Trader Vic’s Reveals Exotic New Look at London Hilton on Park Lane

LONDON - London's first Polynesian-themed restaurant, Trader Vic's, which opened in London 50 years ago at London Hilton on Park Lane, is refurbishing its South Pacific inspired décor. Re-opening on 12 September 2013, the restaurant's new look takes inspiration from island sunsets and lush foliage and will continue to serve its renowned international cuisine using its custom-made wood-fired Chinese ovens, which can be traced back over two thousand years to the Han Dynasty.

First opened in 1963, Trader Vic's lit up the London restaurant scene and drew in a number of stars, such as Charlie Chaplin and Elton John, making it the capital's buzzing location to see and be seen. It is enhancing its iconic tiki-carved interior through a new totem poleframed bar with wood bamboo tiles, earthy colours and traditional South Island tapa cloth. Marine shades in the restaurant will showcase an eclectic collection of exotic objects such as clam shells, carved wood statues, boat wheels and Oceania artwork. Pendant Chinese lanterns will provide soft intimate lighting against the thatched roof ceiling, punctuated by authentic island fishing boats. Burnt orange hues bring to life wicker chairs and flooring with authentic South Pacific designs.

The custom-made wood-fired ovens, which use natural smoke and heat from split oak and seasoned wood, will create Trader Vic's signature sharing dish, Big Kahuna, made up of 800g of prime beef rib rubbed with Madagascan Malagasy spices. The international menu will also be serving Indonesian rack of lamb and Hawaiian seafood delicacy, mahi mahi, to name but a few. Main dishes start at £19.

The Mai Tai cocktail is synonymous with Trader Vic's as it was created in 1944 in California, by Victor J. Bergeron, also known as Trader Vic. This world famous favourite uses dark and light rum, fresh lime, orange curaçao, a dash of rock candy syrup and a drop of French Orgeat. On serving it to friends from Tahiti, they exclaimed "Mai ta roa ae," which translates as ‘out of this world, the best' - and so, the Mai Tai was born.

The bar at Trader Vic's provides a vibrant and vivacious setting as guests will be treated to live music and salsa dancing on selected nights, whilst the 200-strong cocktail menu is available to sample every day. Trader Vic's bar is open from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday to Thursday and 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

With over 30 establishments across the world, Trader Vic's offers a tropical retreat from city life, serving up international cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails. Trader Vic's London is one of three restaurants located in Europe and the only Trader Vic's in the UK.

Trader Vic's restaurant is open daily from 6 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. For more information, call +44 20 7208 4113 or emailtradervics.parklane@hilton.com.