Features
Marcello Cauda: Redefining Luxury Cocktails at The Blue Bar
Discover the creative magic and passion of Marcello Cauda, the man behind The Berkeley’s Blue Bar, as he crafts innovative cocktails and unforgettable experiences for guests.
For cocktail enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike, The Blue Bar at The Berkeley is more than just a place to sip drinks—it’s an experience. At the heart of this iconic London spot is Bars Manager Marcello Cauda, whose innovative approach is transforming how we think about luxury cocktails. With a passion for storytelling, sustainability, and unforgettable flavors, Marcello invites you to explore the vibrant world of mixology like never before.
A Leader in London’s Cocktail Scene
Marcello Cauda is widely recognized as one of London’s leading bartenders. His expertise, honed through years of experience at world-class bars, has earned him a place as a judge at the prestigious London Spirits Competition. His ability to balance creativity with a deep understanding of spirits makes him a standout figure in the industry and a source of inspiration for aspiring bartenders.
The Man Behind the Bar
Marcello’s journey to London began in a small Italian town where hospitality was more than just a job—it was a way of life. “I started in the kitchen, but I quickly realized that being front-of-house was where I could connect with people and create special moments,” he recalls. His love for hospitality led him across the globe, from Italy to Australia and eventually to London, where he found his dream role at The Blue Bar.
“The Blue Bar is iconic, not just because of its history but because of the experience it offers,” Marcello says. “Every drink, every detail, is designed to make guests feel like they’re part of something special.”
A Menu Like No Other
The Blue Bar’s current cocktail menu, Shades of Blue, is a masterpiece of creativity and design. Inspired by the bar’s signature Lutyens Blue, each of the 12 drinks represents a unique story. From the herbaceous Arctic Blue to the ocean-inspired Ultramarine Blue with ponzu caviar, the menu is a journey for the senses. And no, none of the cocktails are actually blue. “It’s about going beyond the color and exploring the emotions and ideas behind it,” Marcello explains.
For those who prefer the classics, The Blue Bar doesn’t disappoint. “We’ve refined classic recipes to meet the standards of the bar,” Marcello says. Whether it’s a Negroni or an Old Fashioned, you can expect perfection in every sip.
From the herb-infused Arctic Blue to the ocean-fresh Ultramarine Blue with ponzu ‘caviar,’ or the playful Baby Blue trio of mini-Martinis, Bar Manager Marcello Cauda and his team have distilled the bar’s iconic heritage into a captivating new collection.
Guest-Centric Creativity
What sets Marcello apart is his ability to innovate while keeping guests at the center of his creations. “Not everyone is a cocktail expert, so we aim to create drinks that feel familiar yet exciting,” he says. This balance of comfort and creativity is reflected in his use of unique ingredients like distilled seaweed and sweet potato, which add depth without overwhelming the palate.
“We also listen to our guests,” Marcello emphasizes. Feedback plays a huge role in shaping the menu, ensuring every cocktail resonates with the people who visit. “If a recipe doesn’t work during testing, we tweak it until it’s perfect. We’re here to delight our guests.”
Here’s looking at blue, as the bar introduces a bold new menu, Shades of Blue. This collection is inspired by the custom Lutyens blue, a signature shade at the heart of the Blue Bar’s iconic design. It features 12 distinct cocktails, each representing a different shade of blue derived from this unique hue. From the herb-infused Arctic Blue to the ocean-fresh Ultramarine Blue with ponzu ‘caviar’, or the playful Baby Blue trio of Martinis, every drink offers a creative and artfully crafted tribute to blue in all its forms.
Sustainability Meets Luxury
For Marcello, sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a responsibility. The Blue Bar incorporates sustainable practices into every aspect of its operations, from reducing waste to sourcing eco-friendly ingredients. “Luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand,” Marcello says. “Our guests appreciate knowing that their experience is as mindful as it is indulgent.”
MOONSTONE BLUE
•The Macallan Double Cask 12yo
•Remy Martin 1738 Cognac
•Isolated Biodynamic White Wine
•Biodynamic Chocolate
•Biodynamic Olive Oil
•Biodynamic Coffee
•Chamomile
•Dandelion
Moonstone Blue celebrates the precious biodynamic agriculture produce and pays tribute to biodynamic growers. Biodynamic agriculture follows the moon cycle for certain farming practices such as planting, pruning, and harvesting, along with many other principles.
In biodynamic agriculture, chamomile and dandelion are some of the only medicinal herbs allowed for compost preparation.
An Invitation to Experience the Magic
Whether you’re a Londoner looking for your next favorite cocktail spot or a visitor seeking an unforgettable night out, The Blue Bar offers something truly special. With Marcello Cauda at the helm, you’ll experience cocktails that tell stories, service that makes you feel at home, and an ambiance that’s as iconic as the drinks themselves.
Visit The Blue Bar at The Berkeley to explore Marcello’s Shades of Blue menu and discover why it’s one of London’s must-visit cocktail destinations.
Follow Marcello on Instagram or Linkedin to keep up with his latest creations and get a taste of his journey as a leading figure in the world of luxury mixology.
Also Read:
The Leading Cocktail Bars in London
What Will a Profitable Cocktail List in 2025 Look Like?
A Global Fusion With Local Ingredients: Exploring Unique Cocktails From India, Brazil, And China