Artesian Bar – Simply London’s Legend

Again with the ‘best bar in the world’. Is there anyone left who has not heard of this reference? I know that stating such common beliefs among Londoners about the Artesian makes this review quite short but seriously, you should continue reading so as to get a bit more acquainted with Artesian bar.

A part of the Langham London Hotel, Artesian was named after the well underneath the terrain which used to supply the hotel with water and make it a legend of purity around the capital. Today the well is gone and so Artesian bar is allocated with the task of being a legend around town. And obviously manages to accomplish it quite successfully.

The main reason why Artesian bar qualifies as one of London’s must sees is that its head bartender excels at his job. Alex Kratena possesses the needed creativity, and even surplus of it, to be praised by many clients, peers and employers for the last years. With his undeniable talent he changes Artesian’s menu each year, considering every little detail about each cocktail; exploring various fusions and carefully pondering about what kind of new ingredients would best compliment the high quality alcohol, Kratena has never let down the bar’s clientele with his innovative menus. New or old editions of the menu – one thing is for sure, you’ll inevitably leave impressed with the wide range of international spirits and the main theme of Artesian – rum.  Truly an art performance.

Have a look at Artesian’s cocktail menu Here.

“The glass is a stage, a way to communicate with a guest. Apart from being a vessel it’s a control mechanism, to keep the drink hot or cold. It’ll affect the way the drink will taste, how the liquid will hit your palette, how the aroma will form. If something doesn’t exist, we design it and create it the best way we can.

 ~Alex Kratena

Artesian’s Cocktails

Artesian as a byword of class

How about the bars interior, you would ask, after all a bar is not merely a good menu. But Artesian lives up to all expectations regarding its atmosphere as well. The design has not been neglected or created as a less important feature. Late David Collins was the designer who put together everything magical in Artesian – mirrors, leather-covered furniture, bold colors and even custom-made glasses – another part of the bar which guarantee its place in every international list of incredible bars.

In 2011 it was proclaimed as the bar with the World’s Best Cocktails on The Tales of Cocktails festival. The Drinks International Magazine has included it in the top of its World’s 50 Best Bars list selected by a group of hundreds of bartenders and drink-industry experts.

In addition to the elegantly decorated interior and the established marvelous drinks, Artesian does not tolerate lousy staff – a night in the bar is devotedly pleasurable with the friendly service which keeps its efficiency at a 100% even if the place is jammed, easing you indecisiveness with their immense competence on the menu.

Artesian Bar

The only remark one could make regarding Artesian bar is that maybe their music could be a bit more carefully picked so as to match the rest of Artesian’s characteristics and bring it to its fullest potential. And of course the drinks hold one of the highest prices in London, but it really cannot be any other way if your bar is the best place in the world…

With everything you’ve read, you get the idea of how enthusiastically I recommend an evening in the second to none Artesian – if you happen to have the free time in London, pick up the phone and get a table.