BEST BARS IN LONDON SERIES: DUKES HOTEL THE DELANY DRAWING ROOM
In the prestigious enclave of St. James, tucked away from the frantic pace of Piccadilly, lies DUKES London—a bastion of timeless British hospitality. While the 5 star hotel has long been a pilgrimage site for fans of the legendary martinis that inspired Ian Fleming, it has just unveiled a new reason to visit that is entirely its own: the Delany Drawing Room.
Following an extensive and masterful refurbishment, this space has officially reopened its doors, and we are naming it a definitive must-visit for our "Best Bars in London" feature. This isn't just a renovation; it is a total reimagining that balances heritage with a fresh, contemporary soul.
The Vision: A Tribute to Mary Delany
The room takes its name and artistic soul from Mary Delany, the 18th-century artist and socialite famed for her "paper-mosaiks"—meticulously detailed botanical collages. This influence breathes through every inch of the design. The walls are adorned with stunning, hand-painted floral motifs on a soft, dusty-pink backdrop, creating an atmosphere that feels like stepping into an elegant, vintage botanical garden.
The aesthetic is a masterclass in "English Eccentric meets Modern Luxury." The plush velvet seating in autumnal oranges and moss greens contrasts beautifully with the intricate Chinoiserie wallpaper and golden accents. Whether you are sitting in the sun-drenched, glass-roofed conservatory, in the sun drenched outdoor space, or the deeper, moodier lounge area, the meticulous attention to detail—from the piping on the cushions to the curated artwork—is palpable.
Our Favourite Nook: The Princess Diana Corner
While the entire room is a visual feast, the "Princess Diana Corner" is, without a doubt, our favourite area. This specific alcove feels like a private sanctuary within the hotel, paying homage to the hotel’s long-standing royal connections with a sense of quiet intimacy. It is the ultimate spot for a private rendezvous or a celebratory toast, surrounded by the soft, warm glow of shaded lamps and the room’s signature floral elegance.
The Art of the Cocktail: Meticulous Mixology
The bar menu at the Delany Drawing Room is a serious destination for connoisseurs, with drams starting at £7 and cocktails starting at £17. What sets this menu apart is the incredible amount of planning that goes into their cocktails.
DUKES has commissioned its own small casks on-site, allowing the bar team to age spirits and blends in-house to achieve a specific depth of flavour. Our absolute standout is Count Camillo’s Cousin. This inspired take on the classic Negroni uses a Glencadam Pinot Noir wine finished whisky that is aged for approximately 25 days in DUKES small cask right in the Delany room. The wood and the wine residue soften the bitterness of the Campari and impart a silky, vinous complexity to the gin. It is a masterclass in patience and craft.
A Whisky Library for the Ages
For the whisky enthusiast, the offering is nothing short of staggering. With over 100 whiskies on the menu, the collection bridges the gap between accessible excellence and "bucket list" rarities. In a move that makes luxury approachable, 25ml drams start at just £7, allowing guests to explore the world of malt without a daunting price tag.
The range is impressively diverse:
The Best In The World: You’ll find the celebrated The English Sherry Cask—voted the World’s Best Single Malt at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards.
Global Icons: For those seeking the rare and the refined, the list features the legendary Pappy Van Winkle 15 and the exquisitely aged Bowmore 30.
Whisky Flights: If the choice is too difficult, we highly recommend one of their curated whisky flights. It’s a brilliant way to taste your way through different regions or aging styles guided by their expert staff.
The Verdict
The Delany Drawing Room is a rare find in London: a hotel bar that feels personal, artisanal, and deeply rooted in history while remaining vibrantly modern. From the botanical artistry to the innovative cask-aging, every element has been considered. It’s a place where you can lose track of time, whether you're tucked into a velvet chair in the Diana corner or watching the light fade through the conservatory roof.
Location: DUKES London, 35 St James's Pl, London SW1A 1NY
Best For: Intimate dates, connoisseur-level whisky tasting, and the finest aged cocktails in the city.
Menu: View the menu here
