Across Rocco Forte Hotels, four remarkable bars blur the line between gallery and gathering place. From Mayfair to Rome, each is rooted in place and available for private hire, shaped by the spirit of its city and the art that inspires it. From surrealist interiors to couture cocktail menus, these signature spaces are available for private hire, offering evocative settings for everything from intimate occasions to larger-scale events.
For a stylish soirée – The Donovan Bar
Step into the world of Terence Donovan - the epitome of provocative style. Designed by Olga Polizzi and Inge Moore, our Mayfair bar pays tribute to the iconic fashion photographer with sharp-lined interiors and a striking gallery of his portraits. Each year, Salvatore Calabrese and Federico Pavan reimagine the bar’s spirit through a new cocktail menu. The latest, Our Way, revives timeless classics with fresh ingredients and modern technique - think cucumber-peach Bellini, or a sea-inspired twist on Bond’s favourite Vesper. Just beyond the main space, the ‘naughty corner’ offers a more secluded setting for discreet conversations.
Capacity: 57 guests with full furnishings, or up to 80 standing with furniture removed
Enquiries: thedonovanbar@roccofortehotels.com
Director of Mixology, Federico Pavan
Without tradition, there can be no innovation
For a rebellious aperitivo – Bar Artemisia
Named after the trailblazing Baroque Master Artemisia Gentileschi, this intimate bar channels her artistic ferocity through expressive murals and bold cocktails. Here, the aperitivo becomes an art form - Salvatore Calabrese’s menu takes inspiration from Florence and the Tuscan landscape, using local elements such as truffle and leather in unexpected ways. Richly decorated with wood panelling and velvet banquets, the bar is perfect for creative gatherings set against the backdrop of a bespoke mural by Adam Ellis. At once evocative and irreverent, it echoes the spirit of Artemisia herself.
Capacity: Up to 25 guests for a standing reception
Enquiries: events.savoy@roccofortehotels.com
For an artistic reverie – Bar Magritte
This is not a bar. Or at least, not just a bar. Bar Magritte reimagines the spirit of Belgium’s most enigmatic artist through a surreal blend of jewel-toned interiors and cocktails that surprise with every sip. Designed by Olga Polizzi and DO Studio, the bar features striking elements including stained-glass windows, Magritte-inspired murals, and a long brass bar at centre stage. The menu - designed by Salvatore Calbrese - unfolds in two chapters - His Work and His World - the first featuring ten cocktails inspired by Magritte’s most iconic artworks, and the second reimagining ten classic drinks that would have been popular during his lifetime.
Capacity: 80 seated; up to 100 standing with high tables for full privatisation
Enquiries: dphilips@roccofortehotels.com
, Salvatore "Maestro" Calabrese
Magritte gave us so much inspiration to draw from, crafting these cocktails was a fun and playful task of pushing boundaries.
For al fresco elegance – Aquazzura Bar
In the enchanting Secret Garden of Hotel de Russie, Aquazzura Bar is Rome’s most refined ode to tequila - elegant, playful yet unmistakably Italian. Created by Edgardo Osorio, founder of the luxury footwear brand Aquazzura, and Lydia Forte, the bar distils Italian elegance through a couture lens - hand-painted lemon tiles, lush fabrics, and beautifully crafted cocktails that feature a range of hand-selected tequilas and mezcals. Chef Fulvio Pierangelini adds Latin flair to a menu of small plates such as beef tacos with ajo blanco, grilled octopus in chimichurri, and crispy potatoes crowned with caviar - best served with garden views.
Capacity: Up to 35 guests for a standing reception
Enquiries: events.derussie@roccofortehotels.com
You may also like
The Future of AI
For hospitality, understanding the balance between automated assistance and the human touch is crucial in an industry that so relies on personal interaction. Rohit’s message was clear: AI isn't out to replace humans, but hoteliers who understand and leverage AI tools for efficiency and effectiveness will thrive, while those who don't may struggle.
The Future of Human Sustainability
The events industry thrives on passion, but at what cost to our wellbeing? This was the question that Mike Ford, founder of Grateful Lemon and champion of human sustainability, posed during the Rocco Forte Hotels 2025 Meetings & Events Showcase.
What’s New at Verdura Resort
On Sicily’s southern coast, Verdura Resort looks toward summer. Languid, dreamy days followed by sun-warmed evenings. This season, with new restaurants and reimagined spaces, there’s even more to explore.