Moshe Dayan said of Independence Day that “Freedom is the oxygen of the soul.”
We were invited to the 4th of July celebrations at Mondrian London, where we knew that wholesome food and crafted cocktails would be the oxygen of our soul.
We love the design of this hotel and its location on the South Bank, close to Waterloo and Southwark. The first hotel to be designed by celebrated British designer Tom Dixon, design draws inspiration from America and England, with the transatlantic voyage as the main theme throughout from reception through to the bedrooms.
We sat on the recently opened Midsummer Terrace in the hotel’s restaurant Sea Containers, and enjoyed Maryland crab cakes, barbecue ribs, mac n cheese and a strawberries and cream donut. If that wasn’t enough, boozy hard shakes were also available and our favourite was the Oreo and rum variety. Service was charming and our waiter Manuel made sure everything was just so.
The Midsummer Terrace is a great place to people watch. With unobstructed views of the Thames, the terrace is open till late September for lunch and dinner. If you are celebrating, the Laurent-Perrier Champagne flight is a must consisting of three flutes: Laurent-Perrier Brut, Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé and Laurent-Perrier Vintage.
The house cocktail list at Sea Containers deserves a special mention. The 14 strong original list draws inspiration from the nautical theme with some stunning drinks. The humble martini (known as the Spotless Martini) is transformed into a smooth, cool concoction using Mr Lyan’s gin, vermouth, distilled lemon and distilled olives. The head turner of the night was the Shaddock Daisy which on paper sounded sketchy but in reality was sensational. Half sweet and half savoury, the cocktail is made with tequila, Aperol, lime, agave syrup, Tabasco and Worcester sauce. It just works.
The party continued at Rumpus Room, the rooftop bar on twelfth floor of Mondrian London with panoramic views across the River Thames. Red, white and blue balloons filled the whole bar and we were treated to a live band performing a variety of cult American tunes.
There is a lot more to explore at this cool, boutique venue. In the meantime come and experience this Anglo American masterpiece for yourselves.
Sea Containers at Mondrian London
20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD
020 3747 1063
