THE AMERICAN BAR
The Savoy, London, England
The term ‘American Bar’ refers to a bar serving mixed
or ‘American’ style drinks, more commonly known as
cocktails. 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,
who’s 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.