The question ‘What do you drink?’ is actually a rather difficult one. For example, there is the drink that you order without thinking, one that you claim to love, another that was a past favourite, and one that looks good tonight, and these various drinks are generally not the same. But at the Mirror Bar at The Landmark London, under the precise eyes of Sandor Biro and his team, each of those answers is just the starting point.
From Grandeur to Intimacy
Reaching that bar, though, requires passing through one of the capital’s grandest settings: The Landmark London. Inside, the space opens up like a cathedral, the Victorian glass roof of the Winter Garden rising, filling the room with light while marble columns and palm trees stretch toward the sky. But just beyond this ornate display lies The Mirror Bar.
The change is instantaneous; upon entry, the high ceilings disappear, leaving only low amber light and a counter suited for close conversation. The room emits that traditional London hotel bar quality, with a myriad of Victorian features imbuing it with a warm historical atmosphere. And sure enough, among the rows of shining bottles, it really does live up to its name: mirrors are everywhere.
A Conversation Across the Counter
But here, the mirrors do more than reflect the room; they reflect your personal taste. For Sandro Biro, the bar manager, service is based on dialogue, not on dogma. Known for his intuition and gracious hospitality, he often dismisses rigid recipes and instead turns to the individual sitting before him. A handful of quick questions guide him in gauging whether you usually lean bitter or sweet, bold or featherlight. Your responses are then brought to life using house-made infusions, bitters, and precise temperature control.
That said, for those who prefer to explore the menu directly, the printed list is a fixed-format expression of that same mixological philosophy. It avoids theatricality and emphasises technique, using fat-washed spirits for texture, house cordials and saline drops layered for balance, and aromatic mists or wood smoke to add a physical presence.
The Signature Expressions
For instance, the Cuvée Old Fashioned takes one of the world’s most popular recipes and remodels it. It’s made with high-proof Wild Turkey 101, infused with brown butter, coffee liqueur, tonka bean, and Xocoatl bitters. The brown butter imparts a toasted, almost nutty taste; the coffee and chocolate bitters add a touch of bitterness; and the tonka exudes a warm, vanilla-like aroma. Each detail enhances the drink, but leaves the core profile unmistakably Old Fashioned. This was one of the best creations we have tasted all year. Genius in a glass.
The Imperial Velvet takes a different route. It combines carbonation and spice, with a base of Tanqueray No. 10 Gin, along with fresh lemon juice and an in-house cardamom syrup, followed by Taittinger Brut Champagne to complete the flavour profile. It is beautifully topped with a subtle cinnamon foam and a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg. When it hits your palate, the blend of bright citrus, effervescent Champagne, and intense spice notes results in a drink that is both rich and crisp.
Further along the menu, the Crimson Grove offers a spiced, botanical counterweight to the classics. Built on a base of Glen Grant 12YO Whisky, it blends the bittersweet herbal depth of Amaro Nonino with tart hibiscus tea and a house-made cinnamon syrup. It is finished with a dash of sour mix that balances the warmth and served on the rocks.
For something a bit brighter, the Noble pairs crisp Beluga Noble Vodka with the warm, spiced notes of Zaandam Speculaas Liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and a soft touch of vanilla syrup. Shaken with a velvety foamer and served over ice, it lands on the palate like a liquid dessert, finished with a delicate homemade caramel candy.
Diverging from complex syrups and foams, the Beluga Gold Martini is the bar’s most minimalist expression. A foundation of crystalline Beluga Gold Line Vodka is stirred with a Signature Vermouth blend and a dash of Tonka Bitters. Served neat, the tonka bean warms up this sharp, freezing-cold classic.
Across the rest of the menu, The Ember Leaf is served with a pink rim created from Himalayan salt and a spritz of orange mist. The flavours derive from the crisp Montelobos Espadín Mezcal and ginger with house-made shiso syrup to create a bright, citrusy character with a smoky aftertaste. In contrast, the bar’s Scarlet Ritual emphasises savoury complexity by mixing Espolón Tequila, Campari, and a house-made beetroot cordial, under a layer of tomato foam; the first sip is earthy, with a hint of spicy tincture, and ends on a subtly sweet note.
However, if an elaborate cocktail isn’t calling your name, the menu also boasts an array of wines and Champagnes, small-batch beers, aged whiskies, vintage Cognacs and traditional drinks such as properly prepared Martinis. Given the breadth of the menu, the staff’s expertise is essential, giving you the freedom to order a personal favourite or let the bartenders lead your night.
Tableside Accomplices
To pair with your chosen drink, the kitchen offers a range of small plates intended to complement the glasses on the table. Start with the dry-aged beef carpaccio: thin slices layered with a sharp celeriac remoulade, aged parmesan, and aromatic black truffle. Or choose the warm lobster arancini, served golden and crisp with a vibrant Thai basil mayo.
If you’re taking your time with the Champagne, the menu can easily fill the table accordingly. Share a portion of crisp parmesan and truffle fries, order 30g of Platinum caviar according to traditional method with blinis, crème fraîche, chives and finely diced egg, or spend some time enjoying a carefully selected board of British cheeses—ranging from the buttery Baron Bigod to the sharp Pitchfork Cheddar—along with apple chutney, quince jelly and artisan crackers. Order enough to make a meal of it, or simply have something on the table while you progress through another drink.
Late Hours and Leisurely Rituals
Step outside for a breath of fresh air, and you are met with the sheltered terrace. Lit entirely by low-level lighting, it is suited for a pre-dinner aperitif, or even better, enjoyed in the later hours—when you can sink into a deep seat with a pour of old Cognac or a strong Scotch. If you fancy a cigar, this is the place to light up. The team can recommend a Havana from their collection, selected to pair with bold, spirit-forward pours. It slows down the pace and brings back those old, leisurely rituals, prompting you to get comfortable, take your drink slowly, and let the night last.
No Wrong Answers
There is no need to rush through any of it. That is the luxury of a place like this: you might have a drink, grab a bite to eat, move out to the terrace to smoke a cigar or remain at the bar and ask Sandro to choose your next drink.
Or, you could, of course, have a Martini; there is nothing wrong with that. If you’d like, take a whisky, light a cigar, grab a seat on the terrace and behave as though London hasn’t changed since 1957. You might also just answer a few quick questions and see where the night takes you. The Mirror Bar doesn’t prescribe any particular way of drinking; it just makes certain that whatever ends up in your glass—whether it’s a signature drink, a classic, or a custom one—feels as though it has been intentionally created for you.
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All images courtesy of The Mirror Bar, The Landmark London.