Too many bars these days are for the most part predictable. A standard list of spirits is followed by a standard list of cocktails and a standard list of bar snacks. The Coburg Bar at the Connaught though is anything but making it one of the must go bars in London for anyone who wants something special in their glass set against a classic comfortable surround. Under the brilliant stewardship of Mark Jenner, the bar is a drinking adventure on each occassion and Mark's ability to continually source rare and unusual product offers the possibility of a new discovery every time.
At a recent late night stop at the Connaught for a final after dinner whisky, a venerable Talisker perhaps, Mark 'challenged' us with a 1937 6yo Canadian Club. Yes, all the thoughts that you're having right now went through our mind too, not least the fact that whisky of course, in theory, does not age in the bottle. The nose though, complex beyond what any 6 year old should ever smell like, persuded us both to a measure and we were not disappointed. 1937 was of course the year George VI was crowned King and Neville Chamberlain became Prime Minister, and here we were drinking the fruits of that year. In short, it turned a great evening into a unique event and it's uncanny how often they can do that at the Connaught, it's what keeps us coming back.
At a recent late night stop at the Connaught for a final after dinner whisky, a venerable Talisker perhaps, Mark 'challenged' us with a 1937 6yo Canadian Club. Yes, all the thoughts that you're having right now went through our mind too, not least the fact that whisky of course, in theory, does not age in the bottle. The nose though, complex beyond what any 6 year old should ever smell like, persuded us both to a measure and we were not disappointed. 1937 was of course the year George VI was crowned King and Neville Chamberlain became Prime Minister, and here we were drinking the fruits of that year. In short, it turned a great evening into a unique event and it's uncanny how often they can do that at the Connaught, it's what keeps us coming back.
The cocktails are of course first class and a great evening itself can be had just sitting at the bar watching the bartenders creating their liquid verse. If you have the munchies, the crisps are made in the kitchens below while the bar snacks are prepared by the Connaught's Michelin starred Helene Darroze restaurant.
Of course, this all comes at a price so you may want to have your bank manager on speed dial for some of the most exotic drinks (the 1914 Hine Vintage retails at a staggering £1,500 a shot), but if you want a more than just a drink, if you want a bar that makes every visit special, there's nowhere better in our view than the Connaught.
http://www.the-connaught.co.uk/the_coburg_bar.aspx
Of course, this all comes at a price so you may want to have your bank manager on speed dial for some of the most exotic drinks (the 1914 Hine Vintage retails at a staggering £1,500 a shot), but if you want a more than just a drink, if you want a bar that makes every visit special, there's nowhere better in our view than the Connaught.
http://www.the-connaught.co.uk/the_coburg_bar.aspx