The Savoy

The Savoy is a hotel in London that is most known for its hotel bar, The American Bar. The American Bar at The Savoy was THE place to be seen drinking mixed drinks, now referred to as cocktails, if you were an American in England during prohibition.

The American Bar gained its status as the premiere destination for alcohol-deprived Americans under the tutelage of the American bartender Harry Craddock who fled from prohibition to England in 1925. Craddock is generally credited with introducing the Dry Martini to England.

The Savoy and The American Bar are still open and are located on the Strand in London, next to the Savoy Theatre of Gilbert and Sullivan fame.

In the early days the Savoy Grill employed world-renowned chef Auguste Escoffier and it is he who is responsible for setting the high standards to which the restaurant has always adhered. He is acknowledged as the "father" of haute cuisine and invented many famous dishes for the hotel guests whilst working at The Savoy, including the famous Peach Melba dessert.

The restaurant is known as a place where influential people from the world of business, politics and the arts gather - it almost has the air of a private club. According to the hotel website, Winston Churchill was a regular diner at The Savoy Grill and his table, (no. 4), was left unoccupied for a year after his death as a mark of respect.

The Savoy Grill is still recognised as one of the best restaurants in the country.