1930s America.
It gave us the Wall Street crash, the Great Depression, and cocktails.
Totally worth it.
And from this glorious era comes Bar Américain, an art deco American cocktail bar, copied and pasted into the heart of modern day Soho. Located across the foyer from Brasserie Zédel, one of London’s most opulent dining rooms, the lounge is decked out in varnished woods, gilded fixtures and period light fittings, creating an authentic venue to house the first-class cocktails they have on offer.
Jodi Hinds
As for those cocktails… the new limited edition menu pays tribute to the golden era of Hollywood cinema, and they’re all Oscar-worthy. The Heiress honours Olivia de Havilland with a punchy combination of tequila blanco and Campari, with notes of rosemary, pineapple and lime. The Sabrina, named after the Audrey Hepburn movie, is unlike anything you’ll have tried before – pickled beetroot and clarified yoghurt are mingled with rum and honey apéritif to create an inventive, earthy concoction. And The Bogart is a layered, finely balanced twist on the French 75, with a dose of sherry and the unmistakeable, lingering flavour of pandan cordial.
Although food is mostly left up to the big ol’ brasserie next door, the snack menu at Bar Américain offers reasonably priced plates of smoked salmon blinis, cheese gougères and mini lemon meringue tarts, amongst others.
1935: Alcoholics Anonymous was founded. Make of that what you will.
NOTE: No need to make a reservation at Bar Américain, walk-ins only. You can find the full menu on their website HERE.
Bar Américain at Brasserie Zédel | 20 Sherwood Street, W1F 7ED
Like drinking in the area? Brush up on Soho’s best bars