry's world view. Espousing a new hedonism, Lord Henry suggests the only things worth pursuing in life are beauty and fulfilment of the senses. Realizing that one day his beauty will fade, Dorian (whimsically) expresses a desire to sell his soul to ensure the portrait Basil has painted would age rather than he. Dorian's wish is fulfilled, and when he subsequently pursues a life of debauchery, the portrait serves as a reminder of the effect each act has upon his soul, with each sin displayed as a disfigurement of his form, or through a sign of aging [source: Wikipedia]. In any case, the drink is hidden behind a mirror, with a straw going though the mirror. To drink, you can't avoid staring at your reflection in the mirror. It is beautifully presented, and tastes absolutely wonderful. I followed this up with a more traditional Vieux Carré, a classic cocktail originating from New Orleans (cue... NOLA makes a pretty mean one... so don't just go there and order Sazeracs...). This was perfectly balanced, with just the right amounts of Rye Whisky, Cognac, Sweet Vermouth, Benedictine and Bitters. It was served in a gorgeous crystal Old Fashion glass, with the most perfect ball of ice (with ridges). It was not too sweet, not too dry, just perfect. They keep loading you up with salt/vinegar popcorn, mixed nuts and crisps.... so you can use that to soak up your alcohol or order from their 'nibbles' menu. In any case, the drinks were exquisite, if a little bit steep (+15£ each), but the prices are no different than those found in London's top hotel bars. Net/net: a beautiful bar, with amazing drinks, great service, and a great place to take customers in my book. read more

What an exceptional spot - this truly is one of the best hotel bars in London. Bar staff and general level of service is friendly (but not overly familiar) and their level of knowledge and expertise is excellent. Range of wine, beer, and spirits is excellent - very good raw materials in use here, though frankly many of the gins, rums and the like are worthy of savouring solo. However, for the cocktail fanatic there's some very accomplished mixology going on here. Decor and atmosphere are delightful - a pleasant hubbub, but never overly loud. Well-heeled crowd, but I never found it to be snobbish. Oh and their crisps and bar snacks ... lordy lordy. Great stuff. It's a vicious cycle though ... spend time eating crisps, need to refresh salty palate, order another drink, feel obliged to continue to graze on crisps and nuts ... This does not come cheap though, but then why would you expect it to? read more

Walking into the swanky Langham Hotel bar, you can't help but build the anticipation up. It sounds, smells, and looks like the World's Best Bar. Is it? I came here twice, and both times there was a huge crowd around the bar and by 6:30, it completely cleared out like an invisible whistle sounded. Hear that boys? It's your wives calling. Fortunately we had no problem getting tables. If you have similar tastes as me (creamy or lightly sweet drinks) you might enjoy the below: Silk Route Hot Buttered Rum (totally a cop out but so delicious) Caplico drink Club Netherlands Alexino Of course, if you have different preferences, you can always refer to the useful infographic graph they in the menu (Do you like sweet/dry drinks? Sipping drinks? Or ones you can easily guzzle? This graph will refer you to the right drink). And if you don't see anything that catches your eye, ask the bartender to make you something different. They garnish their drinks beautifully, maybe you'll get a plastic skull. Careful though, drinks are expensive (about 15 quid each) so pace yourselves. World's Best Bar? I've been to better places. But were the drinks memorable? Most definitely. read more

What does one do when one finishes a ridiculous boozy brunch to celebrate his birthday? Decide to go to Artesian of course! It had been on my radar for ages now since it consistently wins best bar in the world in awards. I like bars! I like cocktails! I should be checking this place out. Since it was a Sunday afternoon, we got right in. We all decided on drinks to order. I started with the What is Agugu?! because it has things I loved: Chocolate, chipotle and mezcal seemed like a marriage in heaven for me. I was told it was amazing from a friend, so I ordered it. It was presented amazingly, with a big pitcher that someone mixes at the table and pours into an interesting glass. And then I drank a hot chocolate. I tasted no other flavors but chocolate. It was nice chocolate, but where was that spice from the chipotle and the smoke from the mezcal? Next I had the Under my Skin because I tried my partner's and really liked it. And it was good. Probably the best cocktail I had, but I'm still confused about why it was served with a boiled quail's egg attached to a wooden whisk. I'm not sure it adds anything to the cocktail, except to present it in an interesting way. At this time, my partner had the Weekend Lover. This one was brought out with a giant plastic pillow that was filled with aroma of paint and something else probably. They pop it and squeeze it out to smell. However, after all that pomp and circumstance, the cocktail itself was just okay. For my last cocktail, I went with the Magician. It's served in an interesting mug that you drink through the handle to the bottom of the mug. And they light flash paper on fire to make a smell of smoke. Because as you drink the cocktail you start tasting more smokiness as the liquid goes down. Okay, I get it, but the drink itself wasn't anything special. Kind of average. And my partner ordered the Camouflage. It's served in a giant golden pineapple and there is some smoking potpourri on top to give it some aroma. Okay cool glass! But average cocktail. That kind of seems like the trend here. They come up with weird and elaborate presentations for cocktails that ultimately aren't special except for that. I've been to so many other cocktail bars in London where the drinks are better. And cheaper. As these are all £17 a pop. Ultimately Artesian is fashion over taste for me. I want my cocktails to be delicious foremost, not look cool foremost. So while I'm glad I went, it's unlikely I'll be back for seconds. read more

So, it's a hotel bar, which made me a little underwhelmed at first. But then the drinks came. And the service. LORD. The service. I can't remember the last time I actually felt hosted like that. And the drinks. Each better than the last. It's too expensive to turn into a regular haunt, but as a treat? OH YES. The martinis come in a silver.. chalice. I don't even know what to call it. It's high-tech and dorky and classy and ancient all at once. The last drink I got was served with a dry-ice steaming pot of gunpowder green tea (for aroma) AND A PIRATE PISTOL(!!) to match my perfectly crafted rye bartender's choice. A real damn pistol. It was officially the most indulgent manly drink I could have imagined. Actually that's a lie about it being my last drink. He brought out a couple complimentary glasses of tequila for us when we got near closing time. Calle 23 Reposado. In London! I could have squealed with delight. What a place! read more

This is my favourite hotel bar in London. This mainly due to the focus on fine and unusual rums which fill 3 pages of the menu. There is a great selection from Flor de Cana from Nicaragua to Admiral Rodney from St Lucia with everything in-between. It is not just about rum however. There are also fantastic cocktails (from classics like a Negroni to more modern creations) which are expertly made by a well drilled team. We like to sit by the bar watching them at work and trying to pick up tips. This is a bit like watching a professional chef cook and it is pretty hard to keep up! However, what makes this place special Is its atmosphere of restrained luxury. The room on close inspection has touches of opulence. However it never feels showy and an afternoon here can quickly disappear in a hedonistic alcohol haze. read more

This is a great bar. Cocktails are innovative and yummy. The presentation for some is just amazing. This place is really laid back considering that it has been voted best bar. It is not pretentious at all! The staff is really friendly and happy to suggest the right drink for you based on your taste. I also had a burger her which was served with fries. Food was decently priced considering the type of place. Drinks are expensive but not do surprising for a London bar. read more

Artesian - Smokey...cocktail - Lounges Near Me - London, XGL

Endless list of divine cocktail creations all created to perfection. From artesian classics to summer inspired refreshers to old time favourites with a global reach (they even have my singapore sling!).. the list continues. Even their non alcoholic creations are very well crafted! My pomegranate concoction was fresh, refreshing, and amazingly delicious. I feel like I could spend hours just perusing the menu and enjoying the old yet modern elegant ambience. A classy bar that I could take both my parents to, and have a nice evening out with friends. read more

Working in the alcohol industry back in the states, I knew I had to try one of the 18£ Artesian cocktails! Although they are pricy, the presentation is so beautiful and the drinks are definitely unique and will challenge your taste buds. I had the anti hero... Tequila based, but with smoke, blood orange and a couple other spirits unfamiliar to me. I also tried the club sandwich, which was excellent. It's a high class experience and you will pay dearly for it... Around $60 for a cocktail and sandwich, but it's an experience you will remember. read more

My girlfriend and I came to Artesian expecting to have one decadent, excellent evening. We came back the next night, breaking our vacation rule of "not the same place twice." The surrealism-themed cocktail menu is a tour de force, playful and artistic but skillfully avoiding campy or gimmicky. Over the course of the two nights we tried all but a handful of the cocktails, and we had the distinct pleasure of seeing the establishment both brimming and serene, perfectly coordinated by the manager (who was also serving and politely chatting with guests). The cocktails are perfectly balanced mixtures of spirits and bitter/sweet flavors. The color, aroma and mouthfeel were all, it seems, carefully constructed to be consistent with the idea of the drink. For example, what vessel would a dryad choose for serving an aromatic, energetic and earthy cocktail? A white shell and silver lily pad, of course. At it's core, Artesian is a labor of love, and that love is attentive, obsessive and honest. There is no false seriousness or manicured aura of a craftsman's mystery--it is a plain, innocently excited statement of how wonderful, fun and truly delicious cocktails can be. read more

Definitely 'one to impress'..but not your bank manager. A super fun place to pop in for a surreal cocktail or two, and then move on. Food OK, music was pretty average. Reservations highly recommended. One to keep up your sleeve. read more

Now that's what I'm talkin' about! It's a given that cocktails are pricey in London, but at Artesian Bar, you really do get what you pay for. Original cocktails - too many to choose from. I tried the Pistachio Batida, featuring Leblon Cachaca, pistachio liquer & fresh lime. Wow!! So amazing. I had just come from the underwhelming Paramount Bar who's great views weren't enough to rescue a pedestrian cocktail menu served by bartenders who didn't recognize the drinks we were ordering from their own menu. he service at Artesian was impeccable. Knowledgeable staff who seemed to bend over backwards to make us happy. We had dinner reservations at the Roux, also in the hotel, and they seamlessly transferred us to the restaurant, even offering the restaurant menu for us to place our order...from the Artesian Bar!! Great experience, will be back again for sure. read more