The American Bar at the Savoy

In the 19th century, American bars opened throughout Europe to serve American style drinks (those things we now know as “cocktails”). This iconic institution, dating back to 1889, is the oldest surviving in London, once tended by the legendary Ada “Coley” Coleman, whose signature Hanky Panky is still available today. After Coley came Harry Craddock, who went on to compile the bar’s recipes into the quintessential Savoy Cocktail Book in the 1930s. At the helm these days is the award-winning Erik Lorincz, who hasn’t let standards slip. Despite a £220 million refurbishment to the hotel, the American Bar has maintained tradition in both service and aesthetic—a tuxedoed pianist even takes to the keys every evening. It’s just a shame Sinatra’s no longer around for the bash.