Often considered one of the best hotel bars in Mayfair, the bar at Galvin at Windows (on top of the Park Lane Hilton) has long been popular with Londoners, not least because of its enviable views of the capital and, more recently, because of the presence of general manager Fred Sirieix, whose name you might recognise from Channel 4’s smash-hit show, First Dates.
The bar has undergone a refresh in 2019. It’s been given a new name, 10º and takes its inspiration from the ‘golden hour’ right after sunrise or before sunset, which is the best time to take photos – something you’ll have plenty of opportunity to do thanks to the spectacular views and new interiors.
The team behind the redesign (namely Sirieix, chef patron Chris Galvin and head chef Joo Won) have taken the gold theme and run with it, decking out the bar in a stylish mix of gold and burnt-yellow hues.
The food offering has also changed, with chef Won launching ‘Joo’s Menu’. He’s serving up a fusion of French and Korean dishes, which includes the likes of fried chicken, pork belly steamed buns and a luxe take on the humble ham and cheese toastie.
The bar at Galvin at Windows has an impressive history, having played host to plenty of famous faces over the years. In fact, it was here that The Beatles first encountered the Maharishi, the yogi seer who guided their Magical Mystery Tour.
Spiritual enlightenment of another sort can be found in cocktail recipes that fuse eastern and western philosophies: reach Nirvana with A Thousand Buddhas (Beefeater gin, hibiscus and spiced eucalyptus), make Sunset Blues (Mortlach Rare single malt, Pedro Ximénez sherry and poppy flower) your new mantra or bliss out with Zen Fizz – a Perrier Jouët sparkler prepared with aged rum and a sorbet of bittersweet matcha tea.
Note that while those views from the 28th floor are truly heavenly, the prices you’ll pay for your cocktails and bar bites are just as sky high.