On 3 May, the team at The Stafford London will relaunch the hotel’s much-loved American Bar. Following a beautiful refurbishment, Culinary Director Ben Tish will introduce an exciting menu that showcases the Mediterranean flavours for which he is known. There will also be an innovative new cocktail list inspired by the local St James’s area.
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, quality service and old-school glamour have made it a favourite meeting place for both hotel guests and visitors for over a century. With the new interiors, created by Rosendale Design, a marble bar will take pride of place and will be complemented by mahogany panelling, emerald green upholstery, vintage glassware and brass fittings. Furthermore, retaining the wonderful history of the room, the space will remain adorned with signed photographs from the hotel’s famous patrons and an intriguing collection of artefacts donated by guests over the years.
Bar Manager Benoit Provost, who has been at The Stafford for 25 years, has overseen the new Journey Through St James’s cocktail list that tells the secret stories of the hotel and the secluded streets that surround it. Inspired by the nobleman, courtier and philanthropist Francis Godolphin, who died in the house that stood on the site of The Stafford’s Carriage House, The Godolphin is an intriguing mix of Woodford Reserve, red wine infused with berries and cinnamon, lemon juice and egg white. Meanwhile The QM combines Tanqueray No. Ten, Brillet pear liqueur, Bénédictine and Dubonnet, the favourite tipple of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother who was known to frequent the American Bar.
Created by Ben Tish, the new menu at the American Bar has been inspired by the food of Italy and Spain, with a selection of dishes that are perfect for a light bite or a decadent feast shared with friends. British charcuterie from Cannon & Cannon and freshly made sandwiches will be served alongside snacks such as Spring pea croquettes with truffle aioli and Chorizo and piquillo skewers with marjoram. From a selection of small plates and larger sharing dishes, there will be Slow-cooked octopus with chickpeas, fennel and cumin; Burrata with spiced roasted cauliflower, lemon oil and flatbread and Chicken Milanese with borlotti, anchovies, summer savory and salsa verde. Furthermore, the American Bar leads out onto the hotel’s private cobbled courtyard, and in warm weather guests will be able to enjoy the new menus al fresco alongside a selection of chargrilled specials from the BBQ.
Stuart Procter, General Manager of The Stafford London, commented: “The American Bar is an integral part of our hotel’s identity, and we are very excited to tell this next chapter in its colourful history. Even with the changes to the menus and space, our beautiful bar will still keep its identity; it’s an evolution not a revolution”.
