Dandelyan, in Sea Containers Hotel on the South Bank of the river Thames in London, was an innovative cocktail bar from Ryan Chetiyawardana – Mr Lyan.
For decades, the south bank of the Thames was seen as the poor cousin of the north side from Westminster to the City. Though always lively, it had lacked the investment of the West End, City and Canary Wharf. In recent years that has changed apace and established South Bank attractions like Borough Market and the Globe Theatre have welcomed the influx of restaurants, bars and hotels making the area a thriving destination in its own right.
The 2014 conversion of Sea Containers House – originally designed by American Modernist architect Warren Platner in 1974 as a luxury hotel but used instead as offices – into the Mondrian hotel, marked a new phase of investment in the area. This was the setting – some would say bold – for Dandelyan, a cocktail bar with stellar ambitions, to stake its claim. Warmly welcomed and highly regarded, it rapidly established itself as the standout cocktail bar south of the river. Swiftly gaining acclaim and global recognition it rocketed up the charts.
Dandelyan pioneered a botanical approach to cocktail making, interesting flavor profiles, vegetals, amazing garnishes, re-imaginings of the familar.
The Nitrate Manhattan reimagined the popular rye and vermouth stalwart.
Not a cocktail to take lightly, with Tequila and Talisker powering the mix instead of rye whisky.
A smoky turbo-charged melange with bitter savoury notes, and lanolin adding texture.
In 2019, in a neighbourhood that was then becoming known for rebirth and redevelopment, shortly after receiving the accolade of being the world’s Best Cocktail Bar, Mr Lyan announced that Dandelyan would be closing to be replaced with a new concept. Days later Dandelyan topped the list of the Worlds Best Bars for 2018.
Was it a good decision to close Dandelyan?
Lyanesse, that new concept, has recently been named the first-ever 3 PIN bar, awarded by The Pinnacle Guide to recognise the world’s best cocktail bars. So Mr Lyan must be doing something right. 😉
If you’re checking it out, tell them Ricky sent you.
😎🥃🍸
