The American Dream: The American Bar at The Stafford London launches new cocktail list inspired by key moments of American history
The American Bar at The Stafford London has just launched a new cocktail list. The American Dream is a collection of sixteen innovative sips that offers guests a journey through America’s fascinating history, touching on monumental events in politics, exploration, music, sport and literature. To accompany the drinks, Culinary Director Ben Tish has developed a new all-day bar menu that showcases the season’s finest produce in a selection of classic dishes as well as fresh, vibrant sharing plates.
The American Bar at The Stafford London is one of the few remaining ‘American’ cocktail bars that became a familiar site in London and Paris during the 1920s and 30s. Its lively atmosphere, intimate corners, secluded courtyard, quality service and old-school glamour have made it a favourite meeting place for both hotel guests and visitors for over a century. In 2018, Rosendale Design led an extensive refurbishment of the bar, yet the space remains adorned with signed photographs from the hotel’s famous patrons and an intriguing collection of artefacts donated by guests over the years. With the launch of the new cocktail list, it is fitting that the very first gift was a wooden carving of an American Eagle from a US guest visiting London, thus beginning the bar’s firm transatlantic relationship and unrivaled collection of memorabilia.
Director of the American Bar, Benoit Provost, who has been at The Stafford for over 25 years, has overseen the creation of The American Bar’s latest list. The new signature cocktails are a celebration of The American Dream and the individuals who pursued and achieved their own; from America’s greatest inventor, Thomas Edison and the California Gold Rush of 1849, to Hollywood’s Golden Age and the moon landing of 1969. Inspired by the Wild West and the pioneers who braved the dangerous journey westwards comes The Frontier, a potent combination of Corte Vetusto Mezcal Espadin, jalapeño infused Hendrick’s gin, pomegranate and lime.
In an homage to the 19th Century author, Edgar Allan Poe, famous for his tales of mystery and the macabre, The Raven sees The One whisky infused with peanut butter and mixed with maple syrup and chocolate bitters. America’s chequered history with alcohol, including the national prohibition from 1920 to 1933, is represented in The Bootlegger. Moonshine infused with hazelnut is combined with Glenfiddich 21, amaretto, pistachio, vanilla, basil and lime to create a drink with all the decadence and debauchery of the roaring ‘20s.
For the summer months, Ben Tish has created a fresh new bar menu that offers a selection of dishes perfect for a quick bite or a decadent feast shared with friends. Freshly made sandwiches and bar classics are served alongside snacks such as Beech-smoked anchovy crostini with radish and shallot or Tunworth croquettes with mustard seed emulsion. From a selection of small plates and larger sharing dishes, guests can enjoy Spiced lamb arancini, peas, broad beans and mint; Smokey aubergine, green tahini, chickpeas and cumin salt; and Charcoal grilled British ribeye, courgette, sprouting broccoli, chermoula and buttermilk fried onions. Furthermore, the American Bar leads out onto the hotel’s private cobbled courtyard, and in warm weather guests can sample the new menus al fresco alongside a selection of chargrilled specials from the BBQ.
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