The Connaught Bar Shares the Secret Behind The World's Best Martini
"Housed in a Mayfair hotel and led since 2008 by Agostino “Ago” Perrone, this hotel bar is famed for a signature Martini and a choreographed tableside service performed from a glossy black Martini trolley; the ritual typically takes about five minutes per guest and is designed to make the guest the protagonist of the moment. The team — many originally from Italy and including Giorgio Bargiani and former bar manager Maura Milia — balances technical precision with theatrical, subtly elegant hospitality, focusing on body language, timing, and guest interaction. Service includes an array of five house-made bitters presented on scent cards so guests can choose an aromatic accent, with the bitters added directly to the serving glass to bloom rather than being mixed; the proprietary Dr. Ago’s bitters feature ginseng and bergamot. A bespoke vermouth assemblage (extra dry, dry floral, and bianco) provides a consistent, chocolate-tinged support to the spirit in a typical 5:1 ratio, while other longtime menu items such as a Bloody Mary topped with celery foam remain staples. The bar’s exacting approach and creativity have been documented in the team’s recent book of recipes and history, and have helped the venue earn numerous industry accolades and staff awards, reinforcing its reputation for meticulous, guest-focused cocktails and memorable theatrical service." - Prairie Rose
