A chic, contemporary cocktail bar and vibrant live music venue
September 10th, 2012
A class act on the Manila nightlife scene since opening in 2007, Martinis Bar at Mandarin Oriental Manila serves up both sumptuous cocktails, as well as nightly ( except Sundays) live music performances by many of Manila’s renowned local artistes. Martinis is a good looking bar- with a sleek and stylish contemporary decor that exudes understated elegance and sophistication. The venue seamlessly blends together three sections- the main bar area, a performance stage and dance floor, and a lounge space. Martinis Bar boasts probably the most extensive selections of martinis- both classic and signature creations- of any bar in Manila, complimented by a collection of classic and contemporary cocktails, plus a full range of other beverages- alcoholic and non. The genre of the live music performers range from blues and jazz, through latin, bossa, and samba, to rock & roll and classic rock standards. Many of Manila’s top performers are regularly featured at Martinis– attracting a strong following of fans- with table bookings essential for most nights as the bar has seating for around 85 guests and generally fills up by 10pm.
Martinis Bar is located at the lobby level of the hotel, with an external entrance opening directly onto Makati Avenue, and internal entry through the MO Lounge. Martinis Bar is open Monday to Saturday from 5:30pm, with the music performers commencing after 9pm.
The luxurious Mandarin Oriental, Manila is located in the heart of the upscale Makati business district of Manila, with convenient access to the city’s premier shopping malls and entertainment districts.
The sleek bar counter with the stage and dancing area in the background
Martinis Bar occupies an irregularly shaped space on the Makati Avenue frontage of then main hotel building, with full height curved glass walls that suffuse the interiors with natural light during the day. Combinations of slatted blinds and curtains provide privacy, and separation from the external street traffic. The interior has been designed in a contemporary theme with art-deco elements adding their stylish touches.
Ceilings coated in luxurious deep red, blend with wall coverings in shades and textures of earth colors. Elegantly patterned carpets are the predominate floor coverings, with sections of polished timber around the stage. The long, white marble topped bar counter, and mirrored back bar display feature at the entrance to the bar- bright red leather bar stools line the bar counter, and the adjacent high tables. Overhead large steel framed mirrors suspended from the ceiling above the bar are a design highlights. Further inside, the room expands into a broader space of low tables and lounge chairs that face onto the semi-circular stage at the far end of the room. A series of circular alcove spaces along the main wall adjacent to the bar provide semi-private spaces for small groups or parties. In a compact space that connects between the main bar room and the internal MO Lounge, a luxurious lounge area is a quiet sanctuary away from the buzz of activity in the bar itself.
The performers stage and dance floor- subdued lighting effects create an opulent, seductive atmosphere
The bar at Martinis- with large steel framed mirrors suspended overhead to highlight the bar space
The luxurious lounge area of Martinis- a more sedate zone of relaxation
(L) Several circular alcoves offer discrete privacy behind plush curtains
(R) Entrance to lounge area behind the main bar space- connects with the lobby lounge
Looking across from the stage area with the table settings in foreground, and the main bar counter extending down the side wall.
Signature Cocktails
The impressive collection of martini varieties on the Drinks List runs to in excess of 40 different versions to choose from. Many of the signature concoctions created at Martinis Bar feature local fruits, spices and herbs that are synonymous with the local cuisine- Ginger Martini, Calamansi Martini, Lychee Martini, and Coconut Martini represent a few sumptuous examples. In addition to the martinis, selections of other cocktails include classics such as Mojitos, Daiquiris, Mai Tais, Sangria, Planters Punch, Negroni, and Singapore Sling. Fine selections of premium spirits, wines and champagnes, as well as beers and soft drinks are available. Bar snacks can also be ordered from the kitchens to compliment the drinks.
007 MARTINI– Stolichnaya vodka, dry vermouth, ‘shaken not stirred’
LYCHEE MARTINI– Vodka, lychee liqueur, lychee juice
CALAMANSI MARTINI– Absolut Vodka, fresh calamansi juice
METRO MARTINI– Vodka, Fresh Lemon Juice, Triple Second, sugar syrup, topped with Champagne
MANILENO– Only in the Philippines- local dark rum, combining mojito and caipiranha muddled with fresh ginger topped with ginger ale
MARTINIS BAR – at Mandarin Oriental, Manila
Address: Makati Avenue, Makati City 1226. Metro Manila. Philippines
Reservations: +63.2.750 8888
Website: www.mandarinoriental.com/manila/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MandarinOrientalManila & www.facebook.com/MOMartinis
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday 5:30 pm ~ 2:00 am ; and Friday & Saturdays 5:30 am ~ 3:00 am
Promotions: “Mojito Mondays” from 8:30pm “Buy 1 Take 1 ” PhP 360++
Live music : Nightly except Sundays.
Dress Code: Smart casual
Smoking: Martinis is a smoking bar
Update: Mandarin Oriental, Manila has closed on September 9th, 2014
