Ernest Hemingway once said that the chaos of modern life could only be softened with a good drink. That’s so sweet. He also said, “An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk in order to spend time with idiots.” Which makes perfect sense, because we’re idiots and our friends are normally drunk. Either way, there’s nothing like a stiff cocktail to make the world seem a bit more interesting. And if there’s one place that’s seen more than its fair share of interesting nights, it’s The American Bar at London’s Savoy Hotel. But this isn’t just any bar—it’s a place where legends once mingled and cocktails were born.
History of The American Bar
So, how did The American Bar at London’s Savoy Hotel become the legend it is today? Well, it all started in the late 1800s when The American Bar decided to shake things up (literally) by introducing American-style cocktails to a British audience. You see, cocktails are an American invention (swagger) and the Brits needed us Yanks to not only save them from the Germans (twice) but also save their Saturday nights. ‘Merica.
But it’s true, back then, mixing cocktails was a crazy idea from the New World that offered something entirely different than the usual pub fare. In fact, the name itself was a cheeky nod to its American influences, making it clear that this wasn’t your typical London watering hole. The hotel itself opened in 1889, and the bar was moved to its current location in 1904.
The bar really hit its stride in the early 20th century, thanks to bartending legends like Ada Coleman and Harry Craddock—this guy rocks. The truth is they weren’t just bartenders; they were celebrities, mixing up concoctions that would become classics. Craddock even put together “The Savoy Cocktail Book” in 1930, which is still a bible for bartenders worldwide. It was during this time that The American Bar became the place to be seen, attracting everyone from royalty to Hollywood stars and literary giants rhyming with Remingray.
Despite the ups and downs of history, including two World Wars, The American Bar kept its doors open, offering an escape and a bit of glamour to those who entered. Sure, it’s evolved over the years, but it’s always stayed true to its roots, blending tradition with innovation. Today, it’s about more than just serving drinks; it’s about keeping history alive, one cocktail at a time. And since we’re working extra hard to preserve that history, we’ll drink 3 cocktails at once.
A Star-Studded Patronage
What’s a legendary bar without a few icons walking through its doors? But when it comes to The American Bar’s guest list, it reads like a who’s who of the 20th century. Think F. Scott Fitzgerald, Winston Churchill, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Ernest Hemingway—seriously, where didn’t that guy booze?
And it wasn’t just about the celebrity sightings. The American Bar became a creative hub. Imagine the stories these walls could tell, from Audrey Hepburn laughing softly in a corner to Charlie Chaplin sharing a joke over a whiskey as he creepily made a move. The bar’s ability to attract such a crowd over the years says a lot about its charm, its service, and its price tag. It ain’t cheap.
Signature Cocktails
Speaking of cocktails, Harry Craddock is sometimes credited with creating the dry martini (a weirdly interesting variation of 1/2 French Vermouth, 1/2 Gin, and 1 Dash Orange Bitters). He’s also responsible for the creation of the Montgomery, notorious for its potent 15-to-one gin-to-vermouth ratio. Yes, you read that right: 15 to 1. Reportedly, it’s in homage to the odds Field Marshal Montgomery sought before going into battle. Old Monty wanted his gin to outnumber his vermouth by the same ratio he liked to outnumber his opponents. And, in a twist that will surprise no one, it was Hemingway’s favorite drink.
And then there’s the Moonwalk, whipped up for Neil Armstrong, featuring a cosmic blend of grapefruit juice, Grand Marnier, champagne, and rose water. We don’t know about you, but we immediately pictured Michael Jackson dancing backwards as he sipped what was sure to be his favorite cocktail. Or was that Valium? IDK
But it doesn’t stop there. The American Bar has a knack for mixing up something special, something with a bit of flair and a lot of history. Take the White Lady, for example, a smooth concoction of gin, Cointreau, and lemon juice, or the Hanky Panky, a mix of gin, sweet vermouth, and a dash of Fernet Branca, designed to settle your stomach and your nerves. You see, if you and your date drink enough of them, you’re sure to get laid and have a happy stomach.
Alas, each drink on the menu tells a story, a reminder of the bar’s century-plus stint as a pioneer in the cocktail world and it’s long-standing history of getting fancy people to hook-up.
Pro Tips
Ready to experience The American Bar like a pro? Here are some insider tips to make your visit unforgettable:
- Book Ahead: This place isn’t exactly a secret hideout, so snagging a reservation can save you from being turned away at the door. It has been ranked as high as the #1 bar in the world (2017) but has since fallen out of the rankings. Still, going here is like the ultimate pub-crawl pilgrimage.
- It’s not the largest: Just a heads up, the actual bar area is not very large. When you book ahead, request to sit at the bar and not the entry lounge. It’ll improve your experience. Some people are surprised by the bar’s size and this leads to a negative experience. But we’re primarily interested in 2 things: good booze and worldclass history.
- It is Pricey: Let’s be clear, the bar is located in The Savoy, one of the world’s premier hotels. This won’t be a cheap evening, but it will be an experience. Did we say it won’t be cheap? Oh, and want to hear something crazier? We were informed by a very well to-do lady, who resembled Jessica Rabbit at 60 but dripping with Cartier, that the fanciest bar she had ever been to was the Connaught Bar, which wasn’t that far away. We never made it to the Connaught Bar, but we definitely saw her in our dreams. Saucy.
- Dress the Part: While it’s not all tuxes and evening gowns, sprucing up a bit can enhance your experience. The American Bar has a classy vibe, and matching that energy can make your night even more special. No sneakers allowed. We went fancy, but not top-hat fancy.
- Ask the Bartender: Don’t just stick to the menu. The bartenders here are mixologists with a deep understanding of their craft. Tell them what you like, and let them surprise you with something off-menu. But feel free to stick to the menu too! We loved the Olive 20th Century, an excellent vintage cocktail.
- Visit on a Weekday: If you’re after a more laid-back experience, consider visiting on a weekday. It’s a bit quieter, giving you a better chance to chat with the bartenders and enjoy the ambiance without the weekend crowd.
- Don’t Skip the Snacks: The cocktails are the stars, but the bar’s snacks are also worth a try. They’re the perfect complement to your drink and another way to taste the expertise of The Savoy.
- Make sure you go to the right one: There’s another American Bar at another famous hotel, The Stafford of London.
Why Pay a Visit?
Whether you’re a writer seeking inspiration, a history buff on the trail of legends, or just in search of a perfectly mixed cocktail, The American Bar at London’s Savoy Hotel offers more than just a drink – it’s an experience. So, here’s to The American Bar – where every drink tells a story, and every visit is a sip of history!
