American Bar at The Savoy
London's original cocktail bar, pouring since 1893.
About American Bar at The Savoy
American Bar at The Savoy opened in 1893 and describes itself as London's original cocktail bar, a room that has served everyone from Churchill to Hemingway. It sits inside the hotel on the Strand, a short walk from the market and theatres of Covent Garden, and it has been named the world's best bar more than once over its long life.
The bar has played host to a line of legendary bartenders, and that history shapes the drinks list today. The current menu is inspired by stories and encounters that have unfolded on the premises, so each cocktail marks a moment in the bar's past. "Since 1986" pays tribute to Tony Cortegaca, the doorman who has greeted guests since that year, blending white port with blanca rum in a nod to his Portuguese roots. "Painter's Palette" honours Claude Monet, who first stayed at The Savoy in 1899 and painted his London bridges from his suite, layering rye, Khoosh Bitter and amontillado. "Red Carpet" recalls the Dior fashion show held at the hotel in 1950, watched by more than a thousand guests, and brings together whisky, Amaro Lucano, honey and cold-brew coffee.
A historic cocktail bar on the Strand
The room is polished and elegant, and the hotel asks guests to dress accordingly. There is no formal dress code, but offensive attire, disruptive clothing and sports jerseys are not permitted. Alongside the signature serves there are classic cocktails given a creative turn, champagne and a considered whisky selection, and the bar admits guests aged fourteen and over.
What to expect on a visit
Doors open at midday every day, closing at midnight from Monday to Saturday and at 10pm on Sunday. It works equally well for a single celebratory drink before a show or a longer evening, and The Savoy's second bar, the Beaufort Bar, sits within the same building for those who want to move on to something more theatrical. For other rooms worth a visit in the area, see our guide to bars in Covent Garden.
Follow American Bar at The Savoy
Send an Enquiry
Get in touch with American Bar at The Savoy directly.
Reviews
We had the most lovely time at The American Bar to celebrate my birthday. The staff were attentive and friendly. The cocktail list was extensive and each cocktail had a story and the bartenders were happy to make any cocktail of your choice. The setting is beautifully Art Deco and with so much history. We were only going to stay for one drink but stayed for so much longer… The atmosphere was so relaxing especially when Michael played the piano and sang. It made it the perfect birthday and I felt very special. 5 stars to the whole team at The American Bar & thank you!
The iconic American Bar - a faultless experience. The cocktails were excellent, from riffs on classics to interesting new creations along a familiar vein. The nibbles were perfect and I do mean perfect, every bite made me want to reconsider eating anywhere else and simply eat at cocktail bars from now on - probably not the cheapest way to feed yourself though but I reckon it would be worth it. Back to the cocktails, classics or modern riffs - all executed perfectly, balanced and harmonic with a bit of something for everyone on the menu. Particular favourites were since 1986 and painters palette, one a fruity and refreshing intro to a long night of drinking the other a perfect modern cocktail that uses rye fat washed in almond milk to make one insanely easy to drink cocktail. The service was impeccable, as you'd expect at the savoy but the knowledge of every cocktail and attention to detail is second to none. If you've ever delved into the savoy cocktail book, this is a must visit.
Took my girlfriend here for a belated Valentine’s Day treat last night. Was very excited to surprise her with visit to such an iconic bar. The drinks, atmosphere and music were perfect. I’d like to also mention the staff were absolutely fantastic. Sadly we did not get everybody’s name but they were all incredibly friendly, helpful, welcoming and also understood we weren’t one of the high rollers. The musician played a lot of our favourite music all which made our night. Special thank you to our personal server (sadly we couldn’t hear his name over music but he had ear rings and trendy hair style) and bartender Leo/Lee for being very welcoming, generous and giving great conversation. I find that’s very rare in London. Can’t wait until our next visit. Thank you all again!