Crystal at the Wellesley Hotel

Words by Ian Cameron

Address: 11 Knightsbridge, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7LY , United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7235 3535
Website: view Crystal at the Wellesley Hotel’s website
Style: Cigar bar
Food: Bar Snacks
Established: 2012

Review

The former Pizza on the Park, one of London's most renowned pizza-and-jazz hangouts, closed its doors after three decades in 2010 and at the end of 2012 was reborn as a five-star boutique hotel. It boasts 36 rooms, a restaurant, bar and cigar terrace, all clad in polished wood, marble and leather. The hotel's own Bentley is parked outside.

Crystal and the accompanying Cigar Terrace is in the charge of Giuseppe Ruo, formerly of the Garden Bar at The Lanesborough, next door. He presides over an enormous walk-in humidor, said to be the UK's largest, containing one of the biggest collections of Cuban cigars in London. Giuseppe keeps a watchful eye on his staff as they advise on cigar/luxury spirits pairings and as they craft cocktails.

Drinks are made behind a small, bejewelled bar and served on one of two terraces - both jut out on the pavement, but patrons are hidden from view of the street by leafy foliage. Plush leather seats and outdoor heating ensure you stay warm on the coldest of nights, though lighting is overly harsh. Expect fat olives while you wait, expensive glassware and the waft of cigar smoke. Warning: £25 minimum spend.