[title]
The Waldorf Astoria London is arguably the capital’s most hotly anticipated hotel opening of the past few years. Mostly because it will be the first hotel inside the magnificent Grade I-listed Admiralty Arch, but also because it’s set to be an incredible fine dining and drinking destination with restaurants from Michelin-starred chefs Clare Smyth and Daniel Boulud, plus whisky and cocktail bars. Now, a third venue has been added to the lineup.
Inception Group, the same people behind bars like Mr Fogg’s and Cahoots, will open The Admiral’s Mess at the venue. Spanning 2,400 square feet, the new ‘immersive’ bar will have a 60-seat capacity. It’ll offer guests the opportunity to ‘discover something distinctive and unexpected’. And that’s about all we know so far.
The group has a history of creating quirky drinking dens. Cahoots in Soho, for example, is themed all around our beloved London Underground with a ‘train guard’ actor on the door. And Bunga90, one of its newest openings, is a 1990s-themed adult playground with karaoke in the toilet lobby. If those are anything to go by, we’re sure that The Admiral’s Mess won’t take itself too seriously, either.
Charlie Gilkes, co-founder of Inception Group, said: ‘We are honoured to have the opportunity to open within such an iconic London location and are excited to have created a totally unique concept fitting for such a historic site.’
The Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch is billed to open in autumn 2026.
🍸 The best bars in London, according to Time Out.
ICYMI: John Lewis has unveiled a first-of-its-kind restaurant in London.
Plus: A controversial new bar is set to open on the site of the Hatton Garden jewellery heist.
Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.