Following a £3 million refurbishment to the property, the 127-bedroom Hampshire hotel has unveiled its stunning new-look ground floor Bar and Restaurant.    

The jewel in the crown of this five-star hotel, it is a chic, informal watering hole that gracefully fills the impressive space on the ground floor of the property, in the heart of bustling Leicester Square.

As you enter through the front door, the Hampshire Bar and Restaurant offers a first taste of the hotel décor, which is best described as stylish and contemporary yet comfortable.  Signature nods to colonial chic take the shape of original artworks, artefacts and carpets from Europe, the Middle East and the Orient.

The hotel's theme is developed throughout the stylishly appointed orientalist bar, where soft amber lighting illuminates lacquer tables and low seating, whilst silk-screen prints on the walls and occasional Chinoiserie give an opulent colonial feel.

Floor to ceiling glass offers some of the best people watching in London, with 'front row' overlooking the busy square, offering a view-perfect spot to soak up the buzz of theatreland and the glamour of film premiere territory.

A luxuriously spacious 100 square foot al fresco terrace is a rare gem in the heart of the city.  With seating for 120 and its own grazing menu, it is bound to prove a hit with summer drinkers looking for a civilised, buzzy spot in which to enjoy a drink (and perhaps a cigarette!) in the open air.

The list of bespoke cocktails and an impressive bar food menu, along side the à la carte, will cater to thirsty residents and London cognoscenti alike. The extensive cocktail list, created by Hasani Meriton, features all the classics as well as unique Hampshire Bar creations, including Apple Pie (Smashed fresh ginger shaken with home made vanilla and ginger syrup, Zubrowk, apple schnapps and apple juice); Crush on View (Stoli vanilla vodka shaken with Passoa, Cointreau and passion fruit juice over crushed ice) and Stolichampoo (Stolichnaya vodka mixed with lemon juice, sugar syrup and vanilla pod floated with champagne). 

A comprehensive list of brand spirits, wines and champagnes is available in addition
to the cocktail list, whilst the Savouries bar menu features perfect accompaniments in the form of contemporary interpretations of British classics.   Choices include favourites like angels on horseback with Cumbrian ham and black olive paste; Old Peculiar Ale Welsh rarebit on brioche and blackened potted shrimps with toasted soda bread.

Those looking for something more substantial can choose from a selection of starters, salads and main courses including Gloucester Old Spot crispy pork belly with mashed potatoes and cabbage; grilled calves' liver with mash and crispy Spotts farm bacon and lemon sole fillet with caper butter and mashed potatoes.

The splendid West End location coupled with Pre Theatre menu is sure to be a hit with hungry theatregoers, whilst the proximity to Chinatown, Soho, Covent Garden and Piccadilly Circus all contribute to make this the perfect spot to begin or end an evening out on the town - as well as a destination in its own right.

The nearest underground stations to the Hampshire Hotel are Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus.  For more information, rates and reservations, call 020 7839 9399, or visit www.radissonedwardian.com.