The Pine Bar

When you're in Mayfair and feel like swapping the city’s hustle for a dimly lit, elegant hideaway with a stellar cocktail list and a moody soundtrack, The Pine Bar at 44 Grosvenor Square is exactly where you want to be. Tucked inside the iconic London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, this sleek, sultry bar exudes old-school glamour and a dash of quiet opulence. The setting? Intimate lighting, plush seating, and a piano corner that’s often brought to life by live music performances.

From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere hits you-it’s equal parts classic and modern, with a wood-heavy aesthetic, soft jazz melodies, and the gentle clinking of cocktail glasses. This isn't your average bar. It's the kind of place where you sip slowly, sink into your seat, and let the bartender guide your evening.

Let’s talk drinks because that’s really the heartbeat of The Pine Bar. It’s known for serving great cocktails, and by great, I mean crafted-with-care, bold-yet-balanced kind of cocktails. The Negroni here is bitter in all the right ways-aromatic, smooth, and served with a twist of orange that hits your senses before your taste buds even get involved. The Manhattan is another standout, striking that sweet spot between spice and sweetness with a deep rye base and a hint of cherry.

More of a citrus-forward drinker? The Tom Collins is fresh, fizzy, and light, while the Pisco Sour delivers that signature foamy top with the perfect hit of lime and bitters. But don’t leave without trying their Andean Punch, a more adventurous creation that plays with fruit and spirit in a way that feels tropical without being overly sweet. This one's a conversation starter in itself.

And if you're here with someone to impress, the Champagne list makes a bold statement. Whether it’s a casual toast or a full evening of sparkling indulgence, The Pine Bar serves it cold, crisp, and classy.

Feeling peckish while sipping? They’ve got a food menu that's short but deliberate. The Fish and Chips offers a British classic elevated with delicate batter and flaky, fresh fish. It’s not pub-style greasy; it's Pine Bar polished. The Game dishes rotate with the seasons and often lean into rich, earthy flavors-perfect with a glass of brandy or a deep red wine.

If you're ending on a sweet note (and why wouldn't you?), the Panna Cotta is the kind of dessert that disappears in seconds. Light, creamy, and just wobbly enough to feel authentic, it’s a perfect pair with their digestif options.

Now, let’s say you’re not quite into hard liquors-The Pine Bar still delivers with its wine and cider options. The wine list is beautifully curated, with reds and whites from both classic European vineyards and newer world gems. The cider, though not always top of mind in a bar like this, is crisp and refreshing-ideal for a warm evening or as a mellow follow-up to heavier drinks.

One thing to note: The Pine Bar doesn’t offer delivery or takeaway. And frankly, it shouldn’t. This is a place built around the experience of being there-hearing the piano, feeling the plush leather against your back, watching your cocktail being stirred just right. Dine-in only keeps the vibe intact and exclusive.

Accessibility-wise, it’s not the easiest spot for everyone to access, with no wheelchair-accessible entrance or car park. It’s something to keep in mind depending on your needs. On the plus side, they offer kerbside pickup, which might be a helpful workaround in some scenarios.

The live music and occasional performances add to the charm-whether it's a solo saxophonist weaving through a classic tune or a jazzy duo in the corner, the energy never overpowers but always enhances. It’s part of what gives The Pine Bar that effortlessly cool, grown-up feel.

Whether you're after a cozy nightcap or a place to start a special evening, this spot stands out in a city full of high-end watering holes. The Pine Bar doesn’t try to shout above the noise-it simply sets the tone and lets everything else follow.