PRESS RELEASES
June 01, 2017
This summer, London’s best-kept secret - The Terrace at Rosewood London - will host the inaugural pop-up GQ Bar in association with premium gin Tanqueray No. TEN. The first pop-up of its kind, GQ Bar will bring the UK’s leading men’s lifestyle magazine to life in WC1.
The hotel’s picturesque Edwardian courtyard provides a little-known secluded sanctuary just off High Holborn. Launching in June and open from breakfast through to late-night drinks, The Terrace is a peaceful suntrap in Midtown.
Linked to Rosewood London’s bustling British brasserie Holborn Dining Room, The Terrace will be extended to seat up to 24 covers in a relaxed lounge-style bar. White parasols and taupe cushioned furniture will be brightened with a flush of lush greenery with cocktail garnishes ripe for the picking.
A concise list of breakfast options, for an al fresco start to the day, offers spelt pancakes with blueberry compote and mascarpone; full English; and smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on toasted brioche.
The all-day menu of bar bites promises a mix of dishes from both Condé Nast International’s Director of Restaurants Gary Robinson and Holborn Dining Room’s much-lauded chef, Calum Franklin. A GQ Bar Burger by Gary is exclusive to the pop-up and comprises a tower of char-grilled wagyu, caramelised onions, watercress and peppercorn umami in a brioche bun, complete with garlic-salted fries. Favourites from Holborn Dining Room include Monkshill farm scotch egg; rabbit and bacon en croute with pickled vegetables; and grilled octopus with native breed chorizo and aioli. Renowned for his expert pastry-skills, a savoury summer pie by Calum Franklin completes the menu. For those with a sweet tooth, there is flourless chocolate fondant with orange ice cream; and glazed lemon tart, with crème fraîche.
With Holborn Dining Room home to London’s best-stocked gin bar, offering over 400 gins and 27 tonics, it was only natural that GQ Bar place an emphasis on gin. Cocktails mixed with premium gin Tanqueray No. TEN include a White Negroni garnished with grapefruit, the Daisy Sour (Tanqueray No. TEN, chamomile syrup, fresh lime juice, green chartreuse, egg white) and the Rhubarb Fizz (Tanqueray Rangpur, rhubarb and ginger liquor, ginger beer, lemon juice). However, GQ Bar’s signature serve will be the GQ Bar Manhattan (Bulleit Bourbon, Belsazar White Vermouth, orange soaked barrel aged Bourbon and vanilla bitters).
In addition to cocktails, an extensive wine list offers much by the glass. For bubbles, there is a selection of Ruinart Champagne and Veuve Clicquot Rich, which is served over ice. Ideal for warm afternoons is Whispering Angel Chateau D’Esclans Rosé, when if ordered by the glass will be served from a magnum at the table.
Michael Bonsor, Managing Director of Rosewood London comments: “Combining English heritage with contemporary sophistication is at the core of everything we do at Rosewood London. With the magazine’s ever-stylish nature and love for food & drink, we are thrilled to welcome our friends at GQ for the summer season. ”
Dylan Jones, Editor of British GQ said: “We are thrilled to unveil this unique and stylish way to experience GQ, for a limited time only. As the leading luxury men’s lifestyle media brand we take food and drink incredibly seriously, with the largest, most comprehensive coverage of any non-specific title, in addition to our authoritative Food & Drink Awards which quickly established themselves as a premier event in the food and drink calendar,”
Gary Robinson, Condé Nast International’s Director of Restaurants, added: “For the discerning readers of British GQ, drinking our take on the Manhattan and eating our GQ Bar Burger adds an experiential element to a magazine synonymous with refined taste and cultural savvy. It’s our chance to show, as well as tell. It’s a space for modern urbanites to come together in an environment inspired by the magazine”
GQ Bar will run from June to September and will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 10:45 p.m. (Sundays until 10:15 p.m.).
