The
Savoy. Britain's very first luxury hotel.
Since opening its doors back in 1889, a plethora of distinguished guests have stayed here, including King Edward VII, Oscar Wilde, Marlene Dietrich, Charles Chaplin, John Wayne, even John, Paul, George and Ringo – oh,
and Stephen Fry, who was the first guest at its reopening on 10th October 2010 following an extensive refurbishment that cost in excess of £200m.
Great entertainers have played at the Savoy too. George Gershwin premiered his "Rhapsody in Blue" here in 1925; Sinatra sang here, and more recently Amy Winehouse has performed here as well. The hotel has been a location for various movies, including Notting Hill and French Lieutenant's Woman, and has the only stretch of road (Savoy Court) in the entire country where you
drive on the right, not the left. Knowing all this, you being to realise that the Savoy is something a little bit special....as well as a little bit pricey.
It may be beyond your budget to
stay in such a prestigious establishment, but a visit is likely to be within the realms of possibility. Whether it's for a special occasion, or you just feel like lording it up for a few hours in a classy setting, you can't go wrong with the Savoy's
American Bar.
Known as "one of the world's great hotel bars", for the price of a cocktail anyone can enjoy a relaxing drink with live classic American jazz performances providing the soundtrack to your visit.
The American Bar is renowned for its cocktails, even more so now that the world's best cocktail maker, Erik Lorincz, is working there. The Slovakian won this year's Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender Award and serves up both classic and American cocktails.
You don't have to put on your top togs either; smart casual will do!
