Essentia, or "to-be-ness," was coined by philosopher Cicero as a Latin counterpart to the Greek word οὐσία (ousia). Both terms refer to the essence or nature of something—the intrinsic qualities that make an entity what it is. So when we were informed that The Dorchester's Vesper Bar launched their new cocktail menu Essentia we could not wait to see what it was all about.
The Dorchester reopened its doors following a major renovation during the pandemic. This monumental feat was impressive, as the building has graced Park Lane since 1931, and boasts intricate objets d'art, unique fixtures, and architectural details crafted by Sir Evan Owen Williams and William Curtis Green. A renovation of this scale requires meticulous care and precision, as The Dorchester is not merely a building; it is a piece of British history.
This 5-star hotel has long been a haven for artists, writers, thespians, and the elite, including Alfred Hitchcock, the late Queen Elizabeth II, Elizabeth Taylor, and Richard Burton. Its walls have undoubtedly absorbed countless secrets and whispered conversations within its grand dining hall and lobby. Today, The Dorchester retains the allure of its Art Deco origins while seamlessly blending tradition with modernity, reaffirming its status as one of the most opulent and unique hotels in the world.
Among the renovations are two exquisite bars: the James Bond-inspired Vesper Bar and the more relaxed Artists' Bar. Both venues offer an array of delights, but behind the mirrored doors of the Vesper Bar lies a truly tantalising experience. The new Essentia menu elevates cocktails to new heights, transforming them into a "fine-imbibing" experience that engages all the senses.
Essentia celebrates the powerful link between scent and memory, offering guests an opportunity to discover 11 inventive cocktails. Each creation carries a personal touch, crafted from the unique experiences of different Vesper Bar team members.
Drawing on the principles of The Olfactory Pyramid, which visualises fragrance through three levels—head (top notes), heart (middle notes), and base (endnotes)—the team, led by bar manager Lucia Montanelli and head bartender Denise Elisei, has crafted unique combinations that evoke memories through their aromas. This concept is illustrated on the menu, allowing guests to appreciate how each note and ingredient develops, engaging all their senses and creating an otherworldly tasting experience.
Recommended Cocktails
Vesper Martini
Now, remember there are eleven different choices here, but let's start with the Vesper Martini. This cocktail offers a cool, clean hit that refreshes the taste buds, providing a gentle transition from day to night. Unlike any other martini, it features a classic blend of gin and vodka, expertly shaken with the warmth of sherry and a surprising spritz of lemony magic.
Crafted with Stolichnaya Elit vodka, The Dorchester Old Tom gin, re-distilled Forbidden Fruit liqueur, and 30-year-old Del Duque sherry, and finished with a unique Vesper scent, this martini is a true palate pleaser. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a sophisticated twist on a classic drink, delivering a multi-layered experience that is both refreshing and invigorating.
Next up is Morning Sunshine, a visually stunning cocktail that captivates with stained glass cubes adorning the tumbler and an illuminating light disc underneath, offering a feast for the eyes. This concoction is crafted with tequila, genever, lychee, kiwi, and magnolia, inspired by the awakening of spring. Imagine the golden warmth of morning sunshine casting a vibrant prism of light, reflecting off tables and creating a splendid rainbow that dances throughout the room. It evokes a sense of bustling activity, freshly cut grass, and rooms filled with the sweet aroma of blooming jasmine and magnolia flowers. This drink is not just a beverage; it's an immersive experience that captures the essence of a vibrant spring morning in every refreshing sip.
We conclude our review with the THUNDERSTORM, a cocktail that weaves a captivating tale inspired by rainy days. This extraordinary drink features its own edible cloud, which releases precipitation into the tumbler, creating a mesmerising experience. At Vesper Bar, they embrace those British rainy days as harbingers of new beginnings, inviting guests to savour the sensory journey of patchouli dancing across damp grass and wet, earthy soil—a truly enchanting experience.
For flavour, guests will delight in the whimsical blend of Altamura vodka, oregano mezcal, passionfruit, Greek punch, and patchouli. Each sip is a harmonious symphony of flavours, evoking the essence of a refreshing downpour on a summer afternoon.
Whether you're seeking a romantic evening with your beau or yearning for an evening that blends sophistication and artistic flair, we highly recommend a visit to Vesper Bar at The Dorchester this summer.
For more information visit HERE
Vesper Bar
Address: The Dorchester, Park Ln, London W1K 1QA
Words by Jheanelle Feanny
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