"Let's Go To The Yard"
“Let’s go to the Yard.”
That's the message I received on WhatsApp recently while in Milan coordinating a girl's night out. I thought it was some kind of joke. Or somehow my girlfriend’s English had instantly become poor. Nope. Turns out I missed all the talk about the new Yard Hotel, Secret Society of Mature Individuals!
The Yard Milano is a boutique hotel tucked right off of Piazza Ventiquattro Maggio. Only a few minutes walk from my apartment, I decided to brave the bizarrely cold Milanese night and headed out.
The Doping Club is in the lounge of the hotel. Upon entering, I instantly fell in love with its eclectic decor, noticing first the large scale Titanic model perched on a shelf behind an intimate seating area. The space, though large, is divided into unique and warm living room-like areas, each with a slightly different style. My girlfriends had already arrived, and as the well-dressed waiter directed me to the table, his disposition charmingly had me feeling like I was arriving in another era.
After finishing our initial non-stop catchup (three waiter visits later) we were ready to order drinks. I was unable to chose something from the menu but was in good hands; The Doping Club is known for their cocktails and talented bar men. After describing my likes and dislikes, the waiter walked away without another word. He came back with a beautiful pale pink cocktail in a modern champagne flute. I cannot for the life of me recall all the ingredients, but do remember it was inspired by a French 75 but much more complicated,
and utterly delicious.
If you’re ever in Milan and require an escape from reality, this is the perfect place to come and hang your hat. To apply to be a member, merely enter your details and attach a photo (one that you wouldn’t show your mom).
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