The Fumoir

Searched online for "swanky cocktail bars" in London, and The Fumoir Bar came up at the top of the list. Let me tell you: this place deserves that distinction! This is one of the best cocktail bars I have ever been to anywhere in the world. The bar is a speakeasy located off the lobby of the Claridge's Hotel. When we first arrived, we were directed towards their coffee shop and bar. It was nice, but not the "right" place. Thankfully I asked another doorman and he directed us to the correct bar. The bar has an unmarked door that looks like leaded crystal. I've posted a photo so you can see how to find it! If you know, you know! The seating is limited, but we were warmly greeted and quickly given a table. There are two small rooms, one right by the bar and another that's separate and in the back. I'd highly recommend trying to snag a table by the bar, since that's the most scenic. Since it was full when we visited, I was fine sitting in the back especially with the lovely Christmas tree lights twinkling through the glass doors! Note: we were dressed in sweaters and jeans and felt comfortable here. I figure it's because this is such a swanky and elegant hotel and bar that they figure you must be classy just because you've walked in the door. We encountered zero "snootiness" from anyone, and we were welcomed in our casual attire. The menu is the epitome of "craft cocktail" bar. This is what you should be looking for when you want something very unique! For example, the classic Cosmopolitan is one of my favorite drinks and a classic Manhattan my husband's, but the Fumoir offers very cheeky and original takes on both of those cocktails! The drinks are alarmingly small, but quite strong. They do not skimp on liquor. The crystal cocktail glasses are so pretty and petite. In fact, I mentioned to my husband how much I loved the glasses and while we were sitting there, he googled them and ordered them for me for a Christmas gift (like, how thoughtful was that)?? I have to say that the Cosmo here is one of the best drinks I have ever had. Made with honey mead instead of cranberry juice, it was absolutely delicious. I'll reiterate that the drinks are VERY strong, so neither of us could handle more than one. Thankfully the bar offers complimentary light bar snacks with your drinks (really good cheese crackers and spiced nuts). We found the service to be professional and friendly, and the bartenders are absolutely world class. I cannot rave enough about the atmosphere, service, and quality of the drinks. That being said, all of this comes with a hefty price tag -- but it's well worth every penny. This is not a place for folks on a budget. Cocktails run about $35 U.S. and there are all sorts of hidden fees and charges added on, including a charity charge and a 15% service charge on top of the already high menu prices. Take note of this, because the extra money added to the bill was unexpected. Our final expenditure was just under $75 USD for two cocktails and the extra charges. My trip to London has now come to and end, but I still find myself daydreaming about this bar. It will be one of my first stops on future trips to the city. A++++ in every way.

I was curious about this bar. The reviews and articles made it seem like my thing. I found it a rather unfortunate waste of time and money. Normally, the lighting in bars isn't that big of a deal for me. I love a dark, moody spot. But, I mean, this is Claridge's. It just appeared as if someone forgot to pay the lecky or flip on the switches at the beginning of their shift. What a disappointment. And it's not dark and sultry like a secret cigar and gin bar from the Prohibition era. It's just plain dark. You can't even fully appreciate the décor and design. It didn't create mood; it killed it. Reading the menu is a fun exercise in figuring out how bad your eyesight is, and if you're at the age yet to pull out a mobile phone light to read. (That said, the menu is quite nice. I liked how it was organised and seemed to make good sense.) [The photos I have posted are heavily edited to lighten them, except one and even that has my phone adjusting automatically for low light.] The drinks were like water. Again, I am aware of the standard pricing in these establishments and was fully prepared for it. However, I want to at least taste a little bit of alcohol, even in a long drink. I want to taste *something* other than soda water and lemon. I barely even got a hint of ginger -- in a Penicillin riff! Instead, what I feel like I received was a £25 lemon La Croix poured into a glass. There are similar luxury hotel bars that manage to create good value experiences. This just isn't one of them. The atmosphere was off, the drinks were laughably childish, and the vibes were dull. The server was okay, but again, nothing special. When I'm at Claridge's, I want special. Otherwise, what's the point?

Elegant and intimate bar where everything is done to the highest standard. Worth visiting to get drinks for a special occasion at least once while you are in London.

This was hands down one of the coolest bars my husband and I have ever been! Amazing cocktail list that was super unique, and the atmosphere inside was awesome. Loved how hidden away it was too and the mysteriousness inside! Our server, who I can't remember by name unfortunately but I know he was French, was so great and talked us through the flavours and menu brilliantly. He also made us these amazing cocktails that were full of flavour and we could not be more thankful. The manager was great as well and we loved how kind everyone was throughout the evening. Lovely place to visit for drinks and we will definitely return!

Ably competes with Morley’s for the best fried chicken in town. It’s crispy, moist, and the portions are generous. But let down by some of the other bites, and lifted by the service and champagne.

Got 4 cocktails in total. They were good but nothing out of the ordinary. Hence, £25 per cocktail was a bit of a stretch.

Great cocktails and ambience. Beautifully and decadently decorated. Try to get a seat with a view of the dinning room.

One of my favourite nice and cozy bars in London. Can be difficult to get a table especially at weekend if you don’t stay at the hotel.

Searched Yelp for "swanky cocktail bars" in London, and The Fumoir Bar came up at the top of the list. Yelpers, let me tell you: this place deserves that distinction! This is one of the best cocktail bars I have ever been to anywhere in the world. The bar is a speakeasy located off the lobby of the Claridge's Hotel. When we first arrived, we were directed towards their coffee shop and bar. It was nice, but not the "right" place. Thankfully I asked another doorman and he directed us to the correct bar. The bar has an unmarked door that looks like leaded crystal. I've posted a photo so you can see how to find it! If you know, you know! The seating is limited, but we were warmly greeted and quickly given a table. There are two small rooms, one right by the bar and another that's separate and in the back. I'd highly recommend trying to snag a table by the bar, since that's the most scenic. Since it was full when we visited, I was fine sitting in the back especially with the lovely Christmas tree lights twinkling through the glass doors! Note: we were dressed in sweaters and jeans and felt comfortable here. I figure it's because this is such a swanky and elegant hotel and bar that they figure you must be classy just because you've walked in the door. We encountered zero "snootiness" from anyone, and we were welcomed in our casual attire. The menu is the epitome of "craft cocktail" bar. This is what you should be looking for when you want something very unique! For example, the classic Cosmopolitan is one of my favorite drinks and a classic Manhattan my husband's, but the Fumoir offers very cheeky and original takes on both of those cocktails! The drinks are alarmingly small, but quite strong. They do not skimp on liquor. The crystal cocktail glasses are so pretty and petite. In fact, I mentioned to my husband how much I loved the glasses and while we were sitting there, he googled them and ordered them for me for a Christmas gift (like, how thoughtful was that)?? I have to say that the Cosmo here is one of the best drinks I have ever had. Made with honey mead instead of cranberry juice, it was absolutely delicious. I'll reiterate that the drinks are VERY strong, so neither of us could handle more than one. Thankfully the bar offers complimentary light bar snacks with your drinks (really good cheese crackers and spiced nuts). We found the service to be professional and friendly, and the bartenders are absolutely world class. I cannot rave enough about the atmosphere, service, and quality of the drinks. That being said, all of this comes with a hefty price tag -- but it's well worth every penny. This is not a place for folks on a budget. Cocktails run about $35 U.S. and there are all sorts of hidden fees and charges added on, including a charity charge and a 15% service charge on top of the already high menu prices. Take note of this, because the extra money added to the bill was unexpected. Our final expenditure was just under $75 USD for two cocktails and the extra charges. My trip to London has now come to and end, but I still find myself daydreaming about this bar. It will be one of my first stops on future trips to the city. A++++ in every way.

A magical experience!! Our favorite bar in the world! Drinks are perfection along with service.

I had a wonderful time at this elegant bar. The Art Deco design transports you to another era. I really enjoyed the shrimp Caesar salad and the infante drink. Claridge's is a beautiful hotel with friendly and professional staff.

Great for a pre/post dinner drink. Convenient location, cozy, good decor, prompt service. Background music allows for conversation without the need to shout to your guests. Recommend.

Great bar right next to the court where they serve high tea. One of the three bars at the hotel, found this one to be the most chill and great ambiance to have a nice glass of wine, beer or cocktail and have a chat. Wore jeans and was not under dressed. Casual and I think you can get the tea menu here and not have to deal with the fancy pancy of you are under dressed.

The Fumoir - my absolutely favourite place to hide away from busy London and to enjoy a nice Glas of cold champagne. The service is lovely and it is very cosy due to being a little darker than the main bar in Claridge's Hotel. The bar snacks are tasty too!