There is no doubting that the creators and curators at the American Bar in the Savoy have a special ‘know-how’. It lives and breathes in the period of American swing, between the wars, subtly and tastefully so. The film star names on the staircase up to the bar let you know that this is a star bar. There are just a few of these venues in London, which have similar pedigree, luxury and frankly class, The Ritz maybe, The Dorchester, Browns and The Langham – an esoteric bunch.
HandCNews’ intrepid, brave (sic) reporting team were invited to sample ‘The Ultimate Martini Experience’. As far as experiences go then it is a must do – a big fat No. 1 on the bucket list.
Everything about this is an experience – far more than just a drink and my job now is to try and bring some of not just the taste, look and feel but the atmosphere of what you could expect from such a theatrical event. Let me know if I achieve it or not!
Firstly the atmosphere is exclusive. That is not to say that providing reasonable dress and behaviour it excludes certain types of people – this is an experience that most can enjoy even if on a very occasional basis. A greeter quietly acknowledges you as you enter and shows you to a table. The bar overlooks the Embankment although it’s the quiet, cultured and relaxed American atmosphere that brings you in. Clearly from is size it can only hold so many people so it becomes exclusive by the existence of four walls. I am sure on a Saturday evening that it is a hive of social activity.
However on a Thursday or Monday afternoon for that matter, it is quiet and a delightful place to be. Nonetheless it still exudes the thespian ambiance that delicately decorates this lounge bar.
Secondly, having ordered, then service commences. A bespoke made three tier ‘stage’ delivers the custom made Baccarat cristal glasses on stage 1, including three individual shot glasses each containing a classic Martini accompaniment – lemon rind, a tomolive and a caviar filled olive.
On stage 2, sits 2 different types of vinagrette, and the smallest cutest bottles of Tabasco.
Stage 3 contains 6 perfect West Jersey Rock Oysters.
before you start drinking!
And so to the drink – this is no ordinary Martini. If I ever manage to get close then believe me you will hear about it. As a drink it is as close to sublime as you can get. A clear natural diamond colour, not crystal clear, but not dirty, it shimmers as though waiting to be consumed.
Its nose (sorry but I am a wine taster) is a curious mix of gentle herbs, and piquancy of alcohol, quietly inviting. On the palate it is quite majestic – a beguiling smooth, powerful, elegant yet pervasive texture and flavour that resonates around gently covering the tastebuds, as it works its magic. It quietly moves things through to a level that softens.
It is quite simply outstanding.
And it has to be sampled on its own prior to any oysters just because you have to ingest the experience of an exemplary drink that would make the world a poorer place without.
The garnish partners lemon rind in the glass is a crisp addition. Tomolives for those that don’t know, and until yesterday I was one of them, is a pickled green tomato. Their sweetness and sharpness are excellent to eat with a martini. And for those with a more savoury tooth the rich olive with caviar is classic and dutiful.
And so to the oysters; plain and for the guest to choose which vinaigrette or dressing to have. The vinaigrettes are a work of art in them. The paler of the two has a vodka twang with apple, elderflower, pine was my preference with the oysters.
The more classic red wine vinegar and vermouth based, preferred by my pro food photographer colleague Majella. And we both enjoyed these fine historic pie-fillers turned amorous food with the Tabasco.
We were then treated to Pickering Place, a duo of cocktails served on a wooden frame which opened up to reveal a small tablet including a silent movie starring the bar manager Declan. There is a whole other epic for another time!
In the round, so to speak, the American Bar is a unique experience that in itself is a bucket list must do. It celebrates the long modern day cultural history between America and London in a way that only story tellers can express in such a powerful way. So if you have someone to take to somewhere special in London or a special event that needs a ‘je ne sais quoi’ touch then show a little ‘savvy’ a delight with a unique experience of The American Bar.
Review by…
Alistair Morrell
Hospitality & Catering News, Wine Content Executive
Photography by…
Majella O’Connell
Hospitality & Catering News, Photographer