If there is one destination that features on the bucket list of almost every libationist and cocktail enthusiast, it is The Connaught Bar in Mayfair, London. The good news? The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts in New Delhi and Mumbai are hosting the bar’s leading mixologists for a two-day takeover at Delhi’s Cirrus 9 and Mumbai’s The Eau Bar.
Mixologists Giorgio Bargiani and Giorgio Iovine will bring some of the bar’s signature creations to the two cities, including Goodfellas, a contemporary interpretation of the Fanciulli, a sweet Manhattan-style cocktail with notes of fig, molasses and cherry. Inspired by the 1990 Robert De Niro-starrer Goodfellas, the drink pays homage to the cult film through its name and flavour profile. Also on the menu are the iconic Connaught Bar Martini and Kindred Joy, Bargiani’s take on the classic Paloma.
For cocktail enthusiasts, the takeover offers an opportunity to experience the craftsmanship and approach to hospitality that have made the London establishment a global favourite. The visiting team brings with it not just a selection of well-known drinks, but also the philosophy of a bar that has consistently balanced classic cocktail-making techniques with experimentation.
More About The Connaught Bar, London
Apart from its iconic Dry Martini trolley, Mayfair’s Connaught Bar is known for a cocktail programme that evolves with the seasons. In the 2026 edition of The World’s 50 Best Bars, it secured the eighth position globally and was recognised as the Best Bar in the UK. It has previously held the coveted title of The World’s Best Bar in 2020 and 2021, making it one of the most celebrated names in contemporary cocktail culture.
The bar opened at The Connaught, one of London’s most distinguished luxury hotels, in 2008. Designed by the late David Collins, its interiors bring together Art Deco influences, silver-leaf walls and mirrored surfaces, creating an atmosphere that is elegant without being intimidating. Over the years, it has earned a loyal following for its attention to detail, warm hospitality and meticulously crafted drinks.
At the heart of this success is Agostino 'Ago' Perrone, the bar’s Director of Mixology. An Italian-born, Perrone has been instrumental in shaping the Connaught Bar's identity since its early years. His approach combines traditional Italian hospitality with an understanding of cocktail-making techniques and an appetite for innovation. Under his leadership, the bar has become particularly associated with its tableside Martini ritual, where guests can personalise their drink through a selection of bitters and garnishes.
Working alongside Perrone is Giorgio Bargiani, Assistant Director of Mixology and one of the creative forces behind the bar's evolving cocktail programme. Also from Italy, Bargiani has built his reputation on combining technical precision with a playful approach to flavours and storytelling. His work explores the relationship between ingredients, aromas and memories, often drawing inspiration from culture, travel and familiar references. He has also received industry recognition, including the Altos Bartenders' Bartender Award at the inaugural edition of The World's 50 Best Bars Europe. His Kindred Joy cocktail is an example of his ability to reinterpret a familiar classic while giving it a distinct identity.
Together, Perrone and Bargiani have helped establish the Connaught Bar as more than just a hotel bar. Its enduring appeal lies in the belief that a great cocktail is as much about the experience surrounding it as what is poured in the glass.
The India takeover brings this celebrated cocktail philosophy to two of the country's leading hotel bars, giving guests in Delhi and Mumbai a chance to experience the best slice of Mayfair's drinking culture closer to home.
Information:
Cirrus 9 at The Oberoi, New Delhi: 31st October, 2026
The Eau Bar at The Oberoi, Mumbai: 1st November, 2026
