Orient Express

This bar and award-winning restaurant captures the mystique of the legendary Orient Express, which has been traversing Europe for over a century, transporting diplomats and duchesses, courtesans, private eyes and spies in regal splendour. The dining area successfully recreates a carriage in the train, and with it, the ambience of a bygone era. The Orient Express has carved a place for itself in literature, playing an important role in such works as Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express" and Ian Fleming's "From Russia With Love." The menu traces the train's journey through the continent, culling specialties from each region through which the train passes.

The table d'hote menu consists of three to four courses, including the entrée before the main course, a tradition only observed in a very few exclusive restaurants. Although the Orient Express menu includes cuisines from all over the continent, the focus is on classical French. The meal commences with an amuse bouche and sorbets appear between courses to cleanse the palate.

Understated sophistication rules and outside the 'train', in the bar area, a jazz singer and accompanying pianist complete the Orient Express experience. Regular guests are treated to initialized napkins, while special menus are provided for all celebration tables.