Linden Pride On Creating One Of The World’s Most Legendary Bars, Dante

All New Yorkers know about Dante, the award-winning bar which has long been a pivotal part of the Greenwich Village neighbourhood. The venue has been around since the early 1900s, but the bar as we know it today has been around since 2015 when Australian husband-and-wife duo Linden Pride and Nathalie Hudson took over the reins. They gave it a revamp while upholding its rich history, and in 2019 Dante was named the best bar in the world in the prestigious 50 Best Bars list.

Then, in 2023, Dante made its way across the pond, opening as a pop-up restaurant at Claridge’s hotel, London. Its aperitivo-style cocktails and menu of New York Italian classics were a huge hit over here too, tapping into a wider trend of Stateside foodie hotspots arriving on British shores. The residency was such a success, in fact, that earlier this year it was announced Dante Mayfair was becoming a permanent fixture at the hotel. 

Below, we get the insider scoop from Pride himself – not just about Dante, but his other favourite spots for eating and drinking in London too.

Tell us the story of Dante…

Dante’s story began in 1915, when the original Caffe Dante first opened its doors in Greenwich Village. For generations it served as a gathering place for New York’s Italian community – a neighbourhood café where people came together over coffee, aperitivo and conversation. By the time Nathalie and I took over the business in 2015, we quickly realised what a duty it is/was to become custodians of a piece of NY history. 

We wanted to preserve everything people loved about Dante while giving it a new chapter – celebrating the traditions of Italian aperitivo culture through a distinctly New York lens and creating a place where world-class cocktails sit comfortably alongside simply delicious food, warm hospitality and genuine neighbourhood spirit.

Why do you think it’s been such a big success?

Over the past decade, Dante has grown from a single neighbourhood café into an international brand, with our homes in New York, Beverly Hills and now London. But the goal has never changed. Whether you’re joining us for a morning espresso, a Martini Hour, a celebratory dinner or your very first Garibaldi, we want every guest to leave feeling like they’ve discovered their favourite local.

At its heart, Dante has always been about bringing people together. Great food, great drinks and genuine hospitality have a remarkable ability to create connection, and that’s something that will never go out of style.

What makes a great bar?

I believe a great bar should be about hospitality first. Making people feel cared for and welcome, especially the local community. From there, I believe it’s all about the classics – not being trendy, but focusing on great ingredients and striving to present drinks in their best possible form.  

The cocktail programme has always been rooted in the classics. Our opening menu featured just 12 signature cocktails and 12 Negronis, each carefully considered rather than chasing trends. Many of those drinks, including the Garibaldi and the Grasshopper, remain part of our DNA today because they represent our philosophy: take familiar classics, use exceptional ingredients, refine every detail to make them the best possible version. 

Which dish and drink on the menu at Dante Mayfair is a must-try?

• Caviar tarts with an Upside Down Gibson 
• Frutti di mare with a Dante Negroni
• Wood-fire halibut with the Cornichon Martini 
• Soft serve and Sicilian olive oil with the Grasshopper 

How does the London bar scene compare to New York?

New York and London are two of the world’s great cocktail cities, but they each have a distinct personality. New York is fast-paced, energetic and constantly evolving, while London has a deep respect for tradition, ritual and timeless hospitality.

I grew up in the London bar scene so I feel as much at home here, as I do in NYC. What’s exciting is that both cities are influencing one another. New Yorkers are embracing the aperitivo lifestyle, while London has developed a real appetite for vibrant neighbourhood bars and restaurants. At Dante, our philosophy of simply delicious food, world-class cocktails and warm hospitality feels equally at home in both cities.

What are your favourite cocktail bars in London?

• American Bar: We came here to celebrate Dante on making the World’s 50 Best at number 16, number nine and when we were crowned number one. It’s always been a special place of significance for us – and the new menu is absolutely delicious. 
• Nightjar: Always loved the fun cocktails, and anything with live music, I’m there!
• Bar Termini: This cosy (original location) feels like part of the Dante family. Perfect for an afternoon aperitivo and espresso.
• Barrafina: Manzanilla sherry and white anchovies at Barrafina is as close to Spain as I can get whilst in London.
• The Connaught Bar: Our benchmark for hospitality and grace.  

What are your top three restaurants in London?

Mountain, Strakers, River Cafe (and St John)!

Favourite pub in London?

Lamb & Flag, Covent Garden.

Hidden gem in London?

The Barbary! Delicious and great energy.

Dante Mayfair is open now at Claridge’s, maybourne.com