Post #770245 by uk_chris123 on Mon, Nov 14, 2016 5:17 AM

Just been to Trader Vics in London and thought I would update you on what's happening there as the last post seems to be a while ago. Went on a Saturday evening at around 6.30pm. A group of five people. We had pre booked for a meal in the restaurant. When we arrived it was not very busy, so we ordered drinks at the bar and I took the chance to have a good look around and took lots of photo's. Will not post as already lots of pics on the site. Staff were very friendly and the atmosphere was very good. I would definately pre book if you want a meal but OK to just walk in if having drinks or bar food. This would only apply if arriving early as you would not get in later without booking or are a resident at the Hotel. Door staff are big and very strict. Dress code is smart but casual (no trainers or tee shirts, and would not recommend a Hawaiian shirt as you would not get in and would look very out of place as nearly all the people in there do not really seem the slightest bit interested in Tiki). It is just another themed bar to most people. Throughout the evening I did not see another person who seemed slightly interested in the decor.

The decor is as to be expected and you will not be disappointed. The background music is Latin/Mexican and spoils the atmosphere completely. Our meal was very good and all waiting staff were excellent. The drinks were rather disappointing. We had five cocktails each throughout the evening and as already stated we were a party of five, so we gave the cocktail menu a good bashing. The drinks came in a variety of mugs, glasses and bowls so no complaints. The drinks all tasted quite different, but thats about it. About 80% of the drinks arrived with a straw, a chunk of floating lime and a sprig of mint. When ordering the same drink again it tasted completely different. I am not a heavy drinker by any means but after having five cocktails I walked out not feeling the effect of the drinks at all. Three decent cocktails is normally my limit.

The food and drinks are expensive but is to be expected when in Mayfair, London. Our bill for meals and five drinks eack came to £654.00 If you visit just for the TIKI appeal then I suggest you arrive early, preferably mid week and just have a drink, plus a bar meal, if you want to spend that little bit extra.

There is a diplay cabinet near the entrance of the bar with a really nice display of mugs coasters, bowls and lots of other items, but no prices on anything. It was obvious that they really were not interested in selling any items. I went to the bar near the restaurant which only opened later in the evening and asked the barman if they had any mugs for sale. He pointed to two at the far end of the bar and said you could buy those two if you wanted. I said how much and he looked puzzled and said £30 each. As I knew the evening was going to be expensive I said that was a bit too much for me. I said do you sell the Aloha Coconut mugs. He said yes, £20 each. I said Ok I will have one, and do you sell the Mai Tai glasses. Again he said yes £15 each. Again I said yes, I will have one. I spotted a jug of swizzle sticks at the back of the bar (none in your drinks) and asked if I could have one. He took out two and put them in the glass for me. At the same time another barman watching walked over and put two paddle stirrers in the glass, I was very impressed. He explained that they are told not to push the selling of mugs as that is not what they are really for and it is just an inconvenience for them to sell them. The barmen told me he would wrap the items and bring them to my table which he did in a carrier bag with a receipt.

We returned to the bar area after our meal and was found a table by the 'front of house' as the bar was really starting to get busy by now. At approx 9pm a female singer and man on guitar arrived in the other area of the bar and played very modern music, and the floor started to fill with people dancing. We stayed untill approx 11.30pm and by this time it had turned into a very very busy dancing and music bar. If this is what is needed to keep it open then I have no complaints.

I went to the bar to pay the bill and asked the waitress if I could have a couple of the 'drink mats' for my Tiki bar at home. She said sure and gave me a wad of them and then said hold on a minute and went under the bar and pulled out a Trader Vics ashtray, saying have this as we dont use them any more. (You are not allowed to smoke inside anywhere in the UK anymore apart from your own home). I paid the bill and gave her a decent tip. She gave me the ashtray and coasters and said 'here, quickly, put this in your bag' and gave me a drinks menu and bar food menu. I was over the moon..... (I know you wouldn't but I would not suggest trying to 'borrow' mugs and menu's as there are lots of staff about and lots of people in dark suits wandering around. Also many security cameras.)

So my trip to Trader Vics..... Very expensive, but the decor outstanding. Would I go there again, HELL YES...... I plan to go back soon... I'm regretting not buying those other mugs already.