Mahiki Cocktail Bar

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by Karolina Kaminska (subscribe)

I have a BA in English & American Literature and Drama, and an MA in Multimedia Journalism. I am now a freelance writer living in West London.

Published November 13th 2012

The best of London's classy cocktails

Mahiki, one of the swankiest nightclubs in London, is plastered all over the papers week in week out, renowned for its celebrity clientele. But is it really all it's cracked up to be?

In the heart of Mayfair, you can expect pricey drinks and a glamorous dress code, but this little haunt is certainly one of a kind.

Inspired by Polynesian mythology, the club is designed to look like a tropical island paradise. The upper floor hosts a seating area consisting of bamboo-style tables and chairs, where you can chill out with a drink for a more relaxed atmosphere. Downstairs you will find the dance floor, for those up for something a bit more lively.

The club is perhaps most popular for its eight-man cocktail served in a huge wooden chest, appropriately named the Treasure Chest. At £135 a box, it is famous for being a favourite of Prince William's. But if you don't fancy making that royal expense, you can choose from a selection of delicious single cocktails which come served in the bespoke Tiki mugs.

Earlier in the evening you will be offered the Sunset Menu, where the drinks aren't too steeply priced at around £7-8 per cocktail. Not bad for a central London venue. However, after 9.30pm this is replaced by the Moonlight Menu, where some of the drinks prices are almost doubled. For around £15 you can sample a Pina Colada, served in a real pineapple; it might not be cheap but it's the best Pina Colada I've ever tasted.

The nice thing about Mahiki is that it doesn't have to be a full on hardcore club night. The venue opens at 5.30pm, so for a more chilled out evening you can arrive earlier for a bite to eat from the 'light bites' menu and take advantage of the cheaper cocktails on the Sunset Menu. Unlike many of London's more prestigious clubs, Mahiki operates an open door policy – no guestlist required, so if your visit is spontaneous you can still get in. Earlier is definitely better though as the club starts to reach capacity at around 11pm.

A night at Mahiki isn't going to be cheap, it is Mayfair after all. But if you've reached pay day, aren't afraid to splash a bit of cash, and fancy a fun, classy night out then it is definitely worth a visit. Who knows, you might even bump into a celebrity or two.

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