It doesn’t matter how much you enjoy shopping, you need to stop, take a break and mull over the said purchases ideally in a swanky bar situated on the brink of a shopping mecca. And there’s a place just like that at the end of London’s main shopping street – Oxford Street by the name of the Thistle Marble Arch hotel.

With the sales over and new clothes adorning mannequins and clothes rails for spring, it’s the perfect time for a spot of shopping and check out the flagship property’s new cocktail bar offering mind blowing concoctions created by award-winning mixologist Andy Pearson.

Star of the BBC’s Something for the Weekend, Pearson, in collaboration with The Glenn Miller Bar’s manager Laurent Bertolini, has developed a menu of signature cocktails which reflect the bar’s unique moniker, named after the famous American jazz singer. This London bar has now transformed into a unique venue with a collection of memorabilia and provides an ideal place in which to relax and enjoy a drink or a light meal.

Created specifically with the modern gent and glam girl in mind, the bar menu offers an extended selection of the finest crafted cocktails, sipping spirits and temperance tipples all hand-selected for their individual character and flavour profile. Quintessential British classics dominate the menu with both new wave and traditional London Dry gins, flavoured with botanicals ranging from Seville oranges to Japanese sencha tea as well as a number of tonics to compliment them. Signature-themed cocktails denoting the bar’s famous name stay including The Aviation, Clover Club and our favourite, the French 75.

The stylish bar and lounge area has an ambiance reminiscent of the cool days of jazz with opulent velvet and low lamps, coupled with parquet flooring, heavy carpets, period photos and memorabilia to signify the musician’s famous life.

Having consulted on the menu and positioning at many of London’s most sought-after watering holes, Pearson, who’s been dubbed the ‘Jamie Oliver of Cocktails’  brings his exceptional creative flair to The Glenn Miller Bar with a beautifully crafted selection which truly tells the story of one of most famous big band musicians of the swing era.

Miller, whose aircraft disappeared in bad weather over the English Channel while he was on his way to entertain U.S. troops in France during World War II was thought to have had his last drink in the bar. Aviation, a cocktail named in homage to Miller’s mysterious disappearance, delivers a combination of Gin, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur and lemon juice. The Clover Club, a delicious mix of Gin, lemon juice, Grenadine, and egg white, which, when shaken produces a unique foamy head, is meant to represent the bombastic clubs that Miller played to in his musical heyday while French 75, a cognac based tipple served in a Champagne tulip denotes the fateful destination he never made it to.

For those who want to extend their stay – both at the bar and in the area – can also have a meal at the restaurant and book a room for the night. Food at the hotel’s restaurant is straightforward, uncomplicated and wherever possible made from the finest local British produce. You can expect to find top class burgers, pizzas, salads and classic dishes like Lamb Shank, Seasbass and Chorizo and Steamed Suet Pudding. There’s even an Asian inspired menu with dishes such as Singapore noodles, Thai Red Chicken Curry and Beef Rednang. You can eat in the dimly lit cosy restaurant with other diners or have dishes ordered straight to your room. Room for a dessert? We highly recommend the Lemon Brulee Cheesecake.

The rooms, like the rest of the hotel ooze art deco and style. Our suite came complete with a comfy living area, a separate bathroom with toiletries and a very welcoming king size bed which was much needed after a few of those aforementioned cocktails. You can guarantee a deep noise-free sleep at this hotel despite it being located on one of the busiest shopping areas in London. So whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, the Thistle Marble Arch ticks all of the right boxes.

For more information on the Glenn Miller Bar and the hotel, visit www.thistle.com/hotels/marble_arch