The Waldorf Hilton in Aldwych, London, has welcomed the opening of the Parrot, a new cocktail bar.

Set just off the main street, with a separate entrance to the hotel, the 60-seat location is a collaboration between actor, DJ and producer Idris Elba and identical twin brothers Lee and Nicky Caulfield.

The brothers own the luxury alcoholic alcohol brand, Cheers.

Visitors can expect a whole host of A-list surprises, from a hidden cocktail menu to regular, unannounced secret shows and an exclusive guest list. 

Built in 1908, the Waldorf has been at the heart of London’s bustling theatreland for over a century – a heritage the Parrot hopes to perpetuate.

The bar will utilise the co-founders’ numerous connections to play host to an array of completely unannounced secret shows, from the stars of stage and screen to the next big thing, and regular DJ sets from Idris himself.

Waldorf Hilton general manager, Guy Hilton, said: “The Parrot was a natural move for us, building on the history of the Waldorf as an entertainment hub nestled between five major West-End theatres.

“In 1908, the hotel was the vision of theatrical impresario, Edward Sanders and has since seen the entertainment offering grow through the ages, from teaching London to Tango in the 1920s to introducing a house orchestra and hosting glittering champagne receptions.

“Opening its doors to legends such as Sir Laurence Olivier and Dame Julie Andrews, we wanted to grow the star quality even more through the launch of the Parrot.”

The space is a creative collaboration between the hotel and the co-founders, who were inspired by the history of the building and, particularly, the exoticism of its historic Palm Court.

Inside the low-lit bar the air is of a secretive boudoir, with chatting couples huddled in darkened corners.

The ‘parrot’ them is really driven home, with mock birds lining the walls, virtually every drink given an avian name and faux-feather tiles lining the bar – they really have gone all out.

The velvet seating in rich turquoise and midnight blue alongside on-trend metallic and rattan detailing draw on the opulence of the historic hotel.

Hilton added: “Working closely with entertainment experts Lee and Nicky Caulfield, we have embarked on a partnership to draw on the exotic inspiration of the tropically-designed Palm Court which is where we have traditionally hosted entertainment-filled events.

“The range of music, theatre and comedy acts the Parrot will promise is an exciting move for us which naturally pays homage to the glittering heritage of the hotel.”

The Parrot’s cocktail menu will offer an eclectic choice of bespoke mixed drinks, created exclusively by head mixologist and manager Daniele Panzanaro.

Each glass has been inspired by a different member of the Parrot family, utilising premium spirits to offer unique twists on classic tropical cocktails to wow with every sip.

From the short, sharp Parakeet - made with Maker’s Mark bourbon, Wray & Nephew rum, banana essence and white Peruvian pepper - to the long and tropical Crimson Rosella - an creative mix of Seven Hills, Pimento Dram spice liqueur, Cranberry juice, vanilla syrup & lemon juice – visitors to the Parrot will find something for everyone on the creative menu.

Speaking to Breaking Travel News, Panzanaro told us the aim was for the bar to deliver quality, at speed.

With Radio and the famous American Bar at the Savoy just across the street, the Parrot is certainly in a competitive area, he adds, and service will be paramount.

In a nice flourish, the Parrot will also be the first bar in London to offer its own chauffeur-driven car.

An Aston Martin has been branded with the Parrot logo, allowing VIP guests to arrive and leave in unrivalled luxury and will be fully stocked with menus for pre-ordering food and drinks to be ready on arrival.

More Information

Find out more about visit the Parrot on the official website.