Aubrey London - a Japanese take on an English pub - opens today at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, with two distinctive bar experiences and accompanying Japanese cuisine.

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A wet-led venue, with signature and seasonal cocktails created by bar director Pietro Rizzo, there is a focus on sake, with attention given to emerging breweries and rare releases.

The bar also offers a range of Japanese spirits, lending an East Asian influence to cocktails such as The Black Cat (Ki No Bi Gin, yuzu liqueur, tonic reduction) and Torii (rice shochu, homemade grapefruit soda).

The space is claimed to feature London’s first omakase cocktail bar, where guests will receive a personal experience, so often a feature in Japanese restaurants.

The food menu draws on the classical techniques of edomae sushi, tempura and robata, with small dishes designed for sharing, including plates such as the Wagyu Sando.

The venue, which has been designed by Brady Williams, sees the walls layered with art inspired by the Japonisme movement, with hues of gold, green, plum, and pink. Velvet, marble, and wood set the scene for two bars, with intimate corners and rooms dotted around the space.

Art was a key feature of the Japonisme movement, and in particular, the 19th century British artist and illustrator, Aubrey Beardsley, whose name inspired the venue.

Matt Reid, co-founder of Maximal Concepts, said: “Japan is so rich in culture and food. We wanted to try to capture the eccentricity and genius behind so many of our favourite experiences. We feel the Izakaya has so many parallels with the English pub. The Aubrey is our interpretation. We hope you treat it as an extension of your home and let us host you with incredible food, abundant drinks and even better company.”

Torsten van Dullemen, general manager and area VP, Operations at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, added, “We are excited to be further enhancing our range of culinary offerings at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, by partnering with Maximal Concepts to introduce The Aubrey to London, which we are sure will become one of the city’s most imaginative and innovative hospitality destinations. My colleagues and I are committed to delivering bespoke culinary delights and service excellence, and very much look forward to welcoming our fans to this latest addition to the Knightsbridge neighbourhood.”

Maximal Concepts, whose stable includes Mott 32, John Anthony, Sip Song, Limewood, the and Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong, is headed up by Malcolm Wood, Xuan Mu and Matt Reid.

Aubrey London opens from 5pm Monday-Saturday, closing at midnight midweek and 1am Thursday-Saturday.