Wagon Bar

A small room with a different mood

Wagon Bar changes the register at Orient Express La Minerva. A small side door off La Minerva Bar leads into a dark, plush room with the intimacy of a hotel speakeasy. Comfortable seating and low light make it feel slightly sexy without needing a crowd to generate the atmosphere.

The scale is part of the appeal. A seat at the bar puts the bartender and the drinks within conversational reach. This is a place for the later part of the evening, when a small room and a final cocktail sound more attractive than another grand setting.

A journey that makes sense in the glass

The menu’s Italian city concept gives each serve a sense of place. A miniature gondola carries one cocktail; another arrives in a spiraling glass that echoes the hillside form of Matera. The presentation is theatrical, but the references feel connected to the wider travel story of Orient Express.

The citrus and amaro drink in the spiraling glass supplies the best balance of story and refreshment. Citrus keeps it bright, while amaro and bitter elements give it enough structure to remain interesting. It is particularly appealing as a final cocktail. Ask the bartender about the current version.

The bartender brings it together

The head bartender walks through the menu, explaining the inspiration behind individual drinks and connecting them to the bar and hotel. That care makes the concept feel thoughtful. The story has a purpose, and the drink has enough quality to carry it.

Wagon Bar is a strong option for hotel guests who enjoy conversation at the counter and a little theater with their nightcap. Access needs arranging: check eligibility, opening nights and reservations with the concierge before building an evening around it. With those plans in place, the appeal is clear. Settle into the small room and let the bartender guide the final drink.