The view looking west from Galvin @ Windows on the 28th floor of the Park Lane Hilton

As you may have noticed from previous blog posts, I’m a sucker for a good view. As London becomes more built-up with more skyscrapers popping up, the skyline is constantly evolving with some buildings losing their good views altogether.

Cheers! Sip a French Lover or a Mojito

I finally had the opportunity to visit the Galvin at Windows cocktail bar at the Hilton Park Lane for a friend’s birthday this week. Situated on the 28th floor – with the Windows at Galvin restaurant next door – the views are awe-inspiring. To the south-west, you can see Hyde Park Corner, Albert Bridge and Battersea Power Station and to the north-east, the shining beacon of the BT Tower. The bar has floor to ceiling windows (hence the name Galvin at Windows) on two sides, with low-lighting and comfortable seating giving the space an intimate feel.

Although described as a cocktail bar, there is a wide range of other alcoholic drinks, including an extensive whisky collection. However, we had specially timed our visit for the bar’s ‘Blissful Hour’, a January offer for two-for-one cocktails between 5 until 7pm on Mondays and Tuesdays. Included in the offer were the popular Mojito, Cosmopolitan and Martini (very strong indeed!). Although I initially went for my personal favourite – the Mojito, I also tried the French Lover – Galvin’s own version of the Cosmopolitan, made with Grey Goose Vodka, grapefruit juice, Grand Marnier and Sweet & Sour. It was refreshing, sweet and delicious and it turned out to be the most popular order amongst us five women at my table. Outside the offer, the extensive cocktail list starts from £13.50, or if you’re detoxing, there is a selection of ‘mocktails’.

Overall, the service was attentive and friendly, and our seating was incredibly comfortable – it would have been quite easy to sit quaffing for hours. Although my group were saving ourselves for a dinner afterwards, there is a bar menu for those who feel a bit peckish. I would highly recommend the bar for a location to celebrate a special occasion. I’m looking forward to trying out the restaurant next door…

• Galvin at Windows cocktail bar, 22 Park Lane, Mayfair, W1K 1BE. Opening times: Mon-Wed 11am-1am, Thu-Fri 11am-3am, Sat 3pm-3am, Sun 11am-12am. Reservations highly recommended. Dress code: Smart casual, no sportswear. Nearest station: Hyde Park Corner. For more information, visit Galvin at Windows website.

Drink or eat? The cocktail bar is situated next door to the restaurant

For other bar/restaurants with very different views, read Metro Girl’s blog review on the Oxo Tower or Vertigo 42 Champagne Bar review.

Or if cocktails in a decadent setting appeal to you, check out our post on the Beaufort Bar at the Savoy Hotel.