Nestled deep in London’s lively Covent Garden, One Aldwych is a hub for art aficionados, attracting lovers of all things creative with its remarkable collection of works from some of Britain’s most fascinating artists. At the heart of the hotel lies the ever-stylish Lobby Bar, where soaring ceilings, double-height windows, and an art deco feel unite to create a sophisticated ambience perfect for sipping and savouring a sublime selection of drinks and light bites.
The bar’s special Gallery Menu, curated in collaboration with cocktail connoisseur Marcis Dzelzainis, the creative mind behind some of London’s best loved bars, offers a fusion of art and mixology. Comprising nine cocktails and three mocktails, each libation draws inspiration from the hotel’s 400 strong collection of mixed-media contemporary artworks and the artists behind them, creating a sensory experience that captivates both the palate and the eye. The artistic influences range from Emily Young’s graceful limestone carved head of Dionysus and André Wallace’s iconic sculpture, The Boatman, to the bold canvas of Philip Diggle and the cleverly crafted paper mâché pooches by Justine Smith.
In a move reminiscent of the art world’s collaboration with diverse talents, the Lobby Bar team and Marcis Dzelzainis have joined forces with small British artisans in the development of this menu. The result is a selection of unique drinks that pay homage to the artists and champion the diverse array of flavours brought to life by local producers. In doing so, the menu explores the profound connection between nature and the artist, mirrored in the cocktails and the enthralling artworks that inspired them.
Hero image © Nick Rochowski Photography
BLUEBERRY ENZONI
PHOTO © CHARLIE MCKAY
Imbuing the drink with the punk energy encapsulated in Phillip Diggle’s bold and vibrant Michele Foucault painting, this cocktail’s colours reflect those in the artwork, while its flavours embody the dynamism of the piece and the 1970s and 80s punk movement itself.
The drink brings together Beefeater 24 gin, Campari, Capreolus Raspberry Eau de Vie, lemon and blueberries, creating an irreverent and fun tipple that is floral and fruit-driven with a hint of bitterness.
OLGA’S HEAD
PHOTO © CHARLIE MCKAY
With key notes that are minimal, brutalist and monochrome, this cocktail perfectly reflects its muse: the traditional bronze cast Girls Head by André Wallace, recipient of the Sainsbury Award for Sculpture in 1974.
Much like Wallace’s works, this gin-based cocktail is stripped to its essence to showcase the beauty of its constituents: Plymouth Gin, Capreolus Blackberry Eau de Vie and lemon, garnished with fresh eucalyptus.
ROSALIND
PHOTO © CHARLIE MCKAY
Rosalind, meaning ‘beautiful rose’, draws its inspiration from esteemed contemporary stone sculptor Emily Young’s exquisite Dionysus sculpture, intricately carved from Purbeck limestone.
Crafted to embody the essence of Bacchanalian delight, this cocktail blends notes of rose, raspberry and fizz. It features Sapling Vodka, Aker English Rosé Aperitif, Capreolus Raspberry Eau de Vie, Vault Aperitivo Bitter, Henners Sparkling Wine and grapefruit oils, garnished with raspberry dust and a grapefruit twist.
QUINCE & EARL GREY MARTINI
PHOTO © CHARLIE MCKAY
Through her paper-covered pooch, Lizzie, artist Justine Smith challenges the conventional notions surrounding money and its value, highlighting the fundamental reality that, at its core, a banknote is just a piece of paper.
Like Lizzie, who’s swathed in Pound Sterling notes, this artwork’s paired cocktail is quintessentially British. It comprises Hendrick’s Gin, Earl Grey tea distillate, Capreolus Quince Eau de Vie, lemon and honey, finished with strawflowers and a verbena leaf. Bright, floral and fresh, this concoction enhances the bergamot notes in the Earl Grey with the addition of honey.