Re-opened in 2001, The Rivoli Bar interiors were stylishly re-created by designer Tessa into its current more luxurious style of the late 1920s.
On entering the bar, to the right of the double doors in The Long Gallery, one’s attention is immediately drawn to the gilded ceiling domes with their Murano glass chandeliers. The windows, each etched with an art deco emblem, overlook the Piccadilly arcade allowing full daylight during lunch service, but with t lights dimmed giving a more romantic atmosphere during the cocktail hour.
With its panelled walls in polished camphor wood veneer decorated with delicate Lalique glass insets originally made for the Orient Express trains, the interior of The Rivoli Bar has been likened by TATLER magazine to a ‘gorgeous little jewel box’. The cocktail bar has an onyx marble counter lit from above and below giving the glasses, bottles and silver shakers a brilliant sparkle reflected against the rear glass wall. Mirrored panels in gold and silver leaf, designed in the style of the 1920s Parisian artist Jean Dunard, cleverly reflect the light and are further enhanced by a gold leaf Art Deco ceiling frieze while, at each end of the room, there are gold and copper silver bas relief inspired by the famous Yugoslav sculptor Mestrovic. A polished bamboo floor covered with Art Deco designed rugs completes the overall design theme.
The Rivoli Bar Drinks Menu features a selection of creative cocktails including many of the signature martinis and Champagne cocktails for which The Ritz is renowned. A unique and eclectic selection of classic cocktails and contemporary creations are mixed and presented tableside to the guest’s personal preference, including the novel Vintage Cocktails that are created with vintage spirits from the 1940’s to the 1980’s. The Rivoli Bar also offers a Champagne by the glass programme featuring a different Champagne House every month and giving the guest the opportunity to try outstanding wines by the glass. In 2006 The Rivoli Bar Manager, created the ‘Ritz 100’, a blend of Champagne, Vodka, Grand Marnier and Peach Liqueur finished with 24 carat gold leaf, in honour of the hotel’s Centenary Year. The ‘Ritz 100’ remains the most requested Rivoli Bar cocktail.
The Ritz London
