db drinks: The American Bar at The Savoy

An institution on London’s cocktail circuit, db steps back in time at The Savoy’s iconic American Bar – a glamorous art deco bar brimming with old school charm.

The American Bar’s Pickering Place sharing cocktail

The concept: The iconic American Bar, housed within The Savoy, has been serving up Martinis for more than a century. The inspiration behind Harry Craddock’s 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book, which remains a well-respected tome within the drinks world, The American Bar is an institution.

As transatlantic travel became more popular in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, many American Bars opened throughout London, serving up mixed or “American” style drinks, more commonly known as cocktails. The bar’s first notable bartender was Ada ‘Coley’ Coleman, who took the helm in 1903, and was succeeded by Harry Craddock.

The décor: With its classic 1920s art-deco interior, suited pianist tinkling on the ivories and immaculately presented team of bartenders dressed in pristine white suits, walking into the American Bar really is like stepping back in time. Plush sofas and candlelit tables make for a sophisticated spot to indulge in a classic serve.

The cocktails: This year the American Bar launched a new cocktail menu inspired by six London boroughs including Camden and Hackney. Tapping into the trend for storytelling in London restaurants and bars, the new list takes guests on a tour of London through the ages, taking in everything from Charlie Chaplin to The Beatles, while paying homage to iconic London landmarks, parks and boroughs close to the hotel on the Strand.

Signature sip: Pickering Place is a two-drink sharing cocktail named after the last known London site for a duel, and comes served on a wooden box that opens to show a short silent film, starring head bartender Erik Lorincz. Another highlight is Lorincz’s twist on the White Lady cocktail, the vivid pea-green Green Park, made with Jensen’s Old Tom Gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, celery bitters, egg white and basil.

The food: It’s all about the cocktails at the American Bar, although guests are happily kept topped up with a steady supply of olives, rice crackers and cashews.

Who to know: Eric Lorincz is the bar’s 11th head bartender in its history, and is responsible for manning the ship. Lorincz was named the Best International Bartender in 2011 at Tales of The Cocktail in New Orleans.

Don’t leave without: Propping up at its mirror-backed bar and watching its bartenders in action. Each cocktail really is a work of art.

The American Bar, The Savoy, Strand, London, WC2R 0EU

Click through for a peek at The American Bar’s current cocktail offer…

Abbey Road – £16

From its Camden section, Abbey Road is a blend of Star of Bombay Gin, Martini Rubino, lemon juice, yuzu juice, Champagne syrup and citrus dust. It is was inspired by iconic recording studio where The Beatles, The Hollies and Pink Floyd recorded albums during the ’60s.

Green Park – £16

Made with Jensen’s Old Tom Gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, celery bitters, egg white and basil, the pea green Green Park is Lorincz’ twist on a classic White Lady. Its inspiration is London’s Green Park, which is owned by the Queen and has been open to the public since 1826. However many will not be aware that it originally served as a burial ground for lepers from the nearby hospital in St James’s.

Bronze Guardian – £16

A blend of Grey Goose Vodka, apple, pine, camomile, lemon verbena, lemon juice and sugar syrup, the Bronze Guardian is named after the gilded statue of Count Peter of Savoy that towers above the entrance to the hotel. In 1246 King Henry III granted an estate to his wife’s uncle, Count Peter, who built a palace on the site. During the peasant’s revolt of 1381, the Savoy Palace was destroyed. In 1889 part of the land became the site of the present day Savoy hotel.

Pickering Place – £50

A sharing cocktail comprised of two serves, Pickering Place is also London’s smallest public square, located down a narrow passageway off St James’ Street. The square was a popular venue for illicit activities, including duelling and is thought to be the site of where the last London duel took place.

Cocktail one, The Elegant, is made with Bombay Sapphire Gin, Cocchi Rosa, Campari, lemon juice, egg white, saffron syrup and Champagne, while cocktail two, The Bold, features Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, Fernet Branca Menta, Byrrh, sugar syrup and coffee.