Luxury Travel Guide

  • CHRISTMAS
  • FATHER'S DAY
  • class="last"class="last">EASTER

  • CHRISTMAS
  • VALENTINE'S

  • class="last"class="last">AWARDS
     
    Home  >  After Hours  >  New York  >  Bemelmans Bar
     

    Bemelmans Bar, New York Review

    35 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021, USA
    Bemelmans Bar Review
     
    5 Star Rating
    Tags: New York, USA, Cocktail Bar reviewsThe Bill: £64 per head
     

    When someone mentions New York, there’s always one area that immediately springs to mind for us - the Upper East Side. An area that oozes glamour, sophistication and impeccable manners, the Upper East Side is home to many a praised hotel and restaurant, with the Carlyle being no exception. During a recent visit to the area, we decided to pay a visit for a drink and found ourselves in the wonderfully chic and intriguing space that is Bemelmans Bar, located inside the Carlyle Hotel.

    The Carlyle Hotel is a part of the Rosewood group - a selection of hotels we have come to know and love throughout the years. The Carlyle has been open since 1930, and due to its lengthy service, this institution has inevitably generated quite a crowd. With Rosewood offering elegance in abundance in everything they do, we knew Bemelmans was likely to be quite the hotspot, and we certainly were not disappointed.

    Named after Ludwig Bemelmans, the creator of the classic Madeline children’s book, Bemelmans makes for a lively spot complete with a sophisticated crowd and an impressive live music scene. With walls adorned with murals, there’s plenty to catch the eye in this establishment; second only to the impressive drinks menu.

    When we arrived, the first thing we were delighted to note was the pianist, who we came to learn tickles the ivories there most evenings. This understated yet undoubtedly classy background music makes for a wonderful atmosphere, and one that we instantaneously relaxed into. Once seated, we browsed the extensive and intriguing drinks menu.

    “Named after Ludwig Bemelmans, the creator of the classic Madeline children’s book, Bemelmans makes for a lively spot complete with a sophisticated crowd and an impressive live music scene.”

    First up, I chose the Tequila Manhattan, which saw a mix of Casamigos Anejo Tequila by George Clooney & Rande Gerber, Carpano Antica formula sweet vermouth and Angostura orange bitters. This was a punchy start, and an extremely enjoyable tipple. My partner chose the Pisco sour, consisting of Pisco 100, egg white, fresh lemon juice, angostura bitters and simple syrup. This refreshing drink was sharp yet sweet with just the right balance of aromatics.

    Next up, I chose the Passion Royale with passion fruit infused vodka, fresh lime juice, topped with champagne and served over crushed ice. This was a very fruity drink indeed, made all the more indulgent being topped with Champagne. My partner went for The Gin-Gin Mule, which saw Tanqueray mixed with ginger beer, muddled mint, fresh lime juice and simple syrup.

    Finally, I chose The Gillespie - Hudson Manhattan Rye Whiskey, fresh lime juice, rosemary & ginger syrup and ginger beer - for me, this was an exceptional finishing drink, and perhaps my favourite of the evening. My partner chose the Midnight express, which was a mix of Stolichnaya vanilla vodka, calvados, godiva liqueur, Kahula, grand Marnier and espresso coffee.

    We were highly impressed with the craftsmanship of the drinks at Bemelmans Bar. It’s obvious that each and every bartender has been expertly trained to deliver a wonderful drinking experience, and their skills were certainly not lost on us. We would highly recommend Bemelmans as an excellent choice of drinking establishment, should you find yourself in New York’s Upper East Side.

    Photos courtesy of Bemelmans Bar
    7 others are viewing this bar right now

    Social Share

    Linkedin RSS
     
    New York Hotels   New York Restaurants
     
     
    Service: 9reviews of Bemelmans BarLocation: 8Bemelmans Bar reviewsValue: 8Bemelmans BarStyle: 9Bemelmans Bar reviewQuality: 9
     
     
    Recent Reviews
     
    Seven Sins
    Seven Sins
    We put the spotlight on the industry's most recognisable faces in our new interview segment "Seven Sins". If you want to know what inspires the industry's movers and shakers or what your favourite food loving celebrity likes to indulge in then you'll find it in their Seven Sins.
     
    Tom Kerridge
    Chef, Restaurateur and Author
    Tom Kerridge Seven Sins
    Tom Kerridge, the award winning and celebrated chef brings a taste of culinary...
    Tom Kerridge
     
    Atul Kochhar
    Chef
    Atul Kochhar Seven Sins
    Chef Patron of the highly acclaimed Benares restaurant in London, Atul...
    Atul Kochhar
     
    Wolfgang Puck
    Celebrity Chef & Restaurateur
    Wolfgang Puck Seven Sins
    The name Wolfgang Puck is synonymous with the best of restaurant hospitality...
    Wolfgang Puck
     
    Raymond Blanc
    Chef Patron, Le Manoir
    Raymond Blanc Seven Sins
    Born in Besançon, France, in 1949, Raymond Blanc is acknowledged as one...
    Raymond Blanc
     
    Belstaff UK
     
    Popular Searches
    Los Angeles Modern European London Afternoon tea
    Hampshire Modern European Los Angeles Modern European
    London Afternoon tea Sydney Japanese
    Cardiff Casual Tokyo Sushi
     
    © The Critics Guide 2024 HomeHome AboutAbout Privacy & Cookie PolicyprivacyBlogblogTermsblogSocial Media TermstermsSitemapsitemapContact