1. The Connaught Bar
August 2008 marks the opening of the Connaught Bar at the newly restored 110 year
old Connaught in Mayfair. The intimate 54-seat bar, which has its own distinctive
entrance on fashionable Mount Street, has been created to offer a perfect blend of the
finest cocktail bar traditions of the past, coupled with new ideas and innovations for
the future. This has also been reflected in the design by David Collins who has built a
reputation for seamlessly interweaving design past into an elegant present.
The Drinks
The Bar menu offers guests access to a handpicked selection of some of the most
exclusive vintages and limited edition champagnes, wines, spirits and liqueurs in the
world. There are 10 champagnes on offer by the glass chosen to reflect the
individuality and subtlety of the hotel, from Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut to Pol
Roger Sir Winston Churchill to Salon ‘le Mesnil’ 1997.
The Cocktail list is divided into 6 sections, Revisited (classic with a modern twist),
Fusion (inspired by flavours round the world), Seasonal (using the freshest
ingredients), Signature (Our mixologists finest creations), Bubbles (with a champagne
topping), and Virgin (non alcoholic cocktails). Attention to detail is paramount with
only the freshest berries, herbs and aromas used, with ice hand-cut from large blocks
to guarantee the right temperature and undiluted taste of the cocktail.
The Connaught Bar’s signature cocktail is The Collins created in England and
reflecting the legacy of the Connaught. Identifying a trend away from vodka this gin-
based Collins will be made to our own bespoke recipe.

2. The Food
The Connaught Bar food menu has been created by the Connaught’s Michelin starred
chef Hélène Darroze who has introduced some of her signature ingredients and
flavours from the South West of France. These include delicacies such as Bigorre ham
and tomato bread, Terrine of Foie gras from Landes and skewers of squid, chorizo and
sun dried tomatoes.
The Design
The Connaught Bar has been designed by David Collins Studio, and the architectural
heritage of the Connaught has been sensitively incorporated and referenced in the new
bar interior, lending the space a sense of history and permanence. To retain the
quintessential English spirit of the Connaught, David Collins studio has looked to the
traditional artisanal influences of Savile Row tailoring, adapting signature elements
into the design – such as brogue detailing of the furniture – granting the bar a classic
feel with a renewed twist.
The existing oak panelling is revived by an exquisite textured wall treatment of
shimmery platinum silver leaf overlaid with linen panels of dusty pink, pistachio
green and pale lilac to create a 21st century interpretation of an abstract Cubist pattern.
The subtle colour palette of platinum and pastels is grounded by distinctive British
racing green and tobacco brown crocodile leather and velvet upholstery. Hand crafted
pendant lights with specialist exposed bulbs and crystal details on their lengthy
suspensions are scattered throughout the bar.
Commenting on the design David Collins said, “It was important to ensure that The
Connaught Bar did not look generic or a variation on a theme. I was inspired by
English cubist and Irish 1920’s art and mixed it in with the earlier Edwardian
architecture of the room.”

3. The Connaught Bar will be managed by Santino Cicciari, formerly of The Blue Bar at
The Berkeley. Commenting on the new bar Cicciari said “The best part of my job is
introducing unusual flavours and new combinations to our guests. Quality of
ingredients, creative garnish, bespoke glassware and a true sense of service define the
difference between a good and a great cocktail”
The Connaught Bar will be open seven days a week from 4pm to 1am Monday to
Friday and 4pm to 11pm on Sundays.
The Connaught, part of the Maybourne Hotel Group, has recently invested in a £70
million restoration and renovation programme which includes a magnificent redesign
of the guest rooms, suites and interiors using some of the world finest designers and
craftsmen. The legendary hotel has been brought into the 21st Century while
preserving with great care its authentic elegance, distinctive personality and intuitive
style of service.
About Maybourne Hotel Group
Maybourne Hotel Group whose headquarters is in Mayfair, London, owns and
manages Claridge’s, The Connaught and The Berkeley, three of the world’s most
renowned hotels. Maybourne hotels are committed to delivering authentic and unique
guest experiences that reflect the individual nature of its hotels, its guests and its
people whilst maintaining a timeless elegance and intuitive service style that are the
hallmarks of its properties.
For further information contact:
Paula Fitzherbert
0207 201 1607 / 07768933456
www.the-connaught.co.uk