The Stafford, 16-18 Saint James's Place, London, SW1A 1NJ
Harden's survey result
Summary
The “great vibe” created by its tranquil St James’s location and retro Americana helps create a feeling of luxurious nostalgia at this long-standing fixture. With the hotel catering now overseen by Northcote’s Lisa Goodwin-Allen, the menu has been usefully re-imagined in recent times and has a heartier, more distinctive US spin (steaks, dogs, pastrami rolls) than it did of old.
Summary
“A quick lunchtime drink can turn into several hours of cocktails and delightful bites” at this St James’s institution: “a bar full of Americana and with staff who put on a great show of mixology”. The Med-inspired brasserie menu is arguably “limited” but suits the venue, which is a “very buzzy” and “efficiently run” space.
Summary
This St James’s institution is a survivor of the American bars which sprang up in grand hotels throughout Europe from the 1920s, and serves a Med-inspired brasserie menu. It has retained a vast collection of flags and mementos over the years, and the adjacent cobbled courtyard (where there’s a summer BBQ) “is a gem – perfect for relaxed business gatherings or a friendly meal”.
Summary
“The beautiful cocktails are the best” at this plush and cosy hideaway, at the end of a St James’s mews. Foodwise, there’s a Mediterranean-inspired brasserie menu, or hold out for the summer BBQs in the courtyard.
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Have you eaten at The American Bar?
Owner's description
The American Bar at The Stafford is legendary and belongs to the great tradition of the American cocktail bars that became renowned in London and Paris during the 1920s and 30s. It remains one of the longest surviving American bars in London and is much-loved by its discerning clientele. Serving classics and signature cocktails, The American Bar is overseen by Bar Manager, Benoit Provost whose creations, new and vintage, are a reference for cocktail lovers the world over. A menu of 12 specially-curated cocktails includes a journey around the secluded streets and hidden secrets of St James’s.
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £28.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.50 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
The Stafford, 16-18 Saint James's Place, London, SW1A 1NJ
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑12 am |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑12 am |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑12 am |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑1 am |
| Friday | 12 pm‑1 am |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑1 am |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑12 am |
