American Bar at the Savoy
Opened around 1893, the American Bar at The Savoy Hotel London is the longest standing cocktail bar in the city. Designed to cater to audiences from the myriad nearby theaters in London’s West End, the atmosphere is very much that of a piano bar—lively, colorful, and jovial.
But the name raised eyebrows in Victorian-era London. Why “American”?
American Bar at the Savoy
Opened around 1893, the American Bar at The Savoy Hotel London is the longest standing cocktail bar in the city. Designed to cater to audiences from the myriad nearby theaters in London’s West End, the atmosphere is very much that of a piano bar—lively, colorful, and jovial.
But the name raised eyebrows in Victorian-era London. Why “American”?
At the time, the idea of mixing spirits into cocktails was still considered a brash New World invention. The Savoy leaned into the trend, importing American bartending culture, and helped London fall in love with mixed drinks.
“The “American” Bar is a stylistic term. It was putting a flagpole down, saying that this bar is a bar that’s going to serve you cocktails. We are the bar that has maintained that name since the late 19th century, making us Europe’s oldest, or, as I prefer to call us, the longest-standing [American] bar in Europe.”
Declan McGurk
Former Director of Bars at The Savoy
At the time, the idea of mixing spirits into cocktails was still considered a brash New World invention. The Savoy leaned into the trend, importing American bartending culture, and helped London fall in love with mixed drinks.
“The “American” Bar is a stylistic term. It was putting a flagpole down, saying that this bar is a bar that’s going to serve you cocktails. We are the bar that has maintained that name since the late 19th century, making us Europe’s oldest, or, as I prefer to call us, the longest-standing [American] bar in Europe.”
Declan McGurk
Former Director of Bars at The Savoy
Ada Coleman and the Hanky Panky
Behind the marble bar in the early 1900s stood Ada “Coley” Coleman, the first female head bartender at The Savoy. Known as a brilliant host as much as a master of her craft, she served everyone from Mark Twain to Charlie Chaplin. Her legacy is a single sip: the Hanky Panky cocktail. Created for actor Sir Charles Hawtrey, the drink combined gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca. Hawtrey famously took a sip and exclaimed…
“By Jove, that’s the real Hanky Panky!”
A classic was born.
Ada Coleman and the Hanky Panky
Behind the marble bar in the early 1900s stood Ada “Coley” Coleman, the first female head bartender at The Savoy. Known as a brilliant host as much as a master of her craft, she served everyone from Mark Twain to Charlie Chaplin. Her legacy is a single sip: the Hanky Panky cocktail. Created for actor Sir Charles Hawtrey, the drink combined gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca. Hawtrey famously took a sip and exclaimed…
“By Jove, that’s the real Hanky Panky!”
A classic was born.
Harry Craddock and the Savoy Cocktail Book
When Ada retired in the 1920s, she trained her successor, Henry “Harry” Craddock, to carry the torch. Fleeing Prohibition-era America, he brought showmanship and precision to the American Bar. His Savoy Cocktail Book (1930) remains one of the most important cocktail collections ever printed, with recipes for enduring classics like the White Lady, Corpse Reviver #2, and the perfectly balanced Dry Martini. Harry Craddock can also be credited with bringing the white jacket to the American Bar’s bartenders, a tradition that continues to this day. Craddock even left a little magic buried in the building. He cemented one of his cocktail shakers—full of a (formerly) fresh White Lady cocktail—into the foundations of The Savoy.
Harry Craddock and the Savoy Cocktail Book
When Ada retired in the 1920s, she trained her successor, Henry “Harry” Craddock, to carry the torch. Fleeing Prohibition-era America, he brought showmanship and precision to the American Bar. His Savoy Cocktail Book (1930) remains one of the most important cocktail collections ever printed, with recipes for enduring classics like the White Lady, Corpse Reviver #2, and the perfectly balanced Dry Martini. Harry Craddock can also be credited with bringing the white jacket to the American Bar’s bartenders, a tradition that continues to this day. Craddock even left a little magic buried in the building. He cemented one of his cocktail shakers—full of a (formerly) fresh White Lady cocktail—into the foundations of The Savoy.
A stage for icons
The American Bar has never been just about drinks. It has always been about moments, and there are many historic, cultural, and political moments of note throughout the years at The Savoy’s infamous bar.
- George Gershwin introduced Rhapsody in Blue to Britain here in 1923, a performance broadcast live on BBC radio.
- Winston Churchill revealed to friends over dinner in 1940 that he was stepping in as Prime Minister.
- Frank Sinatra visited The Savoy and the American Bar regularly, often enjoying a very cold Beefeater gin martini on the rocks with a twist of lemon.
- Neil Armstrong visited after his moon landing in 1969, prompting the creation of the Moonwalk cocktail in his honor.
Even Britain’s royals have made their mark. The American Bar served the beverages at Queen Elizabeth II’s 1953 coronation ball at The Savoy, and for her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, bartenders filled an entire fountain with celebratory punch.
A stage for icons
The American Bar has never been just about drinks. It has always been about moments, and there are many historic, cultural, and political moments of note throughout the years at The Savoy’s infamous bar.
- George Gershwin introduced Rhapsody in Blue to Britain here in 1923, a performance broadcast live on BBC radio.
- Winston Churchill revealed to friends over dinner in 1940 that he was stepping in as Prime Minister.
- Frank Sinatra visited The Savoy and the American Bar regularly, often enjoying a very cold Beefeater gin martini on the rocks with a twist of lemon.
- Neil Armstrong visited after his moon landing in 1969, prompting the creation of the Moonwalk cocktail in his honor.
Even Britain’s royals have made their mark. The American Bar served the beverages at Queen Elizabeth II’s 1953 coronation ball at The Savoy, and for her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, bartenders filled an entire fountain with celebratory punch.
“That was hard work actually. We filled up the fountain with 360 liters of Diamond Jubilee punch, as we call it. Fresh fruit, everything freshly squeezed all night long. So, we didn’t sleep all night long because we had to fill up the fountain.”
Erik Lorincz – Former Head Bartender
Reinventing tradition
From Coleman to Lorincz, each head bartender has added a new chapter to the story. Peter Dorelli—a Roman-born bartender and head of the American Bar from 1984 to 2003—became one of the most iconic figures in modern mixology. Dorelli crafted many notable cocktails, including the 1889er to celebrate the Savoy Hotel’s centenary, and the Millennium commemorating the end of the 20th century.
In 2017, under Lorincz’s care, the American Bar London was crowned The World’s Best Bar, cementing its status as both guardian of history and leader of innovation.
Today, under head bartender Angelo Sparvoli, the team continues to blend reverence for the classics with daring new creations.
Reinventing tradition
From Coleman to Lorincz, each head bartender has added a new chapter to the story. Peter Dorelli—a Roman-born bartender and head of the American Bar from 1984 to 2003—became one of the most iconic figures in modern mixology. Dorelli crafted many notable cocktails, including the 1889er to celebrate the Savoy Hotel’s centenary, and the Millennium commemorating the end of the 20th century.
In 2017, under Lorincz’s care, the American Bar London was crowned The World’s Best Bar, cementing its status as both guardian of history and leader of innovation.
Today, under head bartender Angelo Sparvoli, the team continues to blend reverence for the classics with daring new creations.
Why the American Bar still matters
For over 135 years, the American Bar has been more than a hotel bar—it’s been a school of artistry, a stage for history, and a beacon for bartenders worldwide. Every cocktail tells a story, and every bartender who steps behind the marble counter knows they’re part of a living legacy.
“Every single day, we come to work in the bar with the greatest legacy of them all. This must provide inspiration to make our mark on this great institution, ensuring history continues to be written and guests talk about the ever-famous American Bar.”
Declan McGurk – Former Director of Bars at The Savoy
Why the American Bar still matters
For over 135 years, the American Bar has been more than a hotel bar—it’s been a school of artistry, a stage for history, and a beacon for bartenders worldwide. Every cocktail tells a story, and every bartender who steps behind the marble counter knows they’re part of a living legacy.
“Every single day, we come to work in the bar with the greatest legacy of them all. This must provide inspiration to make our mark on this great institution, ensuring history continues to be written and guests talk about the ever-famous American Bar.”
Declan McGurk – Former Director of Bars at The Savoy
Photo Credits: Savoy Media Hub, Jack Hardy, Wikimedia Commons
Nicole Bump
Nicole is a seasoned content strategist and writer with 15+ years of experience turning complex ideas into compelling stories. As founder of Bump Inbound, she helps brands connect with audiences through thoughtful strategy, sharp planning, and standout writing.