The American Bar, the Savoy, Strand, London, WC2R
Since the legendary Harry Craddock’s day back in the ‘30s, the Savoy’s iconic American Bar has set the standard for cocktails in London. Craddock’s ‘Savoy Cocktail Book’ is still the definitive guide to mixing a delectable drink and the prestigious role of head bartender is currently occupied by Erik Lorincz. The bar has been refreshed as part of the big Savoy refurbishment, but the art deco fittings are still present and correct, making it a stylish spot to work your way through the American-inspired cocktail menu.
Skylon, Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 Tel. 020 7654 7800
Named after the futuristic steel structure that defined the Festival of Britain on the South Bank in 1951, Skylon occupies the front of the Royal Festival Hall. Commanding spectacular views of the river and London’s skyline through panoramic windows that sweep along the length of the imposing double height space, Skylon is ideal for post-work drinks, lunch or dinner. The cocktail menu runs the gamut from traditional British tipples to more avant-garde concoctions involving Japanese liqueurs and absinthe. www.skylon-restaurant.co.uk
Dukes Bar, St James’s Place, London, SW1A, +44 (0)207 491 4840
The bar at Dukes Hotel is where you’ll find the world’s best Martini; Ian Fleming was a regular and the bar is said to have inspired him to write Bond’s famous “shaken, not stirred” line as well as invent the Classic Vesper cocktail (No. 3 gin, Potocki vodka, Angostura bitters and Lillet blanc). The bar is cosy and masculine, with bookshelves and old paintings lining the walls and comfy armchairs that invite you to sink into them. Drinks are mixed at your table – the famous Martini is actually neither shaken, nor stirred, but simply poured as the ingredients and glasses are all kept frozen. www.dukeshotel.com
Booking Office Bar, St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel, Euston Road, London, NW1
High Victorian style and the golden age of steam travel define the Booking Office bar at the St. Pancras Renaissance London hotel. As the name suggests, the bar is located in the original ticket office of the train station and boasts imposing original features (soaring columns, gothic windows) as well as a 29-metre-long bar. Order traditional Victorian punches in handmade copper bowls, or for an authentic 19th century experience, try the ‘Soyer au Champagne’ (cider brandy, orange liqueur, cherry liqueur, vanilla ice‐cream and champagne) which dates back to the hotel’s heyday, although its second age of splendour has most definitely arrived. www.bookingofficerestaurant.com
Purl, 50-54 Blandford Street, Marylebone, London, W1U, 020 7935 0835
Molecular mixology is the order of the day at London’s most exciting cocktail bar, Purl. This underground Marylebone establishment is part speakeasy (menus come in old paperbacks and are scrawled on the bathroom mirrors in lipstick), part mad scientist’s laboratory. Pipettes and liquid nitrogen play as much a part in creating the delicious drinks as historical and obscure ingredients. www.purl-london.com