The London Hilton on Park Lane has reportedly ordered its resident Tiki Bar, Trader Vic's, to close. The bar opened in 1963 alongside the hotel itself and quickly became an icon in its own right.

The last day of trading is set to be December 31, a few months before its 60th anniversary, according to Frommers. The Tiki bar is the oldest continuously operating Trader Vic's in the world and the forefather of Tiki bars worldwide.

It serves island-style fusion food inspired by its founder's travels. Trader Vic's is most notably famous for being the creator of the famous Mai Tai cocktail.

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Trader Vic's once had 25 locations, many associated with Hilton hotels, but most are now gone. London Hilton on Park Lane even describes its on-site Trader Vic's as a "London institution" on its website.

Author and historian Eric Lynxwiler broke the news in an Instagram post in which he wrote: "There’s nothing else like it in the country!" He continued: "Please #londonhiltonparklane, please do not lose this global icon!

Trader Vic's is located in the basement of The Hilton

"I am not the only Tiki fan in the world who travels the globe for #tikihistory, including vintage #tikibar, #tikirestaurant, and #tikitime. It’s a knife in the heart of the #tikicommunity. Let’s try, please, to save this global icon!"

There's also a petition started by fans of the bar to prevent its closure. 'Let's Save Trader Vic's at The Hilton, Park Lane, London' has nearly 2,000 signatures at the time of writing.

It reads: "Most of us have heard the devastating news in the last 24 hours, that The Hilton, Park Lane, London, has notified the management of Trader Vic's that it is to close and the last day of trading will be December 31 2022, just shy of its 60th birthday celebrations.

"This has been an icon since 1963 and should be saved, it is one of the best Trader Vic's left in the World, with the most amazing decor, and it's history is mind blowing. I just want to do this to show The Hilton how much it is loved by people around the world and try an save this true icon from its tragic demise.

"Please sign this petition and let's see if we can save this wonderful place, that is adored by so many around the World. PLEASE HELP....."

Trader Vic's CEO Rhett Rosen wrote on Instagram: "To our loyal and amazing fans and family, I wanted to address some rumours that have begun swirling around the last few days. First, the good news. Our flagship Emeryville location isn’t going anywhere, so we hope you are ready for even bigger and more fun celebrations.

"Now, the bad. We just learned, like most of you, that London Hilton Park Lane has decided to renovate, and unfortunately (for now), we will be shutting the doors on January 1st, 2023. More info to come. But I wanted to say from the bottom of my heart how much we appreciate and love all of you."

MyLondon has contacted The London Hilton on Park Lane for comment.

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