The Aubrey London, a remarkable new drinking and dining space, opens this week in Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. Replacing Bar Boulud, The Aubrey London, as with its Hong Kong counterpart, is described as ‘an eccentric Izakaya’ and features two distinctive bar experiences with accompanying Japanese cuisine. It is the first UK venture of Hong Kong-based multi award-winning international restaurant group, Maximal Concepts, who have partnered with Mandarin Oriental in both Hong Kong and London.
Drinks lie at the heart of the izakaya, with signature and seasonal cocktails created by Bar Director, Pietro Rizzo and overseen by Maximal Concepts in Hong Kong where The Aubrey Hong Kong opened in 2021 on the 25/F of the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong.
(Hong Kong, 28 January 2022): The Aubrey London, a remarkable new drinking and dining space, opens this week in Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. Replacing Bar Boulud, The Aubrey London, as with its Hong Kong counterpart, is described as ‘an eccentric Izakaya’ and features two distinctive bar experiences with accompanying Japanese cuisine. It is the first UK venture of Hong Kong-based multi award-winning international restaurant group, Maximal Concepts, who have partnered with Mandarin Oriental in both Hong Kong and London.
Drinks lie at the heart of the izakaya, with signature and seasonal cocktails created by Bar Director, Pietro Rizzo and overseen by Maximal Concepts in Hong Kong where The Aubrey Hong Kong opened in 2021 on the 25/F of the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong.
With a focus on Sake, varieties come from emerging breweries as well as rare and unusual releases for those more familiar with Japan’s national drink, such as Masumi - a sparkling Sake - and Sohomare. A wide range of Japanese premium spirits are used in creative cocktails such as The Black Cat (Ki No Bi Gin, Yuzu Liqueur, Tonic Reduction) and Torii (Rice Shochu, Homemade Grapefruit Soda). The space will feature the city’s first omakase cocktail bar, guests will enjoy the bartenders’ expert creations and extensive collection of rare spirits, as they craft a personal experience, so often a feature in Japanese restaurants.
The food menu draws on the classical techniques of Edomae sushi, Tempura and Robata, and the overall experience is an interpretation of the philosophy of a traditional izakaya. Guests can enjoy small dishes designed for sharing, with expert drink pairings in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere, served to the soundtrack of Japanese trap music, capturing the energy of a night out in Ginza. Japanese Oysters and The Aubrey’s own-label Caviar start the menu, along with interesting bar snacks such as Charcoal Chicken Karaage with yuzu mayo or Crab Korokke with tonyu béchamel and kani miso. Edomae Sushi and Sashimi, Tempura and small plates including the decadent Wagyu Sando lead to dishes on the Robata grill, where premium cuts of Iberico Pork and Saikyo Sablefish are expertly cooked over hot coals. Japanese patisserie and desserts include White Miso Soufflé and Black Sesame Cheesecake with citrus marshmallow. Lunch is served daily, centred around the bento box.
Maximal Concepts are best known for their strong design-led restaurants and the collaboration with interior designer Brady Williams delivers a beautiful space. The walls are layered with art inspired by the Japonisme movement, perfectly set within the warm hues of gold, green, plum, and pink that embellish the space. A labyrinth of velvet, marble, and wood set the scene for two bars, intimate corners, and rooms to be discovered - a home-away-from-home. Plush spaces glowing with ambient lights include a library, the salon and curio lounge, each designed to suit a variety of entertainment occasions with music and cocktails continuing until late.
Art is a key element of the design and pays respect to the timeless elegance and expression of the Japonisme movement, and in particular, the 19th century British artist and illustrator, Aubrey Beardsley, whose name inspired the venue.
The overall concept for the sound of The Aubrey is that of a listening bar – a Tokyo Izakaya that takes inspiration from the eclectic music style of David Mancuso’s loft parties, that came to prominence in in the 70s and 80s. Underplayed gems from the past of styles like funk and disco, sit next to more contemporary playlists.
“Malcolm, Xuan and I are thrilled to bring The Aubrey to London with our Mandarin Oriental partners. Japan is so rich in culture and food. We wanted to try to capture the eccentricity and genius behind so many of our favourite experiences. We feel the Izakaya has many parallels with the English pub. The Aubrey is our interpretation. We hope both Londoners and visitors to the city treat it as an extension of their home and let us host them with incredible food, abundant drinks and even better company.” said Matt Reid, co-founder of Maximal Concepts.
Torsten van Dullemen, General Manager and Area Vice President, Operations at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London adds, “We are excited to be further enhancing our range of culinary offerings at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, by partnering with Maximal Concepts to introduce The Aubrey to London, which we are sure will become one of the city’s most imaginative and innovative hospitality destinations. My colleagues and I are committed to delivering bespoke culinary delights and service excellence, and very much look forward to welcoming our fans to this latest addition to the Knightsbridge neighbourhood.”
The Aubrey London is the UK debut from Maximal Concepts: The Hong Kong based group headed by Malcolm Wood, Xuan Mu and Matt Reid. The group has been responsible for opening award-winning restaurants including the renowned Mott 32, John Anthony, Sip Song, Limewood, the original Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, and many more.
Note to editors:
Address: Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
66 Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7LA
Opening Hours:
Friday 28th – Saturday 29th: Dinner 6pm – 10:30pm, Bar 5pm – midnight
Monday – Wednesday: Dinner 6pm – 10pm, Bar 5pm – midnight
Thursday – Saturday: Dinner 6pm – 10:30pm, Bar 5pm – 1am
Website: https://www.mandarinoriental.com/london/hyde-park/fine-dining/japanese-izakaua/the-aubrey
Instagram: @theaubreylondon
Facebook: facebook.com/theaubrey_london
For media collaterals and high-res imagery please click here
About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences. Having grown from its Asian roots into a global brand, the Group now operates 33 hotels and seven residences in 23 countries and territories, with each property reflecting the Group’s oriental heritage and unique sense of place. Mandarin Oriental has a strong pipeline of hotels and residences under development and is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group. Photography of Mandarin Oriental is available to download in the Photo Library of our Media section, at www.mandarinoriental.com. Further information is also available on our Social Media channels.
About Maximal Concepts
Maximal Concepts is an international restaurant group based in Hong Kong, helmed by Malcolm Wood, Xuan Mu and Matt Reid. Since 2012, the group has been responsible for opening award-winning F&B concepts in Hong Kong and beyond, including Mott 32, John Anthony, Sip Song, Limewood and many more. The group most recently partnered with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to open The Aubrey in February 2021 on the 25th floor of Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
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For further information, please contact:
Companion Communications, Hong Kong
Alex Berry: Alex@companioncommunications.com
Dominique Backhouse: Dominique@companioncommunications.com
Corporate Office: Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London:
Shevaun Leach (shevaunl@mohg.com) Karn Puntuhong (karn@mohg.com)
Vice President, Marketing Communications Director of Marketing Communications
Tel: +852 2895 9286 Tel: +44 207 201 3609