Five-star luxury hotel, Le Meridien Piccadilly, pays homage to a pair of the early 20th century’s most celebrated magicians – John Nevil Maskelyne and George Alfred Cooke – with the launch of its new cocktail bar.
Set on the lower ground floor of the Meridien – and not far from where these turn of the century illusionists once astounded audiences at Egyptian Hall – the Maskelyne & Cooke bar features a cocktail menu that recalls the charms and mysteries associated with attending a show with Maskelyne & Cooke at the top of the bill as well as live up-close performances four nights a week by some of contemporary London’s top magicians.
Invited to last week’s press night by magician Tony “Sonic” Middleton, I had a fantastic evening admiring Tony’s sleight of hand and that of the two other roving magicians, Dominick Zwolinski and Laura London. All three amused and dumbfounded me with their tricks.
Drinks also enchanted. I especially enjoyed the Whistle Blower (mezcal, lemongrass and ginger syrup, pineapple and lime, £14) and Napoleon’s Carriage (Amaretto, Cognac, Kahlua, £15).
Bar snacks were tasty and service was polite and swift during my visit.
Live at-table magic is performed every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday evening.
Maskelyne & Cook is located at Le Meridien Piccadilly, 21 Piccadilly, W1J 0BH. To make a reservation or find out more go to maskelyneandcooke.co.uk.
Hear more about Maskelyne & Cook and the concept behind it in Listen to my podcast interview with Tony Middleton for more details about the concept behind the bar.
