Malibu Cocktails at Trader Vic’s
Trader Vic’s in the Hilton on Park Lane is an institution, roughly the same age as I am (although I can’t claim to be an institution!). I do remember being wildly jealous of a friend of mine who got taken there when we were about 17 in 1979 (no ID checks in those days) as it was the height of sophistication to be treated to cocktails uptown. I seem to recall that it was then situated at the top of the Hilton where Galvin at Windows now resides, and my mother thinks the same, although no-one on the night we visited seemed to think that it had been anywhere other than its current location. It’s now to be found downstairs in what is actually quite a large space, but through careful zoning is made to feel very intimate.
This summer Trader Vic’s is collaborating with Malibu to bring together a new cocktail and paired food menu and is holding nights with live music and manicures. We were carefully tutored by the barman in the art of the perfect Malibu Pina Colada, 3 parts pineapple, coconut cream to taste, a scoop of ice, 2 parts Malibu, and then shake!
Luckily for us, it wasn’t all DIY! We sampled some of the food prepared in the Chinese wood ovens; Trader Vic’s original 1972 recipe spare ribs, crab Rangoon (my favourite) and golden fried cheese balls.
As we ate, a Cuban style three-piece band provided the musical entertainment. After a few more cocktails we were starting to get into the mood for a dance! (We refrained, but were told it frequently happens).
I thought that the prices for the cocktails were reasonable for the location and good value when combined with the food pairing suggestions. This was a bar that as a woman travelling alone, I would be more than comfortable to go into on my own – and that’s not always the case with bars within hotels.
The next Party Paradise with music is 28th July. The next beauty nights where you can get a manicure are 29th July and 5th August.
To RSVP email tradervics.parklane@hilton.com or call 020 7208 4113
I love the cocktails. I love the food. It was an insanely great place in Beverly Hills . Unfortunately it no longer exists unless my google search is wrong. The place is/was phenomenal! Congrats on experiencing TIKI-land.. and the tiki theme of the restaurant!