In a city as big as London, there’s no shortage of places to go if you’re looking for a drink. That doesn’t stop new bars from popping up here and there, though, some of which receive quite the reputation before they’ve even opened their doors. Vesper Bar is one such place, and you may be delighted to know that this highly-anticipated bar is now serving customers.

Vesper Bar has recently opened in the famed Dorchester London hotel

One reason that Vesper Bar was the talk of the town before it started welcoming visitors relates to its location. The establishment is set in the Dorchester London, one of the most regarded luxury hotels in the city. All sorts of notable people come to stay here, which means you never know who you might rub shoulders with while enjoying a drink. The luxury nature of the hotel is evident in its new bar, which pays homage to Sir Ian Fleming and was designed by Martin Brudnizki. It gives off a glamorous 1930s vibe, which makes sense when you consider that this was when the Dorchester first opened. From the shimmering gold-hued ceiling to the plush seating to the celebrity portraits on the wall, this place is quite something to behold.

Martin Brudnizki took inspiration from several things for Vesper Bar

Apparently, Martin Brudnizki’s inspiration for the decor of Vesper Bar stemmed from a book that the Dorchester London gave to guests when it first opened. Called ‘A Young Man Comes to London,’ it – unsurprisingly – features a story about a man who visits the city. Given that it was made when the hotel opened and Brunizki wanted to evoke classic glamor with the bar, it makes sense that this would inspire him. That apparently wasn’t all that he looked to for help, though. He also viewed the work of Syrie Maugham, a fellow interior designer who was at her peak during this same era. Known as the Princess of Pale because of her style of painting rooms white, her influence helps to keep the place bright and inviting.

The bar manages to marry modern touches with the 1930s glamor

While Vesper Bar might be all about evoking the glamor of the 1930s, that doesn’t mean this place is stuck in the past. It manages to pay homage to this era almost 100 years ago while still keeping things modern for today’s customers. That includes in the decor, where certain color choices like blue and green make the surroundings more fitting for the here and now. However, it’s also notable in the menu, which blends classic food and drinks with more modern delicacies. Lucia Montanelli is responsible for that and given they’re an award-winning bartender, you have no reason to fear that they pulled this off perfectly. It helps that there were so many people to inspire these beverages, from frequent Dorchester guest Elizabeth Taylor to contemporary artist Sophie Coryndon.

If this has you excited to see Vesper Bar yourself, it might be time to pay the Dorchester London a visit.