The Gentleman Magazine Issue 9 | June 2018 | Page 52
THE AMERICAN BAR RELAUNCHES AT
THE STAFFORD LONDON
The team at The Stafford London has 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.
52 | The Gentleman Magazine “Powered by
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”.
, Security in Motion”