The American Bar at London’s Savoy Hotel
London’s Most Iconic Bar
We will visit this famous bar as part of our Thanksgiving tour package, for a cocktail experience to begin to wind down after a busy Thanksgiving day. Read on for it’s history, the bar today and our recommendations to try whilst there!
The American Bar - The Savoy London
History
The American Bar first opened in 1893 and is the oldest surviving cocktail bar in Britain. It is an icon in cocktail history and has played host to legendary bartenders – historic figures such as Harry Craddock, author of The Savoy Cocktail Book, and Ada ‘Coley’ Coleman. It has garnered a multitude of awards during its history, winning World’s Best Bar at the Spirited Awards in 2018 and World’s Best Bar in the World’s 50 Best in 2017.
As transatlantic travel became more popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many American Bars opened throughout London. The term ‘American Bar’ refers to a bar serving mixed or ‘American’ style drinks, more commonly known as cocktails The American Bar at The Savoy is the longest surviving of these bars and one of the most iconic cocktail bars in the world.
The Bar Today
The Savoy’s world-famous American Bar has reopened with a new Head Bartender, Shannon Tebay; the hotel’s first female head bartender since Ada Coleman was at the helm over a hundred years ago and the first American leading the American Bar team. Shannon’s experience in hospitality spans a decade; for seven years she was part of the team at Manhattan’s celebrated Death & Company where she rose to the position of Head Bartender.
Since joining The Savoy in August, Shannon and her talented team have been busy preparing a brand-new menu, which will be launched officially in November 2021 - they must have known we were coming for our Thanksgiving tour!
In the meantime, guests at the American Bar will be able to experience a taste of things to come in the form of a limited edition offering that will only be available from Monday to Thursday from 4pm. This interim cocktail experience will be a beautifully honed collection of 15 elegant drinks, designed by Shannon as a precursor to the forthcoming new menu and a teaser of the exciting things planned for the bar.
Cocktails
Looking at the menu which is described as a “taste of things to come” we’ve picked out our 5 favourites you have to try when visiting here.
Number 1 on our list is called the “Looking Glass” which is made up of Quinta do Infantado White Port, Suze, Aelred Melon Apertif, Champagne and Tonic.
Number 2 has to be the “First Lady” which is a combination of Portobello Road Gin, G. Miclo Pear Eau de Vie, Martini Riserva Speciale Rubino Vermouth di Torino, Fernet Branca, Eucalyptus and Absinthe.
Number 3 is “Back Alley Troubadour” which is Woodford reserve Bourbon, Reisetbauer Carrot Eau de Vie, Kalani Cocunt Liquer, Lemon and Moroccan Bitters.
Number 4 on the list is “Pink Carnation” made up of Seven Tails Brandy, Kirschwasser, St-Germain, Ramazzotti Amaro, Lemon, Pink Peppercorn and Egg White.
And finally, our fifth recommendation would be the “Bamboo Isle” Barcardi Ocho Aged Rum, Aalborg Dili Aquavit, Passionfruit, Gardenia Mix and Lime.
A list of non-alcoholic cocktails are also available - for those who want the experience but not the headache in the morning!
Cocktails at the American Bar
Sources Used:
https://www.thesavoylondon.com/restaurant/american-bar/
https://www.fairmont.com/savoy-london/dining/americanbar/
https://www.menumodo.com/app.php/viewer/outlet/4733/11415?lang=en&tags=h