Come All Ye Boozy Faithful: The Met Bar Ditches Its Members Only Policy

November 9, 2011 at 6:32 PM | by Heidi Atwal | Comments (0)

In many cases, the most exclusive hotel cocktail haunts (Bungalow 8, et al.) adhere to a hard and fast rule: If you're not on the list, don't bother sashaying up to the velvet rope, no matter how high your Louboutins. One of London's staple mixology lounges, however, has 86'ed the "Members Only" maxim in favor of a "come one, come all" approach to coincide with its recent reopening post-renovation.

1997, the year the Met Bar first opened its doors, seems like a lifetime ago to locals who've been supping on top shelf concoctions in its swanky climes for the past 15-plus years. So, what's new about the space, after its interior was auctioned off for a cool �5000 to make room for new chi chi adornments?

As it's mainly the menu we're concerned about, we'll cut right to the chase: the Met is sticking to classic British ambiance by way of their culinary and fancy drinks fare (ham hock, beef and Stilton pies, vintage champagne), but with a newfangled twist to match the updated decor. Expect seasonal foodstuffs and boozy tipples that will compete with the likes of some of the city's best cocktail-centric spaces, like those you'll find on Drink International's list of the World's Best Cocktail Bars.

Belly up to the Met Bar from Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 AM-2:00 AM and Sunday to Monday from 9:00 AM-Midnight for the chance to quaff sloe gin among sophisticated palates and maybe a few fast and loose familiar faces. But dress accordingly; just because there's an open door policy doesn't mean fanny packs and rumply polos that scream, "I'm an American tourist!" will suffice.

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