Idris Elba to open cocktail bar in London

Actor and DJ Idris Elba is to open a cocktail bar and live music venue in London next month complete with a hidden drinks menu and access to a chauffeur-driven, bar-branded Aston Martin.

Image: Twitter @idriselba

The bar, called The Parrot, is expected to open in early October and will be located inside the Waldorf Hilton hotel.

The 60-cover venue is the brainchild of Elba, as well as twin brothers Lee and Nicky Caulfield, and will feature a hidden drinks menu, unannounced shows and an “exclusive guest list”.

Drinks are said to have been inspired by the “tropical home” of the parrot, while The Waldorf’s resident executive chef Karl Richardson has developed a selection of small plates to accompany the drinks.

Boasting what has been described as the “London bar scene’s first chauffeur-driven, branded car,” the venue will also host live music with a five-member house band performing cover songs as well as “unannounced secret shows from the stars of stage and screen to the next big thing”.

The Parrot London invites you to arrive in style, in partnership with @astonmartin, we will be the first bar in London to offer its own chauffeur-driven car. Experience the luxuries of the worlds most beautiful four door sports car, insuring you always make an entrance! pic.twitter.com/6R1vRtAyrB

— The Parrot (@theparrotldn) September 19, 2018

Elba, known for his performances in television series such as The Wire and Luther and biographical film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, has also had success behind the lens as a producer. Outside acting, he is a DJ and musician with stage names including DJ Big Driis.

Fellow co-founder Lee Caulfield has almost 10 years experience working for high-profile clients and luxury brands while his brother Nicky is a professional musician.