PUNCH ROOM at London EDITION

A Contemporary Taste of Old Hollywood

There’s nothing quite like the romance of old Hollywood, with its glamour and aesthetics, a bygone era immortalised on the silver screen, where heroes were handsome and heroines were heralded. It was a time when dresses were well-draped and stories held us captivated, and those black and white stories still do continue to enthral. Some may comment, ‘They don’t make movies like they used to,’ but that’s not to say we cannot capture the essence of that time in other ways. Punch Room at The London EDITION does just that, embodying the style and sophistication that reminds us of the Hollywood greats. And no Hollywood great would be without a great cocktail in hand.

Words by Leigh Maynard.

Step back in time to a bar best described as ‘a contemporary reincarnation of London’s nineteenth-century private clubs.’ Punch Room is a place to relax and unwind, tucked away from London’s frenetic streets. It is a secret sanctuary set within a historic building in Fitzrovia, with other locations in Shanghai and Barcelona. And now in Madrid, another exceptional addition to the hotel’s brand, which prides itself on lasting comfort, extraordinary style, and a level of hospitality only matched by its unique and distinctive aesthetic. With a choice of 173 rooms, a restaurant, three bars, meeting rooms and a lobby filled with a rich ambience, the London EDITION offers a dynamic central space for guests and visitors alike to work, relax, socialise and dine, all under one roof.

After a busy day working and exploring, head back through the doors of Punch Room, sit, sip, and savour the tastes of the bar’s latest infusions in a room resembling Rick’s private room in Casablanca. Recline on custom tufted banquets in teal velvet, relax in mint green leather tub chairs or dark brown leather club chairs and take in the vintage jazz, reggae, and soul soundtrack. Taste new favourites and old including ‘A Sweet Treat’ created using Whisky, Cream Cheese, Matcha, Sugar, Valdespino Sherry, Lemon Juice and Milk or the ‘Milk Punch’ comprised a unique blend of Hennessy fine Cognac, Planteray 3 Stars rum, Somerset Cider, Brandy, green tea, lemon juice, pineapple, spices syrup and milk.

Undoubtedly, our shoot for 5’ELEVEN” inspired by the iconic women of 1930s cinema - cocktails in hand, was in the perfect setting, as our model made use of the distinctive furniture, set against wood panelling in rich brown tones that lent a warm, old-glamour feel.

And if the Punch Room’s cocktails capture your imagination of a bygone time on the silver screen, you’ll be pleased to know you can bring the story home with your own copy of their latest cocktail book, entitled 'The Recipe Book’, featuring a step-by-step guide to creating cocktail classics in the comfort of your home. The imagery and wording in this beautifully curated publication feel like storytelling itself. The London EDITION Bars Manager, Anthony Callegari, commented, “Here at Punch Room, we don’t just mix drinks - we mix history, creativity, and a bit of attitude. Punch is the original cocktail experience, the OG of mixology, and we’ve spent years geeking out over its past while putting our own playful spin on it. After a decade of stirring, shaking, and storytelling, we figured it was time to bottle up the magic (metaphorically speaking) and share it with you. Think of this as your boozy family recipe book - full of our greatest hits, a few surprises, and absolutely no gatekeeping."

Indeed, the Martinis were delicious and the staff warm and welcoming. Cocktails sipped, shots snapped, our 30s cinema story drew to a close and was perfectly captured against the Punch Room’s sophisticated setting. And with cocktails, ambience and service this good, there was nothing for it but to stay a while longer, and then to revisit soon and — sip it again — Sam.

For further information on The London EDITION, please visit the website

Discover this piece inside The Cinema Issue 15. Purchase your copy here.