One Of The World's Best Mixologists Just Opened His First U.S. Bar

London-based bar owner and cocktail guru, Ryan Chetiyawardana, also known as Mr. Lyan, has earned a world-famous reputation on the mixology scene. His first venture, White Lyan, opened in London in 2013 and was the first cocktail bar ever to use no perishable ingredients - no fruit, not even ice. His innovative approach to cocktail-making and sustainability led to multiple accolades, and in 2018, his four-year old space, Dandelyan, was named the best bar in the world by the 50 Best Bars list (it announced its closing just days before being crowned, to eventually be reborn as current hot spot, Lyaness). 

Now, Mr. Lyan has finally landed in the U.S., and we're sure his first American outpost will be just as praiseworthy as his previous hits in London. 

Opening this weekend at the posh new Riggs hotel in Washington D.C.'s Penn Quarter is Silver Lyan, which has unsurprisingly been gaining buzz for months. The warm, wood-paneled space features plush interiors and marble accents. One room is lined by an old-school trophy case and is situated in the former vault space of the historic bank-turned-hotel. 

Of course, the most important feature of Silver Lyan is its cocktail menu. Separated into four sections - Cultural Exchange, American Craft, Flights of Fancy, and Kinda Classics - it boasts a meticulous, but playful selection. There's a fruit jello shot flight (which comes with four shots of Champagne) and the $375 Presidential Gift, made with "Very Old Highland Aberfeldy Scotch," applejacked bitters, a gold cherry, and honey gifted from a beekeeper at the Congressional cemetery - among other, more reasonably-priced, but equally as thought-provoking, drink options. 

Chef Patrick Curran of the hotel's on-site eatery Cafe Riggs curates the bar bites, which include Virgina peanuts with Chex mix, an eggplant sando, a selection of summer rolls, and oysters.

Whether or not you live in D.C., true cocktail connoisseurs should put Silver Lyan on the top of their to-do list, like, now. It might just be the world's next best bar.

Silver Lyan, 900 F St NW, Washington, D.C.

[Photos via Silver Lyan]