Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on July 2010

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The best thing about hotel bars is that you don’t have to feel guilty about drinking in them during the day. No matter what time you visit, you’re likely to find world travelers operating in rhythm with their own internal clock, not the one on the wall.

With that justification in mind, we visited the Oriental Lounge for a liquid lunch to celebrate the recent Marine Day holiday. So imagine our surprise when, instead of encountering jet-lagged, scotch-sipping sophisticates, we were surrounded by attractive young OLs and women in their 30s. It turns out that the lounge, located just off the lobby of the luxe Mandarin Oriental Hotel, is one of the city’s premier spots for afternoon tea. Who knew?

A return visit at night confirmed that the venue truly sparkles after the sun goes down—think dim lights, deep wood paneling, rich carpets and, above all, glorious views of central Tokyo through floor-to-ceiling windows. The same room houses the Tapas Molecular Bar, a seven-seat outpost of avant-garde cuisine that’s earned an annual spot in the Tokyo Michelin guide.

Highlighting the drinks list are signature cocktails from Mandarin Oriental hotels the world over (¥2,100), including the Embassy Royal from Macau (Jack Daniels, Drambuie, vermouth, orange), the Matrix from Singapore (vodka, Cointreau, melon liqueur, pineapple) and the Lychee Saketini from, ahem, Miami (sake, black raspberry vodka, lychee syrup). As you’d expect, a range of high-end whiskeys is on offer (from ¥1,600), though the seven-strong shochu list (from ¥1,400) came as a surprise. The adults-only feel is reinforced by the well-stocked cigar counter just off the entryway. A limited but upbeat food menu includes “snacks” like crab cakes and cheese plates, plus sandwiches from ¥1,200.