On a hot, late summer’s day last year and after lingering at the Victoria and Albert Museum just a little too long, the walk from South Kensington to the St James’s district of London was more tiring than anticipated. Stepping into the cool, airy interior of The Stafford Hotel was a welcome relief.

The Bar

It was my first visit to The Stafford Hotel. Settling into a comfortable chair in The American Bar, I took in my surroundings. Photographs and memorabilia adorn the walls. This is not a contrived decor. These authentic items inform guests of the bar’s history. Yet more mementoes hang from the ceiling.

The hotel was established in 1912, but the building itself dates back to the 17th century when it was originally built for private residence. Over the years, the hotel has hosted many notable individuals and has witnessed significant historical events. It is worth taking time to explore the artefacts that help bring the bar’s story to life.

A classic cocktail or a seasonal creation – making that choice is not a simple matter with such an extensive menu. Rather than attempting a lengthy description of the choices, I would simply refer readers to The Stafford’s website where the full cocktail menu can be viewed.

I chose “A Day in Provence“. I could have easily imagined myself transported to southeastern France by the flavours and fragrance of the drink. In that moment, what I appreciated most was the uplifting and invigorating effect of the cocktail in hot, central London. If I were limited to a one-word description, it would be ‘delightful’.

Cocktails are expensive in this bar (expect to pay £21 to £25). What I got in return for my expenditure was a drink which had been conceived and executed with skill and an excellent palate.

The drink was served with accompanying mini bowls of savoury nibbles – a mix of roasted nuts and spiced rice crackers – and it was difficult to resist overindulging and spoiling lunch. They appeared a fairly standard selection at first glance but they tasted very good.

As I sipped my drink, I realised my lunchtime table booking was getting close and the cocktail was far too good to rush. After speaking with a bar team member, they made a quick phone call to the restaurant on my behalf, and I settled in for a little while longer, savouring the cocktail and the relaxing atmosphere.

This is how I enjoy a cocktail best – as a pre-cursor to a leisurely meal. I don’t tend to linger in bars, such as this one, for too long. However, The American Bar provides a cosy, inviting space and an interesting history to absorb so I’d be very happy to return and spend more time here. The bar serves food – see The Stafford’s website for details – and though part of me would like to try that, I have a feeling I’d be heading back to The Game Bird restaurant to eat having had such a good experience there.

Accessibility

Both the American Bar and The Game Bird restaurant are situated on the ground floor of The Stafford Hotel, as are the Ladies and Gents toilets.

There are three steps from street level into the hotel’s main entrance on St James’s Place. Wheelchair users can access the hotel via the rear entrance in Blue Ball Yard which is step-free. (Contact the hotel directly for further information if needed.)

Details

Address:  The Stafford London, 16-18 St James’s Place, London, SW1A 1NJ

Bar Director: Benoit Provost

Director of Mixology: Salvatore Megna

Opening Hours: Monday – Wednesday: 12pm – midnight
Thursday – Saturday: 12pm – 1am
Sunday: 12pm – midnight

Website:  https://thestaffordlondon.com/american-bar/

Dress Code: Smart casual.

A.P. : 18 July 2024

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An abbreviated version of this review appears on tripadvisor.co.uk under the profile Aileron (@aileron777 ).

Photo Credits:  All photographs © AP with the exception of the street view of The Stafford Hotel:

Photo 132401754 | London © Chris Mouyiaris | Dreamstime.com