Thanksgiving 2023: American Bars in London To Visit Now
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1 year ago
Where to go for Stateside-inspired cocktails in the capital
Whether you’re an expat looking for a taste of home this side of the pond, want to mark Thanksgiving, or simply fancy a fun night out in London, the capital is home to some great American bars. Here we bring you the best, from sleek Jazz Age-inspired bars to blues music venues and a homage to New Orleans.
4 American Bars in London To Visit Now
The American Bar at The Savoy
Once bagging the title of ‘Best Bar in the World’, the Savoy’s American Bar has long been a go-to for London’s most refined drinkers. The 1930s-inspired bar combines flawless service with an energetic atmosphere and whispers of a bygone era. Take a perch at the bar to watch some of the world’s top bartenders expertly craft cocktails from the superlative menu unless, of course, you prefer something rather more bespoke, in which case they are always delighted to create something that perfectly matches your tastes. Tipples from its new menu include creative, fun concoctions like the Jack Rabbit, a blend of Pisco, maple syrup and apple and shiso soda; and the Oh My Punch!, a fruity mix of Bacardi Ocho Rum, spiced pear falernum, Aperol and lime.
The Savoy, Strand, London WC2R 0EU. fairmont.com
The American Bar at The Stafford
You’ll find another of London’s oldest American bars at Mayfair hotel The Stafford. Here bar director Benoit Provost oversees the seamless creation of both vintage and contemporary cocktails. The recently launched menu, The Alchemy of Equilibrium, is based on the elements, with 17 concoctions to choose from including ‘Pluvia’, a mix of Highclere Castle Gin, Grand Marnier, gooseberry and rhubarb sparkling wine. Guests can also sample G&Ts made with The American Bar’s own gin, created by Hawkridge Distillers, and there’s a selection of cigars on offer which can be enjoyed in the bar’s private cobbled courtyard.
16-18 St James’s Pl, St. James’s, London SW1A 1NJ; thestaffordlondon.com
The Blues Kitchen
Stateside comfort food, blues music and fun cocktails await at The Blues Kitchen, the place to go if you’re after dinner that merges into partying. With branches across Brixton, Shoreditch and Camden, the late-night bar and restaurant serves up Texan BBQ dishes like buffalo chicken wings, chargrilled shrimps and pork ribs, alongside American-themed drinks such as the Kentucky Mule: Wild Turkey 101 with gingerbread syrup, lime and ginger beer. There’s live music every night spanning blues, soul and funk, and the atmosphere is always lively.
Various locations; theblueskitchen.com
Le Magritte Bar & Terrace
The Beaumont underwent a revamp recently, which involved a redesign of its popular bar, Le Magritte. Nestled in a corner close to the hotel’s entrance, the bar oozes old-world glamour, drawing inspiration from the traditional American bars of 1920s London and Paris. With its deep velvet armchairs, walnut wood panelling and checkerboard flooring, the bar has the feel of a speakeasy, with an impressive collection of paintings and photographic prints. It specialises in bourbons, with Cuban cigars on offer alongside suitably lavish bar snacks of oysters and caviar. The redesign also saw the launch of a lovely little terrace, which overlooks Brown Hart Gardens.
8 Balderton St, Brown Hart Gardens, London W1K 6TF; thebeaumont.com
