27 May The American Bar at The Savoy launches Coast to Coast cocktail menu

The world-renowned American Bar at The Savoy has launched its brand new cocktail menu called Coast To Coast. The Bikini Girls headed down to try it.

The American Bar

The recently-launched Coast to Coast menu at the Savoy’s American Bar takes guests on a journey across Britain, one cocktail at a time.

It’s the perfect spot for cocktails! The term ‘American Bar’ refers to a bar serving mixed or ‘American’ style drinks, more commonly known as cocktails.

From South to North, each drink is a vivid reflection of the country’s landscapes, folklore and illustrious history, featuring herbs and common ingredients from the area.

Black Diamond cocktail

Beginning in the Garden of England in Kent and finishing at Castle Rock in Scotland, the menu comprises five ‘stops’. So that Vicky and I could get the full experience, we sampled a cocktail from each one.

I recommend you do the same. The journey is like being taken back to childhood fairy stories at bedtime – the most magical time. Except this time you’re an adult, it involves booze, and real education about the great UK.

The menu actually looks like an old English story book, with little illustrations to accompany the demystifying cocktail glossary.

The menu actually looks like an old English story book, with little illustrations to accompany the glossary

Each of the five stops presents several cocktail options and its own area-specific, visually-striking serve. In London, for example, guests are transported to the Savoy’s very American Bar which contributed greatly to the birth of classy cocktail culture in the roaring twenties. Cocktails from this area are served on Art Deco mirror trays (perfect for a selfie op, on the advice of outstanding bartender Martin).

From start to finish, the experience goes like this:

In the Garden of England, Kent, drinks are representative of the blooming and abundant growth of this lush pocket of the South East. Kentish ingredients include cobnuts, hops and apples. Light and fresh, this section will feature long drinks served in beautiful bespoke plate glass terrariums.

St Lawrence Lime Tree and Hidden Fruit cocktails

From here the route travels through London, taking its guests back to elegant sophistication with classic, heady cocktails.

The next stop is enchanting Sherwood Forest: drawing from woodland ingredients and ancient myth, drinks in this section are served in a silver goblet with a wooden base. Heavy on smoke and spice, it definitely transports you to Old England.

One of my favourite cocktails has to be A Frosty Reception (£18, from Sherwood Forest): Mezcal, birch liqueur, fresh lime, eucalyptus and an acorn (Martin swapped out the pink peppercorn honey and egg white for vegan alternatives).

A Frosty Reception cocktail from the Coast to Coast menu. Credits to Rob Lawson

The Pennines, often described as the backbone of England, comes next. This section of the menu features flavours from a burgeoning empire such as teas and exotic ingredients. Drinks are served on a cog design holding garnishes and intricately cut glass.

In Castle Rock, on the peak of which Scotland’s Fortress, Edinburgh Castle, sits, you’ll find the most premium drink on the menu – a £50 cocktail served in a gold cup!

With a focus on whiskies, Scottish legends and wild flavours, this rocks glass serve is perched high on shards of slate.

At the American Bar, the cocktail experience is always centred around the guest, from the moment they arrive, to their very last sip. This is the service they pride themselves on and Vicky and I were treated in exactly this manner.

Looking around, every other guest seemed to be having an equally splendid time. There’s a reason this cocktail bar – the best in Europe – has won multiple awards. And this new menu blew Vicky and I completely away.

Coast to Coast provides a premium, otherworldly immersive experience like no other.

#AmericanBar

The American Bar operates a no reservations policy.

Opening hours: Monday – Saturday: 11.30am – midnight. Sundays: 12noon – 11pm

Dress Code: Smart casual, no sportswear