Legendary hotel bar that invented several classic cocktails since 1893. The Hanky Panky, White Lady, and Singapore Sling all trace lineage to this gilded room. Harry's Bar for London's most historic drinking experience.
The American Bar at The Savoy on the Strand in London is the most historically significant cocktail bar in Britain and one of the most important in the world. Operating since 1893, it shaped the canon of cocktail making through the careers of several legendary bartenders, most notably Harry Craddock, whose Savoy Cocktail Book of 1930 remains a foundational text of the discipline. The bar is responsible for or closely associated with the Hanky Panky, the Corpse Reviver No. 2, and the White Lady — drinks that remain on menus globally more than ninety years after their creation. The room — redesigned in its current form by Thierry Despont and restored most recently in 2010 — is intimate and elegant, with a black-and-white geometric floor, low lighting, and a grand piano from which live music accompanies the evening service. The ambience is quintessentially Savoy: polished, unhurried, and authoritative. Memorabilia and historic photographs of the bar's most celebrated guests line the walls. The crowd reflects the hotel's clientele — international travellers, businesspeople, London professionals, and those celebrating significant occasions. Ages span widely from 30s through retirement, and the atmosphere is grown-up rather than festive. Dress is expected to be smart; shorts, trainers, and sportswear are firmly out of place. The cocktail programme is anchored in classics but each head bartender brings a distinct perspective to the house menu. Current signatures sit alongside the historic originals. Prices are among London's highest — £22 to £28 per cocktail is typical — with bespoke creations reaching further. The champagne and spirits selection is exceptional in breadth and depth, as expected of a five-star hotel bar. Reservations are available and encouraged for evenings. Walk-ins are accommodated when space allows, but the bar holds relatively few seats and demand is consistently high among hotel guests and external visitors alike.
Good to know
- Signature
- Classic cocktails in a historic setting
Highlights
- Operating since 1893 — one of the oldest and most historically significant cocktail bars in the world
- Birthplace of classic cocktails including the Hanky Panky, Corpse Reviver No. 2, and White Lady
- Harry Craddock's 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book, foundational to modern bartending, was written from this bar
- Live piano music during evening service in an elegant, Thierry Despont-designed interior
- Five-star hotel standard service with one of London's deepest champagne and spirits selections
Tips for visiting
- Reservations are recommended for evenings; book via The Savoy website a week or more ahead
- Seats at the bar counter are easier to secure for solo visitors or pairs who walk in without a booking
- Smart dress is enforced in practice — overly casual clothing will likely be declined politely
- Budget at least £30–40 per person for two cocktails; the menu starts around £22 per drink
- Arriving before 7pm on weekdays offers the quietest experience and best chance of unreserved seating
- The bar is on the ground floor of The Savoy; enter from the Strand or Savoy Court
Frequently asked questions
Do visitors need to be a Savoy hotel guest to visit the American Bar?
No — the American Bar is open to all visitors, not just hotel guests. Reservations are recommended but not always required for walk-ins during quieter periods.
What are the cocktail prices at the American Bar?
Cocktails are priced from approximately £22 to £28. The bar sits at the very top of London's price range, consistent with its five-star hotel setting and historic reputation.
Is there a dress code at the American Bar?
Smart dress is enforced in practice. Jeans paired with smart tops or jackets are acceptable; shorts, trainers, and sportswear are not appropriate. The bar's atmosphere strongly rewards dressing well.
Does the American Bar serve food?
A bar snacks menu is available, typically including oysters and light Savoy bites. For a full meal, Kaspar's Seafood Bar and Grill is adjacent within the hotel.
Is the American Bar different from the Beaufort Bar at The Savoy?
Yes — The Savoy has two prominent bars. The American Bar is the historic cocktail bar; the Beaufort Bar is the larger, art deco-influenced champagne bar also within the hotel.