Thursday, 14 March 2013

Cocktails on the Green!

We never really need much of an excuse to declare it cocktail hour but with St Patrick's Day nearly upon us, we decided to get the ball rolling, head to an elegant establishment and enjoy early lunchtime cocktail treats in various shades of green to mark the occasion!


Located in the heart of Knightsbridge in central London, The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park ticked all the right boxes for our little jaunt. The 188 room, five-star hotel overlooks the green expanse of Hyde Park with Harvey Nichols and Harrods on its doorstep. The ideal destination for some pre or post shopping cocktails and you know how I adore a lovingly made cocktail every so often!



I had it on good authority that the hotel's signature cocktail just happened to be the perfect colour befitting the occasion, so how could I resist? As we reclined in the relaxed surroundings of the hotel's fabulous Mandarin Bar perusing their leather bound cocktail ledger, I opted for the original Double 12 mixed with fresh basil giving it a verdant glow.




With cocktails this delicious I'm already looking forward to returning to the Mandarin Bar very soon. Slainte!

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39 comments:

  1. are you the tall one in the red coat? right side?

    I am seriously considering that green thing that resembles frosty martini-ness...I can use my own recipe and just turn it green!

    Aye?

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  2. I am so there! They had me at basil. Just love anything with that. I hope I can stop there when I'm in London. Seems very quaint. All we need is photos of you now!

    xx
    Kim

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  3. "Take me away"...I just love it when you do that.

    Basil in a cocktail...gotta try it!

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    1. The perfect cocktail to be served in your summer garden Bren.

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  4. The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is one of my favourite Hotels in London. So elegant and so near my favourite shop, Harrods and favourite Park, Hyde Park...but wait a minute, where is my Double 12 Cocktail? I only see one glass of Double 12 in this post? Also where is the snow? I thought it was snowy and freezing in London this week? Just remember to drink moderately!!! Wishing you the luck o'the Irish! Happy St. Patrick's Day! :)

    P.S. Lovely Blog heading by the way!

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    1. Sorry Pamela, you were a little late and I accidentely drank it! Snow has all gone but I hear its making a comeback next week. Slainte!

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  5. just got drunk watching the video :)

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  6. A real treat we are going for a tasting this weekend.

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    1. I am pleased, I know lots of people are heading to the Mandarin Bar this weekend since seeing the post. Have a great time Mr Anonymous.

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  7. I agree with Kim, we need a photo of you sipping your Double 12. Love the look of it.

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    1. Marsha, You would have a fab time at the MO. I avoided the paps that day!

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  8. Oh how lovely, the word cocktail when said as a question is one of my favourite in the English language.

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    1. Oh I couldn't agree more. A dear american friend of ours does the most wonderfully raucous "Cocktaaaail?" as a prelude to a party.

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  9. You certainly know how to live! Pre-shopping cocktails... GOOD IDEA! Apres-shopping cocktails-even better idea. Half time cocktails... you missed out on that one, didn't you?

    I had never heard of basil in a cocktail... mint, yes... but basil! I would like to try, though... sounds interesting!

    CIAO!

    ANNA

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    1. You have to live a little once in a while don't you Anna. Yes I did miss the interval cocktails, darn it! :)

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  10. I bet they tasted great even though I can only do virgin. The place is swank though. Thanks for posting and feel free to drop by me too when you have time.

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    1. I'm sure the virgin version is just as delish Madifon.

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  11. Let us know next time! Will meet you there!! Might be a tiny bit late as I'll be doing lots of shopping. Make mine a triple :)
    Have a great one!!
    Mr Loi

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    1. Shopping is so much easier with a little pre-cocktail. Line em up Mr Loi!

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  12. How utterly decadent and chic, I love it. This is my next London destination. I could quite happily get squiffy there :-)
    Di
    xxxx

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    1. You'll love it, I want deets and a photo reportage Di. xx

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  13. Nice Cocktail ! The bar itsself is really awesome : cosy discreet atmosphere, very old club house.

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    1. It actually quite contemoprary Tsuki with a little nod to the old school. I love the video of Paul Stevens at work, it fascinates me to watch cockatils being created. Modern alchemy!

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  14. PAUL!!!!!!!!!!!

    GOOD MORNIN' MI MAN! And a big cheers to you all out there in beautiful London!

    YOU TOO LOVE YELLOW BOWS? I so love bows. I will wear them on a garment, and I don't care if anyone else is dressed low-key. You only live once and might as well dress accordingly!!!!!!!

    Thank you for visiting and for this delicious post! Cheers to you and enjoy a fabulous day leading up to what I hope will be a lovely springtime for you! You know, I lived in Boston, Massachusetts, which is one of our loveliest cities here in the states. It is patterned after London, and I will never forget the early springs there. The black painted window boxes filled to the brim with spring flowers....

    ENJOY! Anita

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    1. Your bows are exquisite Anita and I couldn't agree more about only living once. Have a wonderful St Patricks weekend.

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  15. I took the same photos of the red coated gentleman and the facade of the Mandarin on our last visit. But we did not go in, next time we will! What a stylish post, I would love to sink into the squishy leather club chair and sip the gorgeous green concoction! Slainte to you too, Paul!

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  16. Paul thanks so much for stopping by. Seems like you are busy enjoying yourself in 2013. Good for you! I enjoyed catching up on all your recent posts. I adored the tribute to the crepe Suzette, the poem and the music...so entertaining. And I am impressed with your courage at attempting them. The bitter orange would have been my favorite as well. Sounds yummy! I would tell you to have a wonderful week end but I am sure you already are!!

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  17. Oh my goodness Paul- what a stunning place for an afternoon respite and a cocktail!!the outside photo of that hotel is so incredible!! I think you made great choices for the place and the drink! Hmmm- I'd probably have to keep sitting a bit after that drink!

    Vicki

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  18. Amazing post! Have a nice weekend:)

    http://theprintedsea.blogspot.de/

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  20. Certainly a lovely place to visit.......shall try this amazing coloured cocktail next time I am there!

    Happy weekend Paul......

    Sophia

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  21. Ha ! What fun!!
    The cocktail sounds wonderful, and you chose a great venue for a little retail therapy afterwards.
    As you said to Loi, a little pre-shopping cocktail goes down a treat!
    Hope you have a lovely week,
    Liz x

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  23. What a treat! This sounds like a prefect spot to while away a few hours.

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  24. This cocktail sounds absolutely delightful, and talk about a great location!!

    WWW.ROXTHEFOX.COM

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  25. I bet that cocktail was divine and refreshing with the hint of basil. Yum yum!

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