The Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane has been a fixture in Mayfair since its opening in 2001. Overlooking Hyde Park and tucked between the neighborhood’s luxury boutiques, restaurants, and storied institutions, it welcomes travelers to a sense of calm amid the bustle. Impeccable hospitality, exceptional dining, sleek design, and access to Britain’s most celebrated events are just a few of the reasons its regulars return—and this year, like in many years past, special guests are venturing just an hour away from the property to the Royal Ascot.
Bar Antoine, Royal Ascot, Four Seasons London.
Founded in 1711 by Queen Anne, the Berkshire-based horse rase has gained global acclaim as a meeting point for affluent figures—from British royalty, artists, fashion designers, and sports enthusiasts to international culture patrons. This year’s edition takes place from June 16-20, inviting supporters to the tracks for a day of horse-racing, elevated food and beverage offerings, the art of dressing (think men in “tops and tails” and women in extraordinary feather-adorned fascinators), and more.
Bar Antoine, Royal Ascot, Four Seasons London.
Bar Antoine, Royal Ascot, Four Seasons London.
Bar Antoine Joins Royal Ascot
Building on the success of last year’s debut, Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane has renewed its partnership with Royal Ascot through the return of Bar Antoine—the first bar concept from celebrated Chef Yannick Alléno, named in honor of his late son, Antoine Alléno. For this year’s edition, the acclaimed destination brings its signature blend of Michelin-starred cuisine and inventive cocktails to the historic race, inviting guests to experience a French interpretation of one of Britain’s most cherished traditions.
The activation reflects Alléno’s approach to hospitality. Widely recognized as one of the world’s most decorated Michelin-starred chefs, he has consistently challenged conventions by pairing classical technique with modern creativity. At Bar Antoine, that philosophy extends beyond the plate and into the glass, where familiar flavors are transformed into playful, unexpected cocktails that celebrate the rituals of French dining.
Bar Antoine, Royal Ascot, Four Seasons London.
Bar Antoine, Royal Ascot, Four Seasons London.
Inside Bar Antoine with Leon Gasco
Located inside Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, Bar Antoine has quickly become one of the city’s most compelling drinking destinations. Under the direction of Bar Manager Leon Gasco, the venue offers a menu that treats cocktails with the same level of craftsmanship as fine cuisine, drawing inspiration from beloved French ingredients while embracing seasonal British influences.
Bar Antoine, Royal Ascot, Four Seasons London.
That ethos flows seamlessly to Royal Ascot, where racegoers can enjoy signature drinks designed to surprise as much as delight. Among this year’s highlights are the refreshing Francious Spritz, the savory Cornichon Martini, and the unexpected Peach and Mustard incorporates—each showcasing the bar’s willingness to reinterpret classic flavor combinations through a contemporary lens.
Bar Antoine, Royal Ascot, Four Seasons London.
Bar Antoine’s “Savoir-Boire” Menu
The return of Bar Antoine also arrives alongside the launch of its newest cocktail program, Savoir-Boire, which debuted this spring at the London property. Translating to “the art of drinking well,” the menu explores France’s culinary heritage through beverages inspired by everything from buttery pastries to regional cheeses and pantry staples.
Bar Antoine, Royal Ascot, Four Seasons London.
Bar Antoine, Royal Ascot, Four Seasons London.
Developed by Gasco under Alléno’s guidance, the collection demonstrates how ingredients more commonly found in the kitchen can become the foundation for memorable drinks. A Croissant Old Fashioned infuses cognac with the aroma of a fresh pastry before pairing it with Byrrh; the Cornichon Martini incorporates olive oil vodka for a briny, silky finish. In addition, a Peach and Mustard Margarita balances fruit-forward sweetness with gentle spice, and the Fig-Affair Paloma arrives adorned with a delicate Comté tuile that bridges cocktails and canapés.
Thematic Cocktails, Surprising Methods
Bar Antoine, Royal Ascot, Four Seasons London.
Structured around three thematic chapters—”L’Apéro,” “Les Classiques,” and “Les Rituels”—the menu pays tribute to France’s enduring drinking customs. From pre-dinner aperitifs to theatrical tableside presentations, the progression encourages guests to slow down and savor each moment, emphasizing conviviality as much as craftsmanship.
Bar Antoine, Royal Ascot, Four Seasons London.
Bar Antoine, Royal Ascot, Four Seasons London.
Naturally, the drinks are complemented by a thoughtfully curated food menu that mirrors the same playful spirit. Small plates reinterpret French favorites with contemporary twists, including Carabineros prawn toast accented with tomato and basil, a classic pissaladière topped with caramelized onions and anchovies, and a crispy soft-cooked Oeuf Mayo served with herb mayonnaise. Larger offerings include the venue’s sought-after dry-aged Wagyu Antoine Burger, the indulgent CFC (caviar fried chicken), and an evolving selection of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie celebrating regional French producers.
Notable Design by Chahan Minassian
Bar Antoine, Royal Ascot, Four Seasons London.
The physical setting reinforces this atmosphere of understated luxury. Designed by Chahan Minassian, Bar Antoine pairs mohair velvets and woven silks with intimate seating arrangements and a discreet garden terrace that offers a quiet escape in the heart of Mayfair. The result is a destination that feels equally suited for an elegant aperitif or an extended evening of cocktails and conversation.
Bar Antoine, Royal Ascot, Four Seasons London.
For visitors planning a quintessential British summer itinerary, Four Seasons has expanded the experience beyond the city through its complementary countryside offering at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire. Following a day at Royal Ascot, guests can retreat to the 500-acre estate to enjoy horseback riding, tennis, spa treatments, and traditional afternoon tea within the restored manor setting. The pairing creates a journey that moves effortlessly from London’s cosmopolitan energy to the relaxed charm of the English countryside.
Bar Antoine, Royal Ascot, Four Seasons London.
Together, the two properties present a compelling portrait of modern luxury travel—one where exceptional gastronomy, thoughtful design, and destination-driven experiences coexist. Royal Ascot serves as the centerpiece, but the surrounding itinerary elevates the occasion into something more immersive, inviting guests to linger well beyond race day itself.
British Hospitality Indulgence
Bar Antoine, Royal Ascot, Four Seasons London.
As Bar Antoine returns for its second appearance at Royal Ascot, the collaboration demonstrates how heritage events can be reimagined through fresh culinary perspectives without losing sight of tradition. By bringing Yannick Alléno’s unmistakable French sensibility to one of Britain’s most iconic gatherings, Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane offers racegoers an experience defined not just by spectacle, but by remarkable hospitality, inventive cocktails, and the enduring pleasure of sharing food and drink in style, too.
Bar Antoine, Royal Ascot, Four Seasons London.
