Donovan Bar, the iconic Mayfair institution at Brown’s Hotel, will officially re-open in April following a complete re-design by Olga Polizzi and Inge Moore. A separate entrance on Albemarle Street has been added, with its own doorman ready to welcome non-resident guests to experience the exclusive menu from legendary drinks maestro Salvatore Calabrese.
The former President of the United Kingdom Bartender’s Guild, Salvatore Calabrese is one of the world’s leading bartenders. His December pop-up at Donovan Bar was so successful he will be taking up residency from Monday 9th April with new and signature creations alongside a selection of vintage cocktails made with some of the most exceptional rare spirits from his own personal collection.
Residing in one of London’s most iconic hotels, the Donovan Bar has long been known as one of the most intimate and sophisticated drinking dens in the city playing host to gatherings of the most glamorous faces of Mayfair’s elite fashion and art scene.
Taking inspiration from the bar’s namesake and close friend of the Forte family, the iconic 1960’s photographer Sir Terence Donovan, Salvatore has created a list of 16 original cocktails divided into four sections: bright and refreshing High Exposure; dark and mellow Low Exposure; strong and bold High Contrast; and soft and delicate Low Contrast. The bar will also play host to live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings showcasing an eclectic mix of artists and creating a vibrant, speakeasy vibe.
As well as an extensive refit of the interiors, the main bar now takes centre stage as you enter, and has doubled in size to seat eight people, whilst the space itself can hold up to 100. The striking bar frames the original 19th Century stained glass window of St George as well as displaying the impressive collection of both vintage and non-vintage spirits, wines, champagnes and other tipples.
Set to be the most sought-after seat in Mayfair, the ‘Naughty Corner’ has also been luxuriously revamped and offers an intimate, semi-private area for up to 12 people, amidst some of the most iconic photography from Sir Terence.
Highlights Of The New Menu
Flower Power
Hendrick’s Gin re-distilled with Rambutan, butterfly pea tea, lemon juice & lavender honey
Gran Torino
Johnnie Walker Gold Label Whisky, Riserva Speciale Martini Bitter, Martini Riserva Rubino, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, orange juice & Re’al ginger foam
Lady Forte
Don Julio Blanco Tequila distilled with Timur pepper, blood orange & grapefruit juice, agave and Moët & Chandon Champagne
Naughty Corner
Bacardi White Rum, white cacao liquor, Galliano liqueur, pineapple juice & fresh passion fruit, rimmed with cocoa butter & saffron
These will sit alongside Salvatore’s Signature Cocktails, representing some of his best-loved creations from over 40 years as one of the most influential figures in the modern drinks industry: the Breakfast Martini, Godfrey, Salvatore’ Legacy, and Vesper.
In one of the hotel’s most defining moments of its 180-year history, April will also mark the opening of a new restaurant at Brown’s Hotel serving Italian fare from a renowned three Michelin-starred chef in a beautifully redesigned space continuing the hotel’s reputation for balancing traditional elegance with contemporary flair.
Find out more about Donovan Bar at Brown’s Hotel
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Louise Walker is AGLAIA’s Editor in charge of all content creation and management. She splits her time between London and Miami, and can always be found at a swanky hotel bar sipping on a Negroni. Contact her for any questions or if you would like to become an AGLAIA Contributor: hello@aglaiamagazine.com
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