Timeless glamour, English style and impeccable service are all synonymous with the London institution, Claridge’s, and there is no exception to these standards at the latest addition to the Mayfair Hotel – The Painter’s Room.
The new bar, located on the ground floor of the Art Deco landmark hotel, becomes the third bar at the hotel joining the dark and glamorous Fumoir and the iconic Claridge’s Bar. The Painter’s Room will be an intimate affair and is set to be home to the next generation of ground-breaking cocktails at Claridge’s, under the supreme direction of new Director of Mixology Nathan McCarley O’Neill.
The drinks menu for The Painter’s Room has a focus on cocktails and has been inspired by the culture, art and design of Europe with the menu divided into four chapters; Light, Interpretations, Complex and Clean. Ingredients are at the core of this creative process – all deeply considered, with excess ingredients left behind, to result in drinks with flavours in their purest, simplest form. Guests can enjoy small plate dishes with the sounds of hip-hop remixes, French electro-pop and jazz, creating a modern vibe.
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The Painter’s Room occupies the space that bridges the Talking Heads Gallery by Artist in Residence David Downton with Claridge’s infamous ballroom and has been reimagined by interior designer Bryan O’Sullivan. Inspiration has been taken from 1930’s photos from the archives and the aesthetic pays tribute to the hotel’s Art Deco design heritage, with pale pink onyx featuring prominently. The bar, in a blush-coloured stone is the centrepiece, and is complemented by a feature skylight in peach and cream coloured glass. The metal work in this skylight takes inspiration from the signature deco design doors of Claridge’s, and in the centre is a show stopping, intricate Deco light.
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British artist Annie Morris has been specially commissioned to create an installation, which runs across the entire space. A painted monochrome mural above the pink onyx features her whimsical characters, in addition to her first ever stained glass piece, which will be at the heart of the bar. The entire installation has taken a year to conceive.
With a back-story, rich in art and design, the bar’s namesake pays homage to the same space at Claridge’s that was created in the 1930’s with murals by renowned artist Mary Lea.
Commenting on the opening of The Painter’s Room, Paddy McKillen co-owner of Maybourne Hotel Group said, ‘The art of hospitality is always at the heart of everything we do. Recreating this precious space for the next generation of Claridge’s guests with Annie and Bryan, long-standing friends of our Maybourne family, has been a true labour of love.’
The Painter’s Room has 24 covers and opening hours are Tuesday – Saturday 5pm – 1am. Tables are open for reservations and can be booked by visiting www.claridges.co.uk
