Elegant hotel bar evokes its storied heritage – renowned for classic martinis and polished service
October 9th, 2017
Routinely rated among Tokyo’s finest bars since its 1961 inception at the Palace Hotel Tokyo, the Royal Bar today continues to evoke the heritage of its storied past. Totally rebuilt in 2012 on the same site overlooking the Imperial Palace Gardens, the new hotel features a refreshed iteration of the original Royal Bar, exuding the restrained elegance of it’s predecessor – with plush red leather bar seats face the stunning solid timber bar counter – salvaged from the original bar and faithfully restored. Dark timber panelling, parquet flooring and subdued lighting impart an atmosphere of luxurious respite – complementing the superb libations.
Under the thoughtful direction of internationally renowned chief bartender Manabu Ohtake (Diageo Reserve World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2011), the bar program pays appropriate respect to the famed martinis of the founding bartender Kiyoshi Imai – colloquially known as “Mr Martini” – with the recipe of his signature Dry Martini unchanged after 50+ years. Another original cocktail created in 1961 at the previous Royal Bar featuring on the current cocktail list is the Green Garden – a combination of green tea liqueur, Ketel One vodka, Maraschino liqueur, egg white and lemon juice that references the greenery of the adjacent Imperial Palace East Garden.
Contemporary cocktails by chief bartender Manabu Ohtake include his original creation from Spring 2017 – Sakura Martini – a unique expression of Japanese flavours in a martini-style drink showcasing local ingredients – the craft Japanese Gin ROKU; private-bottled premium Sake; sakura infused vinegar; Japanese Tea syrup and grapefruit bitters. In addition to the seasonally updated cocktail list, the Royal Bar offers an impressive collection of aged Scottish single malts and Japanese whiskies, while cigars are also available at the bar.
Opening hours at the Royal Bar – weekdays between 11:30 am and midnight – and weekends from 5:00 pm to midnight.
