<strong>World's finest:</strong> In October 2017, the 127-year-old American Bar at the Savoy in London came out on top in the World's 50 Best Bars list for the first time.
World's finest: In October 2017, the 127-year-old American Bar at the Savoy in London came out on top in the World's 50 Best Bars list for the first time.
Savoy
<strong>Prestigious reputation:</strong> "I think ours is a very unique bar," says senior bartender Dominic Whisson. "We have a responsibility to the heritage of the place -- the history is something you don't get anywhere else."
Prestigious reputation: "I think ours is a very unique bar," says senior bartender Dominic Whisson. "We have a responsibility to the heritage of the place -- the history is something you don't get anywhere else."
Savoy
<strong>Legendary status: "</strong>The Savoy Cocktail Book, first published in 1930," was written by famed American bar mixologist Harry Craddock and is considered a bartender's bible.
Legendary status: "The Savoy Cocktail Book, first published in 1930," was written by famed American bar mixologist Harry Craddock and is considered a bartender's bible.
Savoy
<strong>Forward thinking</strong>: "Our history is like no other but the key to honoring this is to not just recycle stories, but write some ourselves," says bar manager Declan McGurk.
Forward thinking: "Our history is like no other but the key to honoring this is to not just recycle stories, but write some ourselves," says bar manager Declan McGurk.
Canon Photos
<strong>Cocktail journey:</strong> The American Bar's "Coast to Coast" menu explores Britain through drinks -- the Kentish Cob pays homage to a hazelnut cultivated in the English county of Kent, Sapphire Jubilee Fizz is based on the fountain at the Savoy and Black Diamond takes its inspiration from the Pennines, a series of hills that run through central Britain.
Cocktail journey: The American Bar's "Coast to Coast" menu explores Britain through drinks -- the Kentish Cob pays homage to a hazelnut cultivated in the English county of Kent, Sapphire Jubilee Fizz is based on the fountain at the Savoy and Black Diamond takes its inspiration from the Pennines, a series of hills that run through central Britain.
Courtesy Rob Lawson
<strong>New era: </strong>Head bartender Erik Lorincz joined in 2010 and has played a big role in the reinvention process. "We're writing the next chapter of the American Bar's history," he says.
New era: Head bartender Erik Lorincz joined in 2010 and has played a big role in the reinvention process. "We're writing the next chapter of the American Bar's history," he says.
Savoy
<strong>Game changer: </strong>Its success goes against received wisdom that classic bars should stay classical in order to guarantee a loyal clientele.
Game changer: Its success goes against received wisdom that classic bars should stay classical in order to guarantee a loyal clientele.
Lewis Wilkinson
<strong>Modern makeover: </strong>Lorincz says the next chapter in the classic bar's history is still being written.
Modern makeover: Lorincz says the next chapter in the classic bar's history is still being written.
Niall Clutton