The American Bar at The Savoy in London officially reopens today, October 4. The bar was forced to temporarily close due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The reopening marks a new dawn at Britain’s oldest surviving cocktail bar as Shannon Tebay takes the helm as head bartender. She is the first American to hold the position at the iconic bar, and the first woman since Ada Coleman, who ran the American Bar for 23 years from 1903-1926.
Tebay, formerly of New York’s Death & Co., joined The Savoy in August. “Becoming head bartender at the American Bar is not just the professional opportunity of a lifetime, it’s also an opportunity to continue building the bar’s legacy as a beacon of innovation and quality – in both the way we create our drinks and in how we deliver our service,” said the New Mexico native. “I hope to honor the historical significance of the American Bar and modernize bartending culture within the community at large, championing under-represented perspectives and re-evaluating best practices in order to maximize sustainability.”
Tebay is set to reveal a new cocktail list in November. Until then, the bar will serve an interim menu of 15 drinks, available from Monday to Friday beginning at 4pm.
The American Bar first opened in 1893 and was one of the first places to introduce American cocktails to Europe.
To make a reservation at the iconic cocktail lounge, head over to the official website.
