American Bar at the Savoy

American Bar at The Savoy stands as London’s most historic and iconic cocktail destination, widely recognized as the city’s oldest American-style bar. Established in 1893 and relocated to its current elegant setting just off the hotel lobby in 1904, the bar has welcomed legendary figures including Winston Churchill, Ernest Hemingway, Marilyn Monroe, and discerning travelers from around the world.

Exuding timeless Art Deco sophistication, the interior features sleek steel and mirrors, plush seating in soft grey tones, and daily live jazz performances from a baby-grand piano, all evoking the glamour of the Gatsby era. The atmosphere is enriched by carefully curated photographs and memorabilia that pay homage to the bar’s storied past and celebrated patrons.

Renowned for its pioneering contributions to cocktail culture, American Bar was home to Ada “Coley” Coleman, who created the Hanky Panky in the early 1900s. The 1920s saw Harry Craddock authoring the seminal Savoy Cocktail Book, introducing classics such as the White Lady and Corpse Reviver #2. Later, Joe Gilmore crafted the Moon Walk cocktail to commemorate the first Moon landing, famously sending the drink to Houston for the astronauts.

In the modern era, the bar was revitalized under the stewardship of head bartender Erik Lorincz and bar manager Declan McGurk. Their innovative menus—Coast to Coast and Liquid Moments—artfully blend contemporary cocktail creativity with archival inspiration, weaving narratives of London and The Savoy’s heritage through flavor, technique, and theatrical presentation. Signature drinks like Touch of Pink, inspired by Marlene Dietrich’s rose petal bouquets, and the herbal-smoky Moon Landing cocktail exemplify this storytelling approach.

Despite its international acclaim, American Bar remains welcoming and accessible, operating predominantly on a walk-in basis with limited bookings for two guests. Seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, encouraging patrons to savor their experience at a leisurely pace. The service team, impeccably uniformed, embodies the bar’s legacy—mastering iconic rituals from hand-carved ice to precise garnishes and engaging cocktail storytelling.

Over the years, American Bar has garnered numerous prestigious accolades, including World’s Best Bar at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards (2018) and a top ranking in The World’s 50 Best Bars (2017). Its enduring significance lies in its masterful balance of tradition and innovation, sustaining a lineage of hospitality, artistry, and craft that remains unparalleled within London’s cocktail scene.

Open Monday through Saturday from noon to midnight, and until 10 PM on Sundays, American Bar offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience refined heritage, classic cocktails, and elegant conviviality in a truly historic setting.