Reunion (Bar, Hotel)

Best for: Long overdue catch ups with friends over gin in teacups.

Great: Clever and hospitable bar staff with a passion for concocting cocktails.

Ah, reunions. The Oxford English Dictionary (online) defines the word reunion as, “an instance of two or more people coming together again after a period of separation”. This certainly summed up the situation my friend, Lynsey, and myself experienced on a blustery Thursday night when we met after a looong (two month) separation, due to a nasty case of all work and no play (a modern ailment that effects most Londonites these days), at the Réunion Bar at The Grosvenor Hotel.

It was a setting fit for the occasion. As two young lasses polished up in posh frocks, we entered what was once a First Class lounge at Victoria train station. Both guests and venue had splashed out for the occasion. Collectively Lynsey and I had spent over £100 (it was payday the week before!) on new ankle boots and winter coats. The Grosvenor Hotel had spent £25 million on a makeover; £1.2 million of which was spent on the Réunion Bar and every detail proved it was money well spent.

With new bar manager, Nathan, at the helm, the cocktail list was in the process of a mixover on our visit. “New bar managers are like news chefs,” said Nathan. “They come in and change a menu.” I pity the next bar manager who has to step into Nathan’s shoes and try to create a drinks menu just as deliciously dazzling. Good luck!

Gin was the spirit of choice to begin with. While Lynsey glanced and ordered a cool Lychee and Elderflower Collins, the very kind, knowledgeable and oh-so beautiful bar staff recommended an Earl Grey Mar-tea-ni; who says afternoon tea has to be all cream and scones? Not the Réunion Bar, that’s for sure!

Other cocktails to briefly make an appearance included a zesty gin and lemon infusion called Clover Club, a multi-layered and multi-spirited Knicker Bocker, and the wacky Wahacan Garden made with the potent Del Maguey Mezcal tequila.

As well as gazing at our beautiful alcoholic concoctions before glugging them down - with as much sophistication as befits an erstwhile first class lounge – we espied our fellow drinkers around us. A mix of couples, friends and groups of after work chums were reclined and relaxed in soft armchairs that resembled those from the Mad Hatter’s tea party.

There were some guests we weren’t expecting, like Buzz Lightyear. He was propped up on the bar all alone (waiting for Woody perhaps?). On our right were two women contemplating whether to go to their ten-year high school reunion over chorizo balls while work colleagues reminisced on old office times over mini fishcakes.

So that the cocktails didn’t muddle our minds, Lynsey and I devoured a nibbler selection of croque monsieur fingers and bang bang chicken bites. Conversations led from the hotel décor in the film, The Shining, to what era we’d most like to time travel to (both of us said the roaring twenties). Along the way an in-depth debate on whether dating websites are good or bad, a lesson on how to eat an olive with decorum and an agreement that Mary Portas is one cool lady occurred over a coffee liquor cocktail.

Sad as it seems, all reunions must come to an end. All except one. The Réunion Bar is here to stay and will no doubt witness many meet ups from afternoon tea time to cocktail hour....read more