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A familiar space high above Columbus Circle has reopened with a new name and concept.
The Mandarin Oriental New York, located at 80 Columbus Circle, has debuted The Bar, a redesigned speakeasy on the hotel’s 35th floor. Formerly known as The Office, the venue once operated as an exclusive cocktail lounge under the Alinea Group, which also ran The Aviary before both spaces closed in 2020.
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The new iteration draws inspiration from the historic Silk Road trade routes, with a cocktail menu meant to evoke a global journey across Mandarin Oriental destinations. Signature drinks include:- Imperial Jasmine (Beijing): jasmine tea-infused baijiu with citrus tonic
- Siam Sunset (Bangkok): coconut, pineapple rum, and pineapple-pandan foam
- Serenissima (Venice): gin, Campari, lemon, basil, topped with prosecco
- Medina Mirage (Marrakech): Moroccan spices, white rum, and pomegranate
- Manhattan Spice (New York): a local nod featuring 12-year vintage rye and aromatic bitters
In addition to the destination-themed cocktails, The Bar serves a selection of champagnes, rare single malts, and premium spirits.
The 45-seat space combines elements of Mandarin Oriental’s Asian heritage with references to travel and maritime exploration. Décor includes vintage artifacts, nautical details, and leather-upholstered seating designed to create a sense of escapism.
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The venue is situated within the hotel’s Sky Lobby and is intended to be both a discovery for new guests and a familiar hideaway for returning ones.The Office and The Aviary originally opened in 2017 and closed in early 2020. According to previous reporting, the decision to shutter the bars had been made prior to the onset of the pandemic.
The Bar is now open at the Mandarin Oriental New York. Current hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
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