December 15, 2025 |
The closer we get to Christmas, we all crave cosy vibes. Brick fireplaces, plush velvet seating and tasselled lampshades bursting with a tangerine glow make for an idyllic setting to enjoy some expertly-crafted seasonal grub and a glass of bubbles. Luckily, The Aubrey, nestled inside Hyde Park’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel, has perfected the art of a luxurious dining experience that whisks the winter chill off your back and helps you embrace the festive spirit.
Grounded in flavours and ingredients found across Japan, the eclectic interior builds on this with flair. Walls patchworked with textured frames house over 250 Japanese and Japan-inspired artworks, while vintage corner lamps feature intricate blossoms on their bases. The colour palette of the initial bar space is deep and warming. With bones crafted from Mahogany wood, the muscle of the space comes as a black marble bar top, olive leather seats with copper detailing and curving velvet sofas. It’s a sultry amuse-bouche to the main dining room, which has burnt orange and salmon pink trimmings. There’s festive spirit in the air, but it’s not overbearing. Elegant Christmas tree sculptures crafted from silvery metal sit nestled in the corners, and plush wreaths with sparkling, golden embellishments loop around fireplaces.
Subtle conversation buzzes across the room, with an ambient playlist soundtracking the evening. What The Aubrey has mastered is a vibe for all occasions, whether that be a romantic date, a friendly catch-up or group dinner – none of these would feel out of place in its exquisitely designed spaces. The warmth of its design and its staff make it particularly suitable for the festive season, when all you really want is a place to chat and laugh with family and friends.
The kitchen is headed up by the UK’s only female sushi master, Miho Sato, who crafts each dish with delightful precision. Seamlessly integrating seasonal produce onto the menu – punters can opt for a festive robata Turkey, for example, which combines a traditional Japanese grilling technique with Britain’s go-to Christmas bird – The Aubrey builds on its strong, Asian roots. For starters, we were served chicken karaage blackened by charcoal, edamame with yuzu salt and juicy gyoza stuffed with wagyu beef. Refreshing the palette with three sets of sashimi – yellowtail, salmon and tuna – the main event came in the form of a miso black cod (sublime) and a miso-glazed aubergine. A rich wagyu oxtail and bone marrow fried rice, which we were told was their best seller, made for one of the most decadent and delicious sides I’d ever had, all of which was washed quite nicely down with the restaurant’s traditional Brut Cuvée. Because why not? It’s Christmas after all. Our dessert, a Rolled Crepe Chocolate Christmas Log, was a jolly reminder, exclusively on the menu for the festive period. If only our actual Christmas dinner could be this good.
Photography courtesy of The Aubrey.
