For five long years, one couple embarked on a dedicated mission across the capital: to locate the finest martini in London, a drink worthy of its most famous fictional fan, James Bond. What began as a seemingly impossible task, navigating an ocean of bars and endless variations of the classic gin or vodka cocktail, has finally concluded with a definitive ranking of 25 top hotel venues.
The Martini Mission: Rules of Engagement
The quest had strict parameters. The reviewer stuck religiously to 007's preferred order: a dry vodka martini with a lemon twist. His girlfriend, meanwhile, opted for dirty martinis to add variety. To narrow the field and honour Bond's own habits, they focused exclusively on hotel bars. They developed a meticulous five-point scoring system, judging each venue on the quality of the ice-cold, balanced drink itself, the feel of the glass, the standard of service, the overall atmosphere, and the accompanying bar snacks.
The price range was vast, with the most expensive martini costing £30 at The Connaught Bar and the most reasonable coming in at £18 at the Side Hustle bar at NoMad.
The Definitive Ranking: From Disappointment to Perfection
The resulting list, compiled in ascending order to the ultimate winner, is a rollercoaster of experiences. It includes venues that almost didn't make the cut. The Egerton in Knightsbridge was criticised for a "comically bad" drink and a waiting-room atmosphere, while Decimo Bar at The Standard was said to serve a martini tasting of "washing-up liquid", saved only by its vibrant vibe.
Legendary names received mixed reviews. Dukes Bar in St. James's, famed for its martini heritage, was deemed to serve "almost undrinkable" rocket fuel. The Connaught Bar, a common answer to London's best martini question, was dismissed as plain and paired with staff disdain. Conversely, The Donovan Bar at Brown's Hotel won affection with its dim lighting and less-dry take on Salvatore Calabrese's recipe.
The Top Contenders and the Ultimate Winner
As the list climbed, the experiences improved. The American Bar at The Stafford offered a "freezer-cold" and perfectly stirred delight, albeit in a room dominated by wealthy Americans. The Savoy's American Bar delivered art deco glamour and a very drinkable cocktail with mini Yorkshire puddings.
The final five were exceptional. The Berkeley Bar & Terrace combined a warm, lively atmosphere with a faultless, cold martini. Side Hustle at NoMad served an "astonishingly good" drink in a setting of orchestrated mayhem. GŎNG Bar in The Shard provided breathtaking views and a perfectly chilled martini to combat vertigo.
In second place, The Rivoli Bar at The Ritz almost topped the list with its over-the-top grandeur, near-perfect martini, and exceptional beef empanadas.
But the number one spot, the bar deemed to serve London's best martini, went to the understated Le Magritte Bar at The Beaumont in Mayfair. Tucked away on a quiet side street, it offers a homely, 1920s-inspired retreat with friendly but unobtrusive service. The winning martini is served just above freezing in an iced glass, achieving a perfect balance where no single ingredient overpowers another. It's the place the reviewers would return to every night.
In a fitting finale to their five-year tour, the couple celebrated the completion of their mission at The Berkeley by getting engaged.
