Dukes

famous for martinis that inspired the favoured tipple of James Bond himself. They’re made tableside from the legendary martini trolley, powered with such clout that you’re only allowed to order two in one sitting.

mood features a legendary martini trolley

For a single, mind-blowingly strong, heartbreakingly delicious cocktail head for Dukes, one of London’s true classic bars, and justly famous for the theatrical presentation of martinis created on a tray brought out specially for you. It can feel a little too old school in here sometimes however; men need to wear proper shirts or risk being enough at the door.

mood classic bar; theatrical presentation; can feel too old school; dress code requires proper shirts

Is it OTT to call a cocktail life-changing? Maybe, but you should at least drink the martini at DUKES Bar before getting too judgy on that front. Legend has it that Ian Fleming actually coined the famous James Bond catchphrase ‘shaken, not stirred’ in DUKES, and the rest is history (read, Londoners slowly getting smashed on the best cocktails in town). Though DUKES is famed for its martinis, the cocktail list extends far beyond that. Head bartender Allesandro Palazzi really knows his stuff – shaking up impeccably good drinks that Mayfair can’t get enough of.

reigniting interest in the Martini and Manhattan through the historical diligence of venues like... Dukes.

Dukes Bar is a proper London institution. Think history, charm, and martinis so good they’ll make you forget your own name. LOL, I almost did 😉 Oh, and it was famously frequented by none other than Ian Fleming, the man who gave us James Bond. Yes, that Ian Fleming. It’s basically where 007’s martini obsession was born. Dukes Bar is an experience—and it comes with a price to match: £27.50 per cocktail. Gulp! (Pun absolutely intended.) I love the little trolley they wheel up to you and perform their martini magic. The bartender free-poured every drop with such precision that the glass was nearly overflowing. It was part art, part science, and all show. Dukes Bar isn’t just a place to grab a drink; it’s an experience that’s worth every penny (and every minute in line).

mood history, charm... part art, part science, and all show.

Where to find London’s best martinis, from Dukes Bar to Egerton House