We’ve noticed that London’s top hotel bars are upping the ante with a flurry of new menu releases and updates - each packed with novel drinks based around increasingly adventurous concepts.
The latest establishment to join the fray is The Savoy’s Beaufort Bar. Launched this week the menu features 20 newly created drinks and is one of their most impressive and ambitious undertakings to date.
Developed over the past year by head bartender Kyle Wilkinson, the new menu is presented in the form of a Victorian tunnel book - an elaborately illustrated folio filled with depictions and stories of the new menu. Each cocktail is based on a tale or anecdote from the Savoy’s illustrious history. Legendary guests such as Marylin Monroe, Fred Astaire through to Bon Jovi and Duran Duran all feature.
In the name of research, we visited The Savoy earlier this week. Head Bartender Kyle Wilkinson and Bar Manager Anna Sebastian whisked us around the hotel. We tasted our way through the menu along the way whilst witnessing the rooms in which these famous scenes took place.
Some highlights from the drinks we tried along the way include:
- Under The Stars - Inspired by Fred Astaire, who famously danced on the roof of The Savoy in the 1920’s, this is an old fashioned-style drink made with both Bourbon and Rye, chestnut, Champagne syrup, sherry and bitters.
- The Showgirl - made in memory of Marilyn Monroe who once took tea and held a press conference at the hotel. This is a beguiling combination of Grey Goose, Martini Ambrato, Chambord, rose, rhubarb and grapefruit, finished with a tot of Dom Perignon.
- 10.10.10 - A celebration of the date on which The Savoy reopened its doors following a three-year refurbishment, also the date which the Beaufort Bar first opened its doors. A champagne cocktail with Grey Goose, Cointreau, pineapple, chocolate topped off with Louis Roederer Champagne.
- Height of Fashion - A nod to Guccio Gucci who worked at The Savoy as a lift attendant. This cocktail fuses Remy Martin cognac, Cocchi vermouth and leather.
Having taken 10 months to create, the limited edition tunnel book menu takes its inspiration from the eras most associated with the Savoy, featuring Art Nouveau and Art Deco motifs. Only 1500 of these have been made, each are editioned and can be purchased at the bar for £50.
Kyle Wilkinson and his team also offer classic and new cocktails, along with an extensive choice of Champagne by the glass. Prices for cocktails from the new menu start at £16 and go all the way up to £50. This is, after all, The Savoy.
The Beaufort Bar’s new cocktail menu is available now at Beaufort Bar at The Savoy, Strand, London, WC2R 0EU.
