The Ghanem Group has doubled its presence at Hotel X, with Mediterranean-inspired rooftop bar and eatery Iris now open. Channelling summery vibes year round via an aesthetic that evokes coastal European hubs like Barcelona and Beirut, the concept houses a rooftop bar, a 200-seat restaurant area, a boutique 14-seat private dining space, a cluster of poolside bungalows and even room for a dance floor. Design team Space Cubed has weaved Mediterranean-inspired touches throughout the venue via a plum-and-indigo colour scheme, which has been accented by hints of rose and gold, marble finishes, exposed stonework and twinkling fairy lights. Lloyd Evans has moved from his role as head of Blackbird’s private dining and event space to take up the mantle of Iris’ head chef, working alongside executive chef Jake Nicolson to create a menu of share-style plates that transports tastebuds to the Greek Islands and Spain – think cumin-spiced fried fish soft tacos and Serrano jamon and manchego croquettes to pincho pork ribs glazed in fino and macadamia-nut honey and Moroccan grilled-chicken pide. Iris’ house cocktails include a clutch of ambrosial elixirs, including the Vibe Check (strawberry, pink grapefruit, Aperol, cardamon, pink pepper and tequila), Paradise Daiquiri (passionfruit, vanilla, rum, Campari and lime) and the Dark Desires (blackcurrant, dark chocolate, chilli, vodka, lemon and sparkling). Boozy sodas are also a specialty, with refreshing riffs on margaritas, cosmopolitans and Amaretto sours proving to be enticing in their effervescence. Throw in some sangria, an extensive wine list, trusty tap and bottle beers and a range of non-alcoholic beverages and you’ve got all the fixings for a good time.