Nestled on the ground floor of Corinthia London, Velvet by Salvatore Calabrese is a haven of old-world charm. Designed by David Collins Studio, the interiors are rich in reds and royal blues, with plush velvet upholstery and dramatic lighting. Convex mirrors, commissioned artwork by Robson Stannard, and a central marble fireplace add to the bar’s glamorous ambiance, reminiscent of the early 20th century.

Upon entering Velvet, guests are greeted by the allure of a hidden bar, concealed behind thick velvet curtains. Once inside, a piano built into the bar top gives the room an unexpected focal point, within an otherwise comfortable and luxurious space. Beyond aesthetics, the working bar station – designed by Calabrese himself – has been built entirely with staff in mind, featuring shallow ice chests, garnish drawers and sinks designed to support a healthy posture during service.

The team here takes pride in offering a warm welcome, with guests served a special seasonal starter drink, available in both alcoholic and alcohol-free versions, alongside complimentary bar snacks.

The cocktail menu at Velvet blends timeless classics with modern creations, developed in collaboration between Calabrese and the bar team. With a focus on aged spirits such as cognac, rum and whiskey, the bar specialises in modern drinks served with a theatrical element, whether through unique glassware, garnishes or the preparation itself. Velvet also holds a notable champagne collection, featuring rare vintages and magnum options.

The team works hard on their in-house ingredients, many of which are prepared daily for freshness and crafted with precision using equipment in their back-of-house lab. Techniques such as freezing, clarification, centrifugation and gelification are used to create cocktails with varied textures and nuanced flavours, with close attention paid to measuring sugar and acidity levels throughout. This same attention to detail extends to the ice used in their drinks, which is crystal clear and branded with a V for Velvet or SC for Salvatore Calabrese.

Adding to the atmosphere are live music performances, held Tuesday through Saturday from 9pm to midnight. From jazz trios to funk and soul bands, resident musicians create energy from the small stage by the bar that complements the room’s sophisticated feel.

Outside of service, Velvet supports the charity Spread a Smile, which entertains sick children in hospitals and virtually in their homes across the UK. This has included hosting events, fundraising campaigns and direct donations, with members of the team also taking part in a half marathon in aid of the cause.