Last Updated on April 27, 2025
A Soiree of Opulence and Intrigue at 40 Elephants Bar
The Great Scotland Yard Hotel stands proudly upon the historical grounds that once housed the Metropolitan Police’s former headquarters, a venerable epicentre of law and order within London’s City of Westminster. This handsome Edwardian building, which was built in 1829, is positioned in a prime location between the bustling thoroughfares of Whitehall and Northumberland Avenue. As I strolled along the narrow street, my mind conjured up the vibrant history of Scotland Yard. The scent of the nearby stables, possibly still home to police horses, added to the historical ambience.
This luxurious 5-star hotel is part of the Unbound Collection by Hyatt, it has been meticulously reimagined, with its rich history and captivating tales seamlessly blending with its contemporary opulence. The hotel’s storied past comes alive as you walk through its hallways. Sarah Percy-Davis, an art consultant, has skilfully curated over 600 custom-made paintings and artefacts throughout the property. Many of these pieces pay homage to the Metropolitan Police or offer creative interpretations of the notorious criminals who left their mark on this building and its surroundings.
I had come to visit the 40 Elephants Bar which is situated in the heart of the Hotel, the bar draws its inspiration from the allure and tales of the infamous all-female gang known as ‘The Forty Elephants.’ The women’s name derived from working alongside the all-male ‘Elephant and Castle’ gang, who were responsible for some of Britain’s largest shoplifting operations between the 1870s and the 1950s. Guided by the charismatic Alice Diamond, this gang specialised in targeting high-end fashion and jewellery boutiques, successfully pilfering thousands of pounds worth of the most exquisite clothing, furs, silks, and diamonds. Frequently portrayed in the media as ‘good-looking, well-dressed women having a fine stature’, they possessed an innate understanding of the impact that style could have on their prospects of success. Under Alice’s influence, ‘The Forty Elephants’ earned a reputation for their opulent and extravagant attire, using their ill-gotten gains to host extravagant parties and sustain their lavish lifestyles.
The decadent cocktail bar has a glamourous 1920s feel, with witty references to the criminal’s activities. The décor boasts a swishy marble black and white tiled floor, port holes and illuminated glass etchings of the 40 gang members lining the walls, cosy corners with maroon banquettes, glass-topped tables displaying items from their thefts and at the centre of the bar is a fabulous statement contemporary chandelier, made of broken shards of glass.
The bar’s beverages are influenced by the timeless recipes found in William Terrington’s “Cooling Cups and Fine Drinks,” a book dating back to 1869 and regarded as the oldest tome on British cocktails. This discovery inspired the team to curate a menu of cocktails, each named after a compelling story associated with the notorious 40 Elephants gang. Their innovative cocktail menu falls into three different categories, Glamorous Mugshot Stories, Old Criminal Masterpieces and Non-Alcoholic Drinks, and there is a choice of wines, spirits and local crafted beers.
I kicked off the evening with an old favourite with a twist; the ‘Six Cylinders Martini’ was crafted with the smooth sophistication of Belvedere vodka, the crisp notes of Belsazar dry vermouth, with the intriguing mix of Mexican cedrón-infused hemp oil, and a dash of gentian bitters creating good acidity.
My companion’s ‘Bee the Queen’, was mixed with Ketel One vodka, jasmine, grapefruit, spiced honey, ginger bitters and Veuve Clicquot champagne; the warm, honeyed notes beautifully contrasting with the zesty grapefruit which was complemented by the sheer elegance of the champagne.
If you’re feeling peckish the bar also offers a selection of light bar snacks including sweetcorn and onion pakora, king prawn, avocado and tomato salsa tostadas, steak and ale rissóis, hummus and flatbread as well as larger meals – including club sandwiches and butter chicken and beef burgers. I recommend the beef burger, mine was fat and juicy, topped with crispy bacon, and melted cheese, served with perfectly cooked chips.
As we were living decadently, we followed with another cocktail, my ‘Stolen Ruby’ was an eye-catching red colour, smoky and mysterious, with Casamigos Joven mezcal, paired with the intriguing notes of Italicus and champagne cordial, all beautifully softened by the sweet embrace of hibiscus. My companion’s Suspicious Ladies was a refreshing green fizz, made with a glorious blend of Don Julio Anejo tequila, Manzanilla sherry, violet liqueur, a touch of Grand Marnier, a hint of agave sweetness, and a gentle effervescence from soda, all elevated by the subtle intrigue of Burlesque bitters.
if you are a discerning cocktail drinker, who appreciates elegance and style with a bit of history thrown into the mix, look no further than the 40 Elephants Bar at the Great Scotland Yard Hotel.
40 Elephants Bar
3-5 Great Scotland Yard,
London SW1A 2HN
To celebrate London Fashion Week, 5* Great Scotland Yard Hotel has partnered with Emily Carter, a British designer based in London, specialising in hand-illustrated silk accessories and interiors. From Friday 15th – Tuesday 29th September, guests can enjoy a ‘Silken Elegance’ cocktail for £18 and upgrade the cocktail to a ‘Luxe Edition’ for £90, to take home their own stunning Emily Carter Twilly Scarf
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