Last updated on November 29th, 2023 at 07:33 am
The Aubrey London, a stunning new drinking and dining venue, opens in the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. Replacing Bar Boulud, The Aubrey London is described as “an eccentric Izakaya” that offers two distinct bar experiences with accompanying Japanese cuisine.
This is the first UK venture by Maximal Concepts, a Hong Kong-based multi-award-winning international restaurant group, that partnered with Mandarin Oriental in both Hong Kong and London.
Beverages at The Aubrey London
Signature and seasonal cocktails are created by Bar Director, Pietro Rizzo, and overseen by Maximal Concepts in Hong Kong, where The Aubrey Hong Kong first opened in 2021 on the 25/F of the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong.
Focusing on sake, the varieties include rare and unusual releases for those who are already familiar with Japan’s national drink, such as Masumi – a sparkling Sake – and Sohomare.
A variety of Japanese premium spirits are used in inventive cocktails such as The Black Cat (Ki No Bi Gin, Yuzu Liqueur, Tonic Reduction) and Torii (Ki No Bi Gin, Yuzu Liqueur, Tonic Reduction) (Rice Shochu, Homemade Grapefruit Soda).
The space also houses London’s first omakase cocktail bar, where you can enjoy the bartenders’ expert creations and extensive collection of rare spirits while crafting a personal experience, which is the way of hospitality in Japanese restaurants.
Food at The Aubrey London
The food menu draws on traditional techniques such as Edomae sushi, Tempura, and Robata, and the overall experience is a modern interpretation of traditional izakaya.
Guests can enjoy small dishes designed for sharing, expert drink pairings, and a relaxed and convivial atmosphere, all while listening to Japanese trap music that captures the energy of a night out in Ginza.
The menu begins with Japanese oysters and The Aubrey’s own-label Caviar, followed by interesting bar snacks like Charcoal Chicken Karaage with yuzu mayo or Crab Korokke with tonyu béchamel and kani miso. Edomae Sushi and Sashimi, Tempura, and small plates such as the decadent Wagyu Sando lead to dishes cooked on the Robata grill, where premium cuts of Iberico Pork and Saikyo Sablefish are expertly cooked over hot coals.
White Miso Soufflé and Black Sesame Cheesecake with citrus marshmallow are the two Japanese patisserie and desserts that are highly recommended by The Aubrey London.
Lunch is served daily with a bento box.
Interior and Bar Experience
The walls at The Aubrey London are layered with art inspired by the Japonisme movement, which is perfectly set against the warm hues of gold, green, plum, and pink that adorn the space.
A velvet, marble, and wood labyrinth sets the stage for two bars, intimate corners, and rooms to be discovered – a home-away-from-home.
A library, salon, and curio lounge are among the plush spaces glowing with ambient lighting, each designed to suit a variety of entertainment occasions, with music and cocktails available until late.
Art is an important part of the design, and it pays homage to the timeless elegance and expression of the Japonisme movement, particularly the 19th-century British artist and illustrator Aubrey Beardsley, whose name inspired the venue’s name.
The Aubrey’s overall sound concept is that of a listening bar – a Tokyo Izakaya which draws inspiration from the eclectic music style of David Mancuso’s loft parties, that rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s with underappreciated gems from the past, such as funk and disco, coexist with more contemporary playlists.
Maximal Concepts is known for its strong design-led restaurants, and the collaboration with interior designer Brady Williams results in a stunning space at The Aubrey London in Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park.
The Aubrey London
Address: Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, 66 Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7LA
Website: https://www.mandarinoriental.com/london/hyde-park/fine-dining/japanese-izakaua/the-aubrey
Instagram: @theaubreylondon
Facebook: facebook.com/theaubrey_london
This is a news article, not a restaurant review.