The Donovan Bar unveils new menu 'Our Way' celebrating craft, character and continuity
- Epicurean Life
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The Donovan Bar at Brown’s Hotel — a pillar of Mayfair’s cocktail culture — unveiled its latest menu: Our Way. Far from a reinvention, this collection celebrates the bar’s essence, guided by the timeless expertise of cocktail maestro Salvatore Calabrese and the contemporary precision of Director of Mixology Federico Pavan and his talented team.
Rooted in classic mixology tradition yet re-imagined with modern finesse, Our Way reflects the spirit of the Donovan Bar, where heritage meets creativity not in opposition in perfect harmony. This new menu is not about radical change, but rather a refined expression of the bar’s signature style and expertise: elegant simplicity, consistent excellence, and a deep respect for the craft and flavours. Drawing inspiration from the most iconic classic cocktails, each of the thirteen new serves reimagines familiar favourites with meticulous attention to detail. From thoughtful ingredient selection to precise technique, every element reflects a philosophy built on care, confidence and consistency. This is mixology not for show, but for substance.
Take the Marimo Martini, a Vesper-inspired serve with a dry, mineral edge and a subtle seaweed infusion — a crisp nod to Bond, but made unmistakably Donovan. Or the Bellini Colada, a Venetian aperitivo with extra refreshment in a textural twist finished with frozen cucumber freshness. Flavour leads every decision. Presentation is elegant but understated. The menu itself, designed to echo a bartender’s notebook, features sketches and notes that reveal the creative process behind each drink — a quiet homage to the thinking, testing, and refining that defines the Donovan team’s work.
Cocktail names hint at their origins while offering a glimpse into their Donovan evolution. The Eau de Martinez blends Seventy One Gin, Don Julio 1942 Tequila, Rinomato Americano Bianco, PX Sherry and a whisper of patchouli for a spirit-forward, herbaceous experience. The Margarita Blush introduces a magenta hue and a modern trio of mezcal, bergamot and purple carrot. Meanwhile, the dessert-like Tarte Old Fashioned channels the sweet savoury magic of ricotta, pear, and porcini bitters.
As Calabrese himself puts it: “This menu is all about refinement, not reinvention. It’s not about being the most extravagant — it’s about being the most consistent. At The Donovan Bar, we want every guest to know that whatever they order, it will be made beautifully, expertly, and with the same care we put into making their experience with us impeccable. That’s Our Way.”
Our Way is more than a menu — it’s a statement. It reaffirms the identity of The Donovan Bar: rooted in the soul of Brown’s Hotel, shaped by Salvatore’s legacy, and expressed daily through the dedication and creativity of Federico and the team. Every sip is proof that true innovation lies not in chasing trends, but in mastering the timeless.
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