There lots of great places to meet for drink in London, but Town and Country loves The American Bar at the Savoy Hotel!
In 2007 The Savoy closed its doors for the first time in its 118 year history and underwent a $350 restoration and refurbishment. Since reopening everyone, from The Butlers to the Concierges, from The Housekeepers to the Bartenders are on hand to make each stay a treasured memory.
Whether you are staying in the hotel or not, a visit to The American Bar is a treat!
As transatlantic travel became more popular in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, many American Bars opened throughout London. The American Bar at The Savoy is the longest surviving of these bars and one of the most iconic cocktail bars in the world.
In 1903 the first truly ‘famous’ bartender arrived at The American Bar, a lady named Ada ‘Coley’ Coleman, whose signature cocktail was the Hanky Panky, still a popular choice today. Ada’s successor was the inspirational Harry Craddock, who not only created a number of classic cocktails but who notoriously compiled these recipes into the legendary Savoy Cocktail book, still regarded today as the bartender’s bible.
Following The Savoy’s restoration, the American Bar appointed its eleventh head bartender, Erik Lorincz. A world-renowned bartender himself, Erik was officially recognised as such in 2011 when he was awarded Best International Bartender at Tales of The Cocktail. The American Bar itself also picked up World’s Best Hotel Bar at these same awards as well as Best Bar in the Virtuoso Best of the Best Awards.
http://www.fairmont.com/infographics/savoy-cocktail-book/
http://www.fairmont.com/savoy-london/dining/americanbar/