Lanesborough Hotel – Library Bar

We arrived early for tea and were taken to the Library Bar to wait. This bar was an experience in and of itself! This was the epitome of the elegance a library bar should have!
The wood paneling and details were luxurious. I could imagine sitting here and having deep conversations for hours. The Beekeeper Fizz (champagne, honey, rum, and lemon juice) was incredibly refreshing, and the Caribbean Old Fashioned was timeless and perfect. Even the snacks they provided — in an elegant, three-​tiered serving contraption — were delicious and great compliments to our drinks.
The prices were definitely some of the highest for cocktails I saw in all of London, but you’re also paying for the experience.

Went here for a nightcap after a delicious birthday dinner at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. What a phenomenal way to end an already really incredible night.
You would generally not want to be found in a hotel bar, because it usually leaves much to be desired. Totally not the case with Library Bar. The bar was so cozy and refined and not too busy, even on a Saturday. Every table felt intimate and service was impeccable. Not to mention that there was a live piano player when we were there to maintain the ambiance.
We settled into some comfy chairs and a server came over soon after with menus. After having a look, Adam started with the Pacifying Mary (Clamato, red pepper and fresh tomato juice seasoned with soy sauce and wasabi. Choice of frozen Sipsmith Vodka or garlic & horseradish infusion server with a side of crudité — £16). He absolutely loved it. It was a great balance of all of the flavors. He enjoyed it so much, he got a second one! I went with the Caribbean Old Fashioned (blend of aged rums, stirred delicately with brown cane sugar, Maraschino liqueur and Angostura Aromatic bitters — £18). Perfection. Incredibly well made Old Fashioned — one of the best I’ve ever had. With the drinks came a beautiful tower of three different snacks: truffled mixed nuts, corn nuts and olives. A nice touch and something you don’t see often. At these prices, definitely greatly appreciated.
Are the drinks cheap? Absolutely not. However, they are expertly made, probably some of the best cocktails I’ve had in London. There are plenty of places that have £15 cocktails that don’t have the ambiance, service and free snacks that the Library Bar has. It’s definitely not a weekly spot but, for a special occasion, absolutely.

After many long long months the fashionable and well appointed Lanesborough Hotel has reopened fresh faced and better than ever. And I am happy to report that The über elegant Library Bar is still there, a bit brighter but still retaining what we love about it and that is its comfort and relaxed formality.
The Library Bar is a very grown up place. Sophisticated classic cocktails served in a setting of a polished and sumptuous sitting room. Comfortable velvet chairs and sofas around fire places, it always was a well appointed drawing room and thankfully that feeling and layout still remain. What has been freshened up is a bit of a lighter colour scheme of neutral greens and pale golds. Accents of French Empire décor to an English sitting room with bookcases and large oil paintings and portraits. All while having some of the best cocktails and flawless service.
This is the best place to sit and have a proper cocktail with a good friend and be able to actually talk and catch up. It is also a good choice to take anyone you might want to impress. But please do not think that with all its upper crust dignity that it is somehow stuffy, as that is simply not the vibe here. And with the new facelift it is more appealing than ever. It is the original lounge chic.

This is the best place I’ve found in London for a cigar. Expensive (ie exclusive) but the service is impeccable and the selection of cigars and cocktails is top notch. A very nice high end atmosphere. It certainly
Isn’t cheap but if you are seeking a place for a premium cigar and great whiskey or other cocktails, this is the place. At least the service matches the expensive prices.
However, I always am annoyed to find the whiskey list isn’t up to date– I order a favorite and then get told they are out. To me, that’s the difference of third star.

I went into the Lanesborough Hotel — Library Bar because of a fellow Unilocalers post and she was right, this place is elegant and the service was top notch. They did not miss a beat on anything. My Cognac was never dry and the caviar was perfect. Sure not the typical place that you would want to take a group of your rowdy friends, but if you are looking for an elegant place to sit and relax and enjoy a drink, you would not go wrong at this place.

Ok I love it. Don’t judge me, but when I want a quiet conversation over a drink with a friend I’d go there.
I love places where they serve you with snacks without you having to ask for it. I understand that prices are high enough for them to do it, but hey — it’s a nice touch.
Service is outstanding — if you’re running low on a drink — they would notice and ask you if you need a top up without being too pressurising on ordering another one. Waiters are discreet and polite. Cocktails are flavourful and delicious. Music is calming and agreeable.
It’s a place where they would open the doors for you, where they wouldn’t give you looks if you’re having dinner by yourself. It’s a place where they would smile with you and make you feel welcome.
The atmosphere — dark seating at a fireplace or gentle rosy tearoom — are both just amazing. After a long week, I would go there and have my old fashioned in an old armchair talking to an old friend. But hey, who said it’s old? It’s just classic.

Great décor and service. Always feel at my most relaxed and comfortable here.

The Lanesborough Hotel is posh. And very grown-​up. The hotel itself is a commanding building on Hyde Park Corner, and hosts a number of bars, reception areas and, of course, opulent hotel suites. The Library Bar is a decadent room flanked by wall-​to-​wall leather-​bound books — hence the name! Leather wing chairs and tapestry sofas adorn the space, while service, as you would expect for the price, is flawless.
Bar food is served here — I can vouch that the Prawn Caesar Salad and Beef Burger are both great — the food probably won’t blow your mind, but it nevertheless is gorgeous. The atmosphere is very hushed, with guests lolling around drinking luxurious champagne, so don’t come thinking you can raise your voice or it might be met with raised eyebrows. Bespoke cocktails and an extensive (and I mean EXTENSIVE) winelist make it the perfect place for a casual afternoon to splash some cash around.