With panoramic views straight onto the iconic Colosseum and Ludus Magnus gladiator school, The Court bar on the terrace of the five-star Palazzo Manfredi is a serious setting for enjoying cocktails in Italy’s capital city.

As you might expect, the team have leant into their surrounds and menus play homage to Rome’s culture, architecture and history with an experience that blends high-calibre mixology with elegantly theatrical presentation.

Its current menu, called ‘Fountains of Rome’, has taken inspiration from the over 2,000 fountains that call the city their home, from small to large, unknown to famous. A tasting concept encourages drinkers to follow a set menu of paired cocktails at the start of the menu, split into sections of Bitter & Aromatic, Bright & Refreshing, Spicy & Exotic and Martini Style & Advanced technique. Guests can also choose à la carte from the section that breaks the menu into specific fountains – Mascherone, Libri, Acqua Paula, Barcasccia – with a selection of cocktails that bring them to life.

The most popular cocktail on the menu currently is the Espressotini using redistilled Italian moca espresso, Altamura vodka, hazelnut and amaro, although we love the sound of the Cacio e Pepe Vesper using redistilled Pecorino Grey Goose vodka. Other fun ingredients like blue cheese, banana, artichoke, white chocolate and matcha, alongside techniques using rotovaps, centrifuges and vacuums elevate this experience to another level.

The bar itself features a centrepiece 7.5m long travertine counter which is flanked by three wrought-iron bottle racks that can hold up to 400 bottles. It makes for a rather impressive backbar worthy of the views nearby. Guests are also provided with warm blankets for cool evenings and refreshing towels in the hotter months to make their outdoor drinking experience as comfortable as possible.

The team is known for its professional but not overly stuffy service and knowledgeable team members are adept at providing guests with drinks recommendations and information on some of the more unusual ingredients on the menu. They also offer guests a welcome drink and snacks to mull over while they select their drinks. Ten percent of the tips staff are given each month for their excellent service is donated to a local charity too.

The team is also committed to its community, and offers its time twice a year. From cleaning the border of the river Tevere to park cleanup, this is a bar that takes service to a whole new level.