Ever wondered how it would feel to dine amongst the Romans and Greeks during a Bacchanalian feast? The answer is closer than you may think at Apollo’s Muse in Mayfair.
If there’s anyone to ever know what it means to feast, it’s the god of wine, agriculture, and fertility, and namesake of Bacchanalian feasts: Bacchus. Located on Mount Street, the covetable Bacchanalia has already attested its status among the stars, allowing Londoners to dine amongst priceless artworks by Damien Hirst. But the fun doesn’t finish at the end of the bar. Instead, this is where a different scale of partying begins, as you step through an inconspicuous door to the exclusive cocktail lounge, Apollo’s Muse, where decadence sings through in full volume at this electric Mayfair cocktail lounge.
With the festive season fast approaching, do you have a work party to plan, a birthday to celebrate, or an anniversary coming up? Celebrate at Apollo’s Muse: a spot fit for the Gods and steeped in ancient history.
Let Apollo’s Muse show you how to party in style.
The Space
“If the Vatican had a bar, this would be it” art curator of Apollo’s Muse, Simon Morris accurately describes. Generous in space and design, this lounge offers a maximalism that knows no bounds.
Drenched in ornately-crafted marble, floor to ceiling, every inch of the bar lounge vies for your attention the moment you step foot inside. Fourteen different marbles come into play here, as “the room showcases a plethora of masonry skills such as marquetry, micro mosaic and hand carving in the floors, walls and bar, with a gilded and coffered plasterwork ceiling.”
Inspired by the Admirable Gallery at Villa Albani in Rome which houses one of the greatest private collection of ancient sculptures, here over 32 historical objects have been selected from Richard Caring’s own private collection. “The oldest piece is a Greek funerary stele dating back to 400BC which is approximately 2,400 years old. To put that into context, it’s around 300 years before Cleopatra ruled Egypt.” The focal point at the far wall as you enter Apollo’s Muse is the impressively-large statue believed to be Clio the Muse of History, “only a baby at 1800 years old,” Simon jokes.
From the rich velvet seating to the coffered ceilings, the interiors are as intoxicating as a Bacchanalian feast itself.
There’s ample space to lounge and drink here as you please, whether at the marble bar or in one of the intimate lounge spaces. “I personally love the “Snug” as it’s so intimate and you are surrounded by important people from history like Homer (credited as the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey), John Dryden (England’s first Poet Laureate & translator of Homer into English) and from Mythology; Zeus, Hera, Hebe and a Nymph (based on Venus Genetrix) which was voted the most beautiful of all sculptures at Bacchanalia” Simon explains.
On The Menu
The signature cocktail menu at Apollo’s Muse is as intricate and exciting as the venue itself with four pages of cocktails you’re sure to not have enjoyed before. Unique flavour palettes define the list, from Euphoria with Grey Goose Orange Vodka, kumquat, sea buckthorn, vanilla, and almond, or the regal Parthenon with Seedlip Grove 42, Kombu, grapes, and olive essence set to whisk you away sip-by-sip to the Grecian temple. Staying true to Bacchanalia’s namesake Bacchus, a generous wine list is available too, including French champagne, white wine from Greece, Italian reds, and sweet wines too.Night to night, Apollo’s Muse offers an exciting menu of bar snacks only, where the Sea Bream Carpaccio, Greek Fried Potatoes, and Arancini sing through as highlights.
Apollo’s Muse is also available for hire to host bigger events, as well as the private dining room Artemis, seating up to 20. For these special occasions, a larger menu of family-style feasting plates of Greek and Italian dishes are available, designed by executive chef Athinagoras Kostakos.
How To Celebrate
Apollo’s Muse accommodates 40 people seated or 100 standing. So, gather your friends and start the celebrations. Alternatively, stop the search for your next work event venue – the answer is sure to be Apollo’s Muse.
The Dress Code
Dress to impress. Bring out your finery – have a designer number hanging in your wardrobe waiting for its moment or heirloom jewels to wear? The servers here are decked in white togas with gold accessories, so a little role-play won’t go amiss. Let nothing hold you back – the Romans and the Greeks certainly didn’t.
All photo credit: Apollo’s Muse by Johnny Stephens
We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Any Questions or Tips to add?