Pérola cocktail bar to open next to Henrique Sá Pessoa’s Joia

The Staff Canteen

London’s cocktail scene is set for a new addition this autumn as Pérola, a striking art deco-inspired bar, prepares to open its doors on Wednesday, October 1st.

Perched on the 14th floor of art’otel Battersea, the new venue promises innovative drinks, sweeping views across the capital, and a strong sense of storytelling at the heart of its menu.

Pérola, which translates to pearl in Portuguese, will open in October as an art deco-inspired cocktail bar next to Joia restaurant with views over Battersea Power Station and London’s skyline.

A bar with a story to tell

The name Pérola, meaning ‘pearl’ in Portuguese, reflects both rarity and refinement. Under the guidance of bar manager Michela Castiglioni – whose background includes roles at Soho’s Disrepute and Fazenda – Pérola aims to elevate the cocktail experience beyond the glass. Each drink is linked to a curated artefact sourced from across the globe, with flavours designed to capture the essence of its cultural origin or emotional resonance.

Guests can expect playful combinations executed with precision, with storytelling as integral as the liquid in the glass.

Signature cocktails

Highlights from the launch menu include Atinkythera, built on Renais gin washed with olive oil, paired with oregano mastiha, caper, lemon and cucumber; The Sun Stone, a blend of Altos Blanco tequila, Ojo

De Dios mezcal, vetiver liqueur, mango and black pepper cordial topped with soda; and Faberge Eggs, a luxurious mix of Absolut Elyx, cacao blanc, mint, maple verjus and Telmont Brut Reserve, finished with orange foam.

Alongside the cocktail list, Pérola will offer a carefully considered wine selection and a range of non-alcoholic serves designed with the same level of craft.

Culture and cuisine

The cultural programme will feature a mix of live Latin jazz, funk and DJ-led sets, creating an atmosphere that evolves throughout the evening. To complement the drinks, the food menu – designed in collaboration with JOIA’s kitchen – offers Iberian-inspired small plates intended for sharing. Dishes will include seabass ceviche with green gazpacho and citrus mango gel alongside a rotating selection of seasonal plates.

Michela on the launch

Speaking ahead of the opening, Michela Castiglioni said: “I’m delighted to be leading the bar team for Pérola. Working with the art’otel team to design the menu and shape this new experience has been a creative journey from start to finish. We want every drink to have a sense of purpose – a story that connects with the guest.

"Our vision is for Pérola to be bold, innovative and welcoming, with cocktails that surprise and a setting that makes people want to return.”

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The Staff Canteen

The Staff Canteen

Editor 22nd September 2025

Pérola cocktail bar to open next to Henrique Sá Pessoa’s Joia