The Baccarat company is synonymous with decadence, craftsmanship and luxury, and is one of France’s if not the world’s oldest and most established leading crystal glass manufactures; consistently praised for their timeless design and remain to this day effortlessly chic. Occupying the lower-ground floor, (with its own entrance street entrance on Hans Crescent), the sleek and swanky Baccarat Bar is now open.
Headed up by award-winning bar manager Cameron Attfield, our home bar suddenly looks inferior as the decor has been inspired by the colours that refract through crystal. It is by no surprise that the iconic French crystal brand has just opened an ultra-glamorous, subterranean bar in London’s most famous department store, Harrods.
The menu is as much about discovery as it is playful and intricate and really showcases the craftsmanship and expertise that goes into each serve; with ingredients like fermented pea, caramelised Chanterelle whey and Milky Bar distillate, expect to have your taste buds tantalised and your mind boggled. Introducing each section is an artwork created especially for us by students at the Royal College of Art to represent emotions or qualities associated with that colour. For example, red is represented by passion and power, renewal and stability is reflected through green, whilst orange influences optimism and independence.
Our first serve, The Arrival, (Hendricks Gin, Sugar Snap Distillate, Fermented Pea, Rice Oil, Carbonated) taken from “White” is a celebration of the humble garden pea. Served in a signature Baccarat red, the Mille Nuits Flutissimo glass is the epitome of extravagance. Garnished with a simple sugar snap, this serve was exquisite, effervescent, sweet, dry and fresh.
We were then presented with The Balancing Act served in a Château Baccarat tumbler (Hennessey VS Cognac, Roasted Butternut Squash, Green Caffeine infused Artichoke Distillate, Truffle Caramel, Petrichor), taken from the green section. If like us you are unfamiliar with what Petrichor is, it’s the earthy scent produced when rain falls on dry soil, our bartender quickly informs us. Balancing Act was smooth and seductive, lavish and with bite.
Unable to stop after two, we dipped our proverbial toes into orange section with Standing On My Own, served in a Dégustation Cognac glass, (Don Julio Blanco Tequila, Milkybar Distillate, Nocellara Oil Distillate, Caramelised Chanterelle Whey, Beetroot Honey). Another exquisite serve with the most dreamy accompaniment – a Nocellara olive dipped in white chocolate that we resentfully shared.
If looking for a light bite then think again. Instead we indulged in truffle fries, beef-cheek beignets and foie gras burgers, each ideal for sharing (you’ll need to, trust me). If however you wish to not spoil your appetite, the salt and vinegar pecans are incredibly moreish.
Opulently dressed in leather and velvet upholstery in Baccarat’s signature red, the Baccarat Bar is pure elegance. Whilst sipping on wonderfully crafted cocktails under sparkling crystal chandeliers, you can feel your troubles flit away in this dazzling and seductive space; where the outside world simply doesn’t exist.
To discover more, visit: harrods.com
All images courtesy of Harrods.
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