Le Magritte

Le Magritte takes its name from René Magritte's Le Maître d'École, which hangs behind the bar and sets the tone for the whole room. The interior is lined in European fiddleback cherrywood, the bar counter runs in leather-edged ebony, and the seating runs from studded Chesterfield sofas to red tub chairs and lacquered stools — a 1920s American bar aesthetic executed with real conviction rather than pastiche. Low pendant lights, corner lamps, and framed black-and-white portraits of the Rat Pack fill out the room. There are no reservations and no groups larger than eight, which keeps the atmosphere unhurried and the crowd self-selecting.

Adjoining the bar is a sheltered terrace facing Brown Hart Gardens: rattan armchairs, white-clothed tables, overhead heater lamps, and glass screens enclose the space from the street while the treetops of the gardens remain visible overhead. Havana cigars from the hotel's collection are available outside. The bar's programme leans towards bourbons, American whiskies, and martinis — including a dedicated menu built around a single exclusive gin. The kitchen at Rosi supplies the food, from bar snacks through to a full menu until late.