42 at Gymkhana: Mayfair’s Ultimate Cocktail Lounge Returns

When a Mayfair icon like Gymkhana makes a move, you pay attention. This spring, it's not just the restaurant drawing the buzz—it's 42 at Gymkhana, the sharply reimagined cocktail lounge poised to reclaim its place as one of London’s most exclusive hideouts.

Opening its doors on April 9th, 42 is more than just a companion to Gymkhana’s two Michelin-starred restaurant. It’s a standalone destination with serious pull. For the first time, Gymkhana's signature cocktail list escapes the confines of the dining room, now served within the low-lit, art-filled walls of this intimate Mayfair townhouse. Expect classics reworked and new signatures crafted with the same obsessive attention to detail that earned the restaurant its reputation.

The cocktails read like a roll call of good taste. There’s the Royal Bombay Yacht Club, a mix of Hennessy VSOP, Tanqueray gin, Cloud Tea, strawberry, lemon, and a hit of Philippe Gonet NV Champagne—equal parts sophistication and swagger. The Pegu Club twists tradition with Porter’s Tropical Gin, grapefruit sherbet, Campari, and Sabro hops, while the Jal Jeera leans punchier, balancing Macallan Double Cask 12yo with Somerset Apple, chaat masala bitters, and ginger ale.

Not to be outdone, 42’s signature serves are also back: think the Bagheera, the Bhang Lassi, and a Clarified Lychee Martini that carries just the right amount of intrigue. Pair any of these with a menu of sharp small plates from Gymkhana's kitchen—Patiala Fried Chicken with Imli and Mint Chutney, or Amritsari Shrimp & Queenies—and you’re well placed for the night.

But this is Mayfair, and it wouldn’t be complete without a nod to the after-hours crowd. Friday and Saturday nights see curated DJ sets run from 10pm to 2am, shifting the energy from post-work unwind to full late-night affair. For those after something even more discreet, 42 now doubles as an ultra-private dining space for up to 16 guests, complete with a private bar and tailored menus. Larger standing events can also be hosted, accommodating up to 55 guests for cocktail parties that feel equal parts refined and unfiltered.

With its own street entrance on Albemarle Street and a mood that effortlessly balances understated luxury with a sharp social atmosphere, 42 at Gymkhana is ready to become your new go-to. Whether it's for an early evening drink or a full evening takeover, this is one Mayfair return worth marking in the diary.