London’s newest luxury destination, ABar Rooftop at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, features panoramic views, seasonal cocktails and Chef Akira Back’s cuisine.
Mayfair’s skyline is set to welcome an extraordinary addition as ABar Rooftop, perched atop the prestigious Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, prepares to unveil its doors on 11 November. This exclusive 50-seat establishment promises to revolutionise London’s high-end hospitality scene, offering an unparalleled blend of sophisticated mixology and panoramic city views.
The venue’s privileged position provides guests with breathtaking vistas stretching from the verdant expanses of Hampstead Heath to the iconic London Eye, creating an exceptional backdrop for both daytime dining and evening entertainment.
This carefully chosen location places ABar Rooftop at the heart of one of London’s most distinguished neighbourhoods, surrounded by historic architecture and contemporary luxury.
Seasonal Cocktail Artistry Takes Centre Stage
In a creative tribute to nature’s rhythm, ABar Rooftop’s innovative cocktail programme embraces the Japanese seasonal calendar, with offerings divided into four distinct collections: Haru (spring), Natsu (summer), Aki (autumn), and Fuyu (winter).
Each carefully crafted libation tells its own story of the changing London landscape, reflecting the city’s dynamic character through sophisticated flavour combinations.
The signature cocktail collection showcases the bar team’s commitment to innovative mixology. The ‘Artichoke Thyme’ presents an ingenious reimagining of the classic Old Fashioned, featuring roasted artichoke-infused Whistle Pig 10 Years Old whiskey, complemented by Cynar, garlic oil, and aromatic thyme essence.
The ‘Fig & Yuzu’ offers a bright interpretation of the White Negroni, combining fig-infused Mancino Bianco vermouth with Rinomato Americano Bianco, London No. 3 gin, and Yuzushu. The refreshing ‘Grapefruit & Jasmine’ masterfully pairs Roku gin with The Lost Explorer mezcal Espadin, jasmine liqueur, and grapefruit soda, evoking the delicate scent of rain-kissed flowers.
Each seasonal cocktail collection reflects the distinctive characteristics of its corresponding season, incorporating ingredients at their peak. The menu demonstrates a careful balance between classic cocktail craftsmanship and contemporary innovation, ensuring that each drink maintains its connection to traditional mixology while pushing creative boundaries.
Culinary Excellence by Chef Akira Back
The gastronomic offering at ABar Rooftop bears the distinctive signature of Chef Akira Back, whose culinary journey spans continents and cultures. Back’s menu for ABar Rooftop reflects his unique approach to contemporary cuisine, drawing inspiration from his Korean heritage while incorporating influences from his global culinary experiences.
The daytime menu showcases refined light options crafted to complement the rooftop setting. Guests can savour a contemporary miso niçoise salad, expertly prepared grilled salmon poke bowl, and a premium Wagyu burger. Each dish demonstrates Back’s commitment to balancing flavour, texture, and visual presentation.
As evening descends, the menu transforms to showcase an array of innovative dishes. The offering includes signature savoury sushi tacos, new style sashimi, and premium caviar selections, each crafted to complement the bar’s exceptional cocktail programme. This evening menu reflects Back’s expertise in combining Asian culinary traditions with contemporary techniques and presentations.
Architectural Innovation and Interior Excellence
The design of ABar Rooftop represents a masterclass in contemporary architectural innovation. The space harmoniously balances indoor comfort with outdoor spectacle, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that frame London’s iconic skyline.
These windows serve a dual purpose: maximising natural light during the day while offering a theatrical backdrop of city lights after sunset.
The interior palette draws inspiration directly from the London sky, incorporating sophisticated blues, champagne tones, and opulent ambers. This colour scheme creates a seamless visual flow between the interior space and the outdoor terrace, reinforcing the rooftop’s connection to its elevated position above the city.
Central to the design is the remarkable chandelier installation, which serves as the space’s artistic centrepiece. Inspired by London’s ever-changing cloud formations, this striking feature captures and reflects light in ways that mirror the natural movement of clouds across the sky. The chandelier’s design emphasises the fluid, dynamic nature of the London skyline while adding a layer of sophisticated ambiance to the space.
The Mandarin Oriental Mayfair Context
ABar Rooftop represents a significant addition to the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, the group’s second London property. The rooftop venue exemplifies the hotel’s commitment to offering exceptional experiences in intimate settings, contrasting with its larger Hyde Park sister property while maintaining the brand’s renowned standards of service and sophistication.
The venue’s position atop this boutique luxury hotel places it at the intersection of historic Mayfair and contemporary London, offering guests a unique perspective on the capital’s architectural evolution. The location provides views of both historic landmarks and modern additions to the city’s skyline, creating a visual dialogue between London’s past and present.
Access and Atmosphere
The exclusive nature of ABar Rooftop begins with arrival via a private lift, enclosed in a stunning glass cube. This architectural feature serves as both a practical necessity and a design statement, offering guests glimpses of the city as they ascend to the rooftop level. The limited capacity of 50 seats ensures an intimate atmosphere, making advance reservations essential for both dining and drinks.
The venue’s operating hours are carefully scheduled to maximise the rooftop experience throughout the day and into the evening. From 12 pm to midnight Sunday through Wednesday, and until 1 am Thursday to Saturday, guests can enjoy the evolving atmosphere as day transforms into night over the London skyline.
The addition of live smooth DJ performances from 7 pm to 11 pm Thursday through Saturday enhances the sophisticated ambience. These carefully curated soundscapes complement the visual experience, creating an immersive environment that celebrates London’s dynamic energy.
Essential Information
Opening Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 12 pm – midnight
- Thursday to Saturday: 12 pm – 1 am
Live Entertainment:
- DJ performances: Thursday to Saturday, 7 pm – 11 pm
Location:
Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, 22 Hanover Square, Mayfair, W1S 1JP
Reservation Information:
Due to the intimate nature of the venue, advance bookings are strongly recommended for both dining and drinks.
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7889 8888
Email: momay-rooftop@mohg.com
