Manetta’s Bar

Tucked beneath the elegant Flemings Hotel on Half Moon Street, Manetta’s Bar is a seductive throwback to a bygone age of glamour, intrigue, and whispered conversation. Stepping down a discreet flight of stairs, you enter a dimly lit lounge where Art Deco elegance meets a clandestine mood. Velvet seating, rich jewel tones, polished rose-gold accents, mirrored surfaces, and moody lighting all converge to create a sensual, enveloping space. Portraits of writers and artists line the walls, reinforcing Manetta’s deep connection to the literary past. The cocktail menu leans inventive yet sophisticated. Signatures like Lost Generation, a Talisker Manhattan, or They Do It With Mirrors (a tequila-lavender-zinfandel twist) epitomize the bar’s balance of classic structure and daring flavor. Snacks and bar bites — such as sea bass ceviche or mushroom arancini — accompany drinks, offering a thoughtful pairing without turning into a full dining affair. The bar exudes an aura of secrecy: it was once a haunt of writers, spies, and the intellectually curious. In fact, Agatha Christie set her novel At Bertram’s Hotel in a thinly disguised Flemings, and rumors have long swirled of wartime espionage whispered over its counters. That legacy enhances the sense that you’re entering a space layered with stories. Though intimate, Manetta’s doesn’t feel cramped. The layout allows for quiet corners even as the bar hums. Service tends to be polished and attentive; patrons often praise staff for flair, friendliness, and drink craftsmanship. Cocktails start in the mid-£16 range (plus a service charge), placing it firmly in the premium bracket for London hotel bars. While it’s not a full restaurant, the bar menu and small bites elevate the experience beyond pure drinking. In short: Manetta’s is a sophisticated secret — a cocktail bar that blends heritage, literary resonance, and design elegance into a quietly powerful experience. Whether you arrive solo, for conversation, or a special night out, it rewards those who appreciate detail, ambiance, and a drink made with intention.